The Afritondo Short Story Prize 2025 is looking for Black and African writers worldwide to submit their short stories by December 23rd. The theme of this year’s prize is “masks” including masks that are “spiritual, psychological, social, and cultural coverings that people wear.”

The judges want to see creative interpretations of the theme of masks. Although physical masks are only worn in certain African cultures, people still wear them around the world. Some people wear masks because of culture, but they can also be used to make sense of and organize social life.

Taking risks through language and imagination is important in creating an impressive story for the judges. The guidelines say that “a good story for our prize will offer unique insight into the theme and explore characters in refreshing and imaginative ways.”

The judges of the 2025 Short Story Prize include Rwandan-born Namibian author and creator, Rémy Ngamije, storyteller and community catalyst, Ama Asantewa Diaka, and author and filmaker, Umar Turaki. Go here to read more about each of these judges.

The Afritondo Short Story Prize was created by Afritondo Media and Publishing and it “aims to connect with and tell the stories of Africans and black minority populations across the globe.” They feature stories, essays, commentaries, poems, books, and anthologies sent by a wide range of established and aspiring writers.

The winner of the prize will receive a cash prize and their work will be published in an anthology. The shortlisted writers will also receive a cash prize and will be published in an anthology and the longlisted writers will be published in an anthology.

If you’re interested in submitting a piece for the Afrintondo Short Story Prize, look at the guidelines on their website to see if you’re eligible.

If you want to hear more about the Afritondo Short Story Prize 2025 and Afritondo Media and Publishing, go here.

Good luck to all of the writers submitting their short stories!