Nkwazi Writing Competition

Nkwazi Literary Magazine are excited to announce that the Nkwazi Writing Competition is now open for submissions!

The competition is open to ALL Zambia-based writers, with submissions required to be original and previously unpublished fiction written in English.

Writers may write about any theme or subject of their choosing but stories must be told from an African perspective.

Stories should be between 1,000 – 2,000 words.

Please email your entries to editorial@nkwazimagazine.com by 20 March 2026 at 23:59 CAT.

Tell a story. Any Story, any genre, any topic, any style – as long as it is creative fiction told from an African perspective. They want to read original, unpublished work (previously published pieces will not be considered). All stories submitted must be written in English language. Entries will be judges anonymously and a winner selected on literary merit, originality, and readability.

Nkwazi Magazine’s mission is simple: to showcase the best of Zambia, including its people, places, and stories. They are passionate about sharing insightful perspectives on everything that makes Zambia unique, from innovative business ventures to its rich cultural heritage and the many adventures that await in their beautiful country. Through storytelling, they aim to connect, inspire, and inform, bringing Zambia to the world and the world to Zambia.

Winning submissions will receive K3000 and be published in an upcoming issue of the Nkwazi Magazine.

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Enquiries about submissions should be directed to the Nkwazi Magazine. Please always refer to their website for complete details and information. 

Please note, this call is run by the Nkwazi Magazine, not the Commonwealth Foundation.