The Meraki Afrique Writing Competition is a youth-focused initiative supported by the German Cooperation and implemented by GIZ. It aims to give African students a platform to share their thoughts, experiences, and ideas on migration within Africa. The 2025 theme is “No Visa, No Problem? Youth Perspectives on Intra-Africa Mobility.”
This program encourages young writers to explore the realities, opportunities, and challenges of moving across African borders. It accepts essays, personal stories, short fiction, or opinion pieces focused on youth migration in Africa.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate students across Africa.
- Entries must be original and unpublished.
- Essays must be between 900 and 1,300 words.
- Submissions should focus on the theme of intra-African mobility and youth experiences.
This competition welcomes fresh perspectives from African youth who want to shape narratives on migration and mobility.
Benefits of the Program
The Meraki Afrique Writing Competition offers attractive cash prizes and opportunities for publication and recognition.
Prizes include:
- 1st Prize: $300 + Interview and Publication
- 2nd Prize: $200 + Feature
- 3rd Prize: $150 + Feature
- Honourable Mentions (2): $50 each
Winners will gain exposure through publication and media features, helping them build visibility as young African writers.
Documents Needed
Applicants for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition must prepare the following:
- A well-written essay, personal story, or short fiction (900–1,300 words).
- The document saved as a PDF or Word file.
- A short author bio (optional but recommended).
- A valid email address for correspondence.
Selection Process
Entries for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition will go through a transparent review process:
- Initial Screening: Submissions are checked for eligibility and relevance to the theme.
- Quality Review: Judges evaluate creativity, originality, structure, and clarity of expression.
- Final Selection: Top entries are shortlisted and winners are chosen based on writing quality and insight.
- Announcement: Winners are contacted via email and publicly announced after the deadline.
Tips for Successful Application
To improve your chances in the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition, follow these simple tips:
- Stick to the word limit (900–1,300 words).
- Focus on youth migration and practical experiences or ideas.
- Use clear, simple, and engaging language.
- Edit carefully for grammar and structure before submission.
- Give your essay a strong opening and conclusion.
- Make your piece personal, insightful, and solution-driven.
- Submit before the deadline to avoid disqualification.
How to Apply – Step by Step
Follow these steps to apply for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition:
- Write your essay (900–1,300 words) on the theme “No Visa, No Problem? Youth Perspectives on Intra-Africa Mobility.”
- Save your work as a PDF or Word document.
- Include your name, school, and country on the document.
- Open your email and address it to hello@merakiafrique.org.
- Use the subject line: “Meraki Writing Competition Entry.”
- Attach your essay and click Send.
- Wait for confirmation or updates from the organizers.
Submission Deadline
All entries for the Meraki Afrique Writing Competition must be submitted on or before 7 November 2025. Late submissions will not be accepted.
