5 African Writers Shortlisted for the 2024 Commonwealth Short Story Prize

The Commonwealth Short Story Prize is an annual award given to the best unpublished short fiction from any of the Commonwealth’s 56 Member States. Administered by the Commonwealth Foundation, the prize recognizes outstanding literary talent. Regional winners receive £2,500 GBP, and the overall winner receives £5,000 GBP. Winning stories are published online by Granta and in a special print collection by Paper + Ink.

This year’s shortlist was selected from a record-breaking 7,359 entries submitted from 53 Commonwealth countries, representing a ten percent increase compared to the previous year. The Africa shortlist includes writers from South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Mauritius, and Rwanda. Remarkably, all but one of the shortlisted authors are first-time nominees. Their stories feature well-crafted characters, including a pensioner reflecting on forbidden love and a football-obsessed young boy.

Here are the African shortlisted stories for 2024:

1. “Fadi” by Azags Agandaa (Ghana)
   • A poignant tale that explores themes of grief, disability, homelessness, and love. The story follows Baba and his autistic daughter, Fadi, as they seek a safe home.
2. “Dite” by Reena (Mauritius)
   • Reena, a Mauritian writer, delves into the love of tea and its ties to colonial history. Each tea in her collection holds an olfactory memory, capturing her relationship with education, language, sex, and other women.
3. “House No. 49” by Olajide Omojarabi (Nigeria)
   • Olajide Omojarabi, an MFA candidate in creative writing, presents a compelling narrative set in House No. 49. The story promises intrigue and depth.
4. “The Goat” by Jean Pierre Nikuze (Rwanda)
   • Jean Pierre Nikuze’s story introduces us to “The Goat.” Its mysterious title hints at secrets waiting to be revealed.
5. “A Song Sung in Secret” by Jayne Bauling (South Africa)
   • Jayne Bauling’s evocative tale explores hidden emotions and the power of secrets. What song lies at the heart of this story?

The judging panel, chaired by Ugandan-British writer Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, includes esteemed writers from various regions. Their collective assessment has resulted in a “dream list for lovers of the short story form.” Readers can expect to be amazed, thrilled, startled, and humbled by the skill, talent, and creativity showcased in these stories.

The shortlisted stories will be published online in adda, featuring new writing from across the Commonwealth. Regional winners will be announced on May 29, with the overall winner revealed on June 26.

Congratulations to all the talented shortlisted writers!