Akuko is a new online magazine founded with the aim of “champion(ing) writing by Black writers from the African continent and its vast diaspora.” Akuko means story in Igbo and rooster in Yoruba.

The magazine is currently open for submissions for their inaugural literary contest. Submissions are in the categories of fiction, nonfiction and poetry. The winning entries in each category will receive a cash award of $250, $100, $50 and $25 for first place, second place, third place and additional prizes respectively. A total of twenty-one entries, including the winning pieces, will be published in their inaugural issue.

Submission Guidelines.

  • Multiple submissions in any category are not allowed.
  • Simultaneous submissions are not allowed.
  • The work must be original and previously unpublished.
  • Entrants must be of African origin or self-identify as African.

‍The deadline for submissions is November 15. Winners and runner-ups would be notified and announced in March 2021. The first issue of Akuko releases in July 2021.