Dreaming Forward: A Creative Writing Call for Young Africans
Submission
Africa is full of young dreamers, children with bright ideas, bold imaginations, and hopeful hearts. This November/December, AfroImagine invites young writers to share original creative pieces that look toward a better tomorrow.
As one year ends and a new one begins, we want to read writing that celebrates hope, new beginnings, and positive futures. Imagine an Africa where young people help shape what comes next; a future filled with possibility, courage, and joy. A future where we learn from yesterday, take brave steps today, and dream forward into tomorrow.
What Can I Write About?
You can write about new beginnings, growth, and hopeful futures. Your piece may explore:
- Families and friendships becoming stronger
- Communities working together for a better tomorrow
- Heroes, leaders, or role models who inspire change
- Fresh starts, courage, and learning from challenges
- Dreams for Africa’s future
- African culture, traditions, and identity
- Journeys of discovery, belonging, or healing
- Feeling connected to Africa, at home or in the diaspora
Your writing can be magical, adventurous, reflective, funny, realistic, or futuristic, but it should leave readers feeling hopeful, inspired, and excited about the future.
Genres You May Submit
We welcome original writing in the following formats:
- Short stories (fiction or folklore) up to 800 words
- Futuristic or speculative writing up to 800 words
- Cultural tales or reimagined myths up to 800 words
- Creative non-fiction up to 800 words
- Personal essays or reflections up to 800 words
- Poetry up to 30 lines
What We’re Looking For
We will select pieces that show:
✅ Imagination — creative and original ideas
✅ African roots — culture, places, or traditions we know and love
✅ Hope — a positive future, not a fearful one
✅ Heart — kindness, courage, and care for others
No violence, hate, or very sad endings. We want writing that makes readers feel uplifted and encouraged.
Who Can Submit
- Children and teens aged 8–17
- Young writers in Africa or in the diaspora
- Writers from other backgrounds are welcome if they treat African culture with respect
Review our full submission guidelines here before you submit.
Consent, Originality & AI Use
- A parent/guardian must provide consent
- Your work must be your own and not previously published
- AI tools may help with planning or ideas, but the final writing must be your original voice
- No AI-generated or plagiarised writing will be accepted
- By submitting, you confirm that your child’s work is original and truly theirs.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: 10 December
- Selected Works Published: 30 December on the AfroImagine platform
We will end the year by celebrating fresh voices and new beginnings and step into January with hope and imagination.
How to Submit
- Save your writing as a PDF or Word Doc
- Visit: www.afroimagine.org/submissions
- Fill in the form and upload your writing + consent form
- You would be asked to include a clear picture of your child and a short bio.
Submit Here
Incentives for Selected Writers
🏅 Publication on AfroImagine and recognition on all our social media platforms.
📜 Digital Certificate of Achievement
🎤 Invitation to a Virtual Reading Showcase
The future begins with imagination. Write with courage. Write with joy. Write the Africa you want to see and let your words lead us forward.
— AfroImagine