Africa accounts for a tiny fraction of global publishing revenue, despite a growing global demand for its stories. This gap between talent and opportunity is exactly what a new, fully-funded residency aims to address for emerging women writers on the continent.
Majesty Publishing House Africa has opened applications for its inaugural Africa Women Writers Residency, a fully funded four-week program for emerging women writers from Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa. The program takes place in September 2026, and the application deadline is June 22, 2026.
This is a direct-to-publisher opportunity. As reported by Google News, the residency is specifically designed for writers who do not yet have literary representation, creating a pathway for voices that might otherwise struggle to be heard.
What This Residency Offers
This isn’t just a writing retreat; it’s a structured, career-building program. The residency is fully funded, which means all major costs for the twelve selected writers are covered by Majesty Publishing House Africa. This includes travel, accommodation, meals, and local transport for the in-person portion.
The program is a hybrid model, designed for flexibility and depth:
- Three weeks of virtual workshops: You’ll participate in online mentorship sessions and guest lectures from established African authors from your own home.
- One week in-person: The program culminates in a week-long residency in Nairobi, Kenya, for intensive, collaborative work and networking.
The most significant outcome? Your work will be published. All twelve participants will have their writing featured in a landmark anthology titled New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future. This provides a tangible result and a professional credit that is far more valuable than just time away to write, similar to how other scholarships are awarded to provide a clear benefit.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility is specific, so read this section carefully before you start your application. The residency is open exclusively to women writers who meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: You must be a citizen of Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, or South Africa.
- Career Stage: You must be an “emerging writer.” This can mean you have a strong body of unpublished work or some previous publications. The key is that you are not yet widely established.
- Representation: You cannot be represented by a literary agent at the time of application. This is a firm requirement.
- Language: You must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
- Availability: You must be available for the full four-week program in September 2026, including the in-person week in Nairobi.
- Genres: Your work can be fiction, fantasy, creative non-fiction, memoir, or poetry.
There is no age restriction for this residency.
What You’ll Need to Prepare
The application itself is straightforward, which is good news. It means the focus is squarely on the quality of your writing and your vision. Here’s your checklist:
- A 250-word motivation letter. This is your space to introduce yourself and explain why you are a good fit for this specific residency. Be direct and professional.
- A 1000-word writing sample. This is the most important part of your application. The sample must be on the theme “A New Dawn for Africa.” Choose a piece that is polished, powerful, and showcases your unique voice. While reviewing past questions and answers can help in some academic applications, here your original work is the only thing that matters.
This is the part most guides skip: The theme is both a prompt and a test. They want to see how you interpret it, whether your perspective is fresh, and if you can handle a focused brief. Don’t just send your favorite story; write or select something that truly engages with the theme.
How to Apply
The application process is done entirely via email. There is no online portal to navigate.
- Combine your 250-word motivation letter and 1000-word writing sample into a single document. A PDF format is usually best.
- Attach the document to an email with a clear subject line (e.g., “Africa Women Writers Residency Application – [Your Name]”).
- Send the email to: [email protected]
Double-check the email address before you hit send. A simple typo can disqualify you.
Key Dates
- Applications Open: Now
- Application Deadline: June 22, 2026
- Residency Period: September 2026
Dates for shortlisting and notifications have not been specified. As organizations like the Pan African Writers’ Association know, the continent’s literary scene is busy, so successful applicants will likely be contacted closer to the residency date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an age limit for applicants?
No, there are no age restrictions. The program is focused on supporting emerging writers, regardless of their age.
Can I apply if I have self-published a book?
Yes. The main restriction is that you must not be represented by a literary agent. Self-published authors are generally considered emerging and are eligible to apply. When considering any opportunity, it’s wise to ask, is this legit or fake? In this case, the residency is backed by a registered publisher and has been featured in multiple literary outlets.
What costs are covered during the in-person week in Nairobi?
All major costs are covered. This includes your round-trip travel to Nairobi, accommodation, meals, local transportation within the city for program activities, and planned cultural experiences. You likely won’t need to budget for anything beyond personal spending money. This kind of comprehensive support is a hallmark of high-quality programs, setting it apart from many other opportunities for writers.