The Mabati-Cornell Kiswahili Prize for African Literature was founded in 2014 by Dr. Lizzy Attree and Dr. Mukoma Wa Ngugi to “express [the] goal of recognizing writing in African languages and encouraging translation from, between and into African languages.”

Now in its sixth edition, the prize is currently open for unpublished manuscripts or books published within two years. The cash award of $15,000 would be split among winners in the category of fiction/nonfiction and poetry, and two runners-up in any genre.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the 2020 prize was moved to 2021. Submissions sent during 2020 will be considered for the 2021 Prize.

According to one of the statements on their website, “The winning entries will be considered for publication in Kiswahili by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers (Tanzania), and East African Educational Publishers (Kenya). The winning poetry will be translated to English and published by the Africa Poetry Book Fund. An award ceremony will be held in East Africa with the 4 Prize winning writers in attendance.”

See the guidelines here

Image Source: Brittle Paper