Out Of Africa: Majesty Publishing House Africa Invites African Women Writers To Inaugural Residency
Applications are now open for the inaugural residency dedicated to African women writers. Majesty Publishing House Africa has announced the launch of the Africa Women Writers Residency, a fully funded four-week programme designed to support emerging women writers from African countries and amplify new voices in African literature. The residency is designed for women writers […]
Black News 
Applications are now open for the inaugural residency dedicated to African women writers.
Majesty Publishing House Africa has announced the launch of the Africa Women Writers Residency, a fully funded four-week programme designed to support emerging women writers from African countries and amplify new voices in African literature.
The residency is designed for women writers who are not currently represented by a literary agent. Twelve selected writers will take part in an intensive mentorship programme and have their work published in a landmark anthology titled New African Voices: Stories That Shape Africa’s Future.
The programme will take place in September 2026. It begins with three weeks of virtual workshops and guest lectures led by selected African authors, followed by a one-week, in-person residency in Nairobi, Kenya.
All major costs will be covered by Majesty Publishing House Africa, including travel, accommodation, meals, local transportation, and cultural experiences.
According to Lorraine Onduru, CEO of Majesty Publishing House Africa, the residency responds to the growing global interest in African writing while addressing the lack of infrastructure available to many emerging women writers.
“There has never been a more global appetite for African voices, yet too many of our most promising women writers lack the infrastructure to develop their craft and reach readers at scale. This residency is a direct investment in closing that gap. Twelve writers. Five countries. One anthology. And a publishing commitment that does not end when the residency does,” Onduru said.
Majesty Publishing House Africa is an independent publisher dedicated to reshaping Africa’s narrative through diverse storytelling. It seeks to harness the power of words to create new realities and amplify authentic voices. As part of its mandate to nurture Africa’s storytellers, Majesty Publishing House hosts workshops and forums that equip emerging writers with the tools, mentorship, and confidence to discover their unique voices and hone their craft.
Residency Eligibility
The residency is open to:
- Women writers
- Citizens of Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, or South Africa
- Emerging writers with a strong body of work, published or unpublished
- Writers without literary representation
- Writers proficient in written and spoken English
- Writers available for the full four-week program, including the in-person Nairobi week in September 2026
Eligible genres include fiction, fantasy, creative nonfiction, memoir, and poetry. There is no age restriction.
How To Apply
Applicants should submit the following materials to residency@majestypublishingafrica.com:
- A 250-word motivation letter introducing yourself and explaining your interest in the residency.
- A writing sample on the theme “A New Dawn for Africa.”
- The writing sample may be submitted as an essay or short story of 1,000 words, one poem of up to 1,000 words, or two poems totalling approximately 1,000 words.
Applications close on 22nd June, 2026.
