Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency 2025

The Ken Saro-Wiwa International Writers’ Residency is a program for creative writers in Africa to complete a literary manuscript at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village and Resort in Abuja, Nigeria. It aims to foster excellence, creativity, and cross-cultural exchange, and includes mentorship from established writers. The residency lasts four weeks, with an option for two additional weeks at the resident’s own expense.

Weekly stipend during the four weeks, transportation allowance, optional two additional weeks at personal expense, opportunities for mentorship and cultural activities.

Applicants must be practicing creative writers based in Africa and working in Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, or Literary Criticism; they must have published at least one work prior to application; specific submission requirements are described in the application guidelines.

Submit a single PDF including résumé, two letters of referral, a 500-word or 2-page sample (depending on genre), a 500-word statement of purpose, and a portfolio; email to the provided address.