African Literary magazines play a crucial role in the African writing and creative ecosystem. They provide a platform for both established and emerging writers to refine their craft, showcase their work, gain recognition, and build a readership. These magazines often feature diverse voices, styles, and genres, contributing to the enrichment of African literature as a whole.
However, if you’re seeking both recognition and remuneration, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, here are five African literary magazines that not only showcase your stories but also reward your literary prowess.
Isele Magazine, founded in July 2020 by Ukamaka Olisakwe, publishes notable fiction, poetry, essays, interviews, and book news/reviews from writers on the African continent and around the world.
Read their submissions guidelines here
Agbowó, was an off-shoot of the UITES WRITE collective and started in July 2017. UITES WRITE, founded by Habeeb Kolade and Dolapo Amusat in 2015, was a platform to showcase literary work by University of Ibadan students and alumni. Today, they’ve expanded and committed themselves to the seeking out and amplification of emerging African writers and artists on the continent.
They are currently open for submissions on their “Woman” issue. Read their submissions guidelines here
Founded by Mazi Nwonwu and Mazi Nwonwu, Omenana is a tri-monthly magazine that publishes speculative fiction from Africa and the African diaspora.
They focus on stories, art and essays that explore the rich cultural heritage of the continent and its people, while also embracing the fantastical and imaginative elements of science fiction, fantasy, and other genres.
They are currently open for submissions for the 27th edition from 14th August to 5th September 2023. Read their submissions guidelines here
Founded by Ladi Opaluwa and Oris Aigbokhaevbolo, EFIKO is an online literary magazine with a focus on Africa as both place and perspective. It is the definitive publication for bookish folks interested in Africa.
For their third issue, they are currently seeking poems, short stories, and essays of the highest quality from writers of African origin based anywhere in the world or anyone writing about Africa. Read their submissions guidelines here.
Founded by Kenechi Uzor, Iskanchi Magazine exists to showcase works that engage with and examine what the experimental form looks like in the African literary context. They are interested in pieces that disobey in form and content, in works that bother by being without borders.
They’re currently accepting prose submissions for their Fall 2023 issue. Read their submissions guidelines here
Conclusion:
Now that you have this list, prepare your stories and send it to them. We’re rooting for you.
About the Writer: Precious Obiabunmo is a graduate of English and Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University. She’s the Digital Content/Community Manager at Kachifo Limited. Connect with her on LinkedIn
