Growing Botswana’s Writers
Poetavango believes that words are the beginning of creative power. Through literary awards, writers camps, storytelling projects and creative writing workshops, the organisation encourages a culture of reading, writing and storytelling in Botswana.
The Poetavango Award for Short Fiction
A literary contest for Batswana writers and citizens of Botswana, open to entrants aged 18 and over who are not currently basic education learners. The contest promotes and develops local writers, supports Botswana literature and encourages a culture of reading, with an initial focus on short fiction. Entries are judged by reputable international adjudicators. Winning stories receive monetary prizes and certificates, and are compiled into a published short story anthology. Entry themes vary year to year, though stories must be set in existing Botswana locations. The prize-giving ceremony is traditionally held around March/April as part of the Maun International Arts Festival, with past support from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development and the US Embassy.
Writing from place
The award encourages stories to be set in existing local places. This helps writers draw from Botswana’s landscapes, communities and lived realities while also promoting the country’s locations through literature.
A one-week residency for writers
The Poetavango Writers Camp is a one-week residency for writers living in Botswana. The first camp took place in February 2021, giving budding and established writers time, space, guidance and skills to work on their craft and grow as literary practitioners. Its success has made the camp a candidate for future annual hosting.
Calls for Submission
Writers can use this page to find open calls, submission guidelines, deadlines and application forms. Poetavango welcomes work that reflects imagination, place, discipline and the power of storytelling.