Meraki Afrique Writing Competition for Students — Win up to $300
Are you a young African passionate about telling stories that reflect the realities and dreams of the continent’s youth? The Meraki Afrique Writing Competition 2025, supported by German Cooperation (GIZ), invites you to share your voice through compelling essays, stories, or opinion pieces. This is your chance to get published and earn exciting cash prizes while amplifying youth perspectives on Africa’s future.
Theme: “No Visa, No Problem? Youth Perspectives on Intra-Africa Mobility”
This year’s competition focuses on youth migration within Africa — the journeys, challenges, and hopes that come with moving across borders on the same continent. Whether personal or imagined, your essay should capture the spirit of mobility, belonging, and possibility in Africa.
Eligibility Requirements for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition
The contest is open to:
- High school, undergraduate, and postgraduate students across Africa.
- Nigerian and other African nationals, whether currently in school or pursuing advanced studies.
Benefits
Winners stand a chance to earn both cash prizes and publication features:
- 1st Prize: $300 + Interview & Publication
- 2nd Prize: $200 + Feature
- 3rd Prize: $150 + Feature
- 2 Honourable Mentions: $50 each
Beyond financial rewards, this competition offers a platform for your work to reach a wide, pan-African audience.
Submission Guidelines for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition
To apply, follow these simple steps:
- Write Your Essay
- Length: 900–1,300 words
- Format: Can be a personal story, short fiction, or opinion piece
- Focus: Youth migration and intra-African mobility
- Save Your File
- Format: Word document or PDF
- File name: YourFullName_MerakiEssay2025.pdf
- Compose Your Email
- Recipient: hello@merakiafrique.org
- Subject: Meraki Writing Competition Entry
- Email body should include:
- Your full name
- Your school or university
- Your country
- A short introduction (2–3 sentences about yourself)
- Attach and Send
- Attach your essay file
- Send your email before the deadline
Deadline
7 November 2025
Don’t wait till the last minute — start writing early and ensure your essay reflects your authentic perspective.
About Meraki Afrique
Meraki Afrique is a creative platform dedicated to telling authentic African stories and amplifying youth voices. Through competitions and initiatives like this, it fosters dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange among young Africans.
Sharpen Your Writing Skills Before You Submit
If you’re looking to strengthen your essay before submission, these resources from Creative Writing News will help:
- Learn how to write a five-page essay in an hour — practical strategies for quick, effective writing under deadlines.
- Explore the best writing instruments every writer should have to enhance your creative process and productivity.
