The Caine Prize for African Writing has released the shortlisted writers for the 2026 edition of the prize. As it is with the custom of the prize, five stories selected from over four hundred submissions.

Bola Mosuro, the Chair of Judges, was pleased with the outcome of the prize and the selected writers. He emphasised that each story was packed with poignant narration which will leave the reader wanting more. “These five shortlisted stories stood out with their originality. Each author packed a powerful punch in their storytelling with tales that were poignant, shocking, moving and even quirky. Congratulations to them all.”

The shortlisted writers for this year edition, alongside their works, are Gladwell Pamba’s The Last Shop, Melara Mvogdobo’s Dieu Merci, Akinwande Jordan’s So Long It’s Starting To Look Like Eternity, Yasmine Zhodi’s The Absence of Stains, Simbarashe Kudizeza’s The Blue Fighter.

 £10k is awarded to the winning writer each year, with £500 to each shortlisted author. And stories in translation sharing the prize purse with the winner.

Visit the link to read their biographies and their stories.

https://www.caineprize.com/shortlist

Author Name

Paul Olayioye