African literature is dynamic and will continue to make an impact, especially with the advent of a new generation of voices eager to tell bold, intimate stories in remarkable ways.
For writers searching for where to send their work, several literary magazines across the continent are actively accepting short story submissions, offering vital platforms for both emerging and established authors.
These magazines not only publish creative work, but they are also shaping the narrative of what African writing looks like today. The writings are experimental, multilingual, and unapologetically authentic.
Here are five trusted African publications that welcome short fiction from African writers and, occasionally, the diaspora, along with key details to help navigate their submission processes.
Host Location: Kenya (Pan-African)
Founded: 2020
Founder: Troy Onyango
Notable for publishing: Boundary-pushing fiction, essays, poetry, photography, and visual art
Lolwe is an online literary magazine recognized for highlighting African and diaspora voices. It focuses on writers who experiment with form, emotion, and identity, offering a space where stories feel both intimate and expansive, blending personal and political narratives.
Lolwe continues to champion work that challenges expectations, whether through structure, theme, or style, making it one of the most sought-after homes for contemporary African writing.
Lolwe accepts works in fiction, nonfiction, poetry, hybrid writing, orature, drama, translation, and visual art. The work must be original and unpublished by Black (African, Caribbean, and Diaspora) writers and artists. The required length for prose is between 1,000 and 10,000 words, with 3-5 poems per document, or 5-10 images/artworks accompanied by a 200-500 word description.
Submissions must be in a single Word document, using Times New Roman font in 12-point size and double spacing, accompanied by a short bio. They must be submitted via Submittable, not via email. Payment is offered for accepted pieces, although the exact amount varies depending on the funding for that issue.
Host Location: Nigeria (Pan African)
Founded: 2014
Co-founders: Chinelo Onwualu and Mazi Nwonwu
Notable for publishing: African speculative fiction, fantasy, horror, and science fiction
Omenana is a literary magazine dedicated to speculative fiction rooted in African cosmology, myth, and futurism. It provides a platform for writers to explore the strange or otherworldly without losing cultural grounding.
Since its founding, it has become a key platform for speculative writers on the continent. Its stories often stretch the limits of genre, blending folklore with sharp social questions and reimagined futures that feel both daring and familiar.
Unpublished short story submissions up to 5000 words and flash pieces up to 1000 words are accepted. They focus on speculative fiction, including horror, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, as well as essays and reviews.
They do not allow simultaneous submissions, so writers need to wait for a decision before sending the same piece elsewhere. Submissions are sent via email, accompanied by a brief bio, a concise cover letter, and a profile photo. Payment is $20 per accepted piece.
Host Location: United States (Global African focus)
Founded: 1961
Affiliated Institutions: Hutchins Center for African and African American Research at Harvard University
Notable for publishing: Literary fiction, essays, criticism, and cultural commentary
It has remained a respected platform for African and diaspora writers seeking thoughtful, intellectually rich publication spaces. It explores global Black experiences through art and literature.
While it is known for its essays and critical writing, it regularly features fiction that explores identity, history, and the evolving nature of culture. Its fiction tends to be reflective and layered, often engaging personal stories alongside broader social or political tensions.
Short story submissions are accepted through Submittable when reading periods open. Fiction often falls near 6000 words. They lean toward reflective, idea-driven stories that engage questions of culture, history, and the lived experiences of Black and African communities.
Transition Magazine does not provide monetary payment for accepted work. Contributors receive copies of the issue as compensation, sent after publication. Rights revert to the author after publication.
Host Location: Namibia
Founded: 2019
Founder: Zanta Nkumane
Notable for publishing: Emerging African fiction, poetry, and nonfiction
Doek! Literary Magazine is Namibia’s first literary magazine and one of Southern Africa’s most respected storytelling platforms. It accepts submissions from across Africa and the diaspora, favoring regional voices that challenge stereotypes and push narrative boundaries.
Its fiction often centers on place, memory, and character, told through careful details and emotional nuance. Doek! has quickly gained recognition for its commitment to nurturing talent and creating visibility for stories that might otherwise go unheard.
They only accept fiction and poetry from Namibian citizens, whether they reside in the country or in the diaspora, as well as from foreign nationals who are permanent residents of Namibia. Writers outside these groups are not eligible to submit fiction or poetry.
There is no monetary payment for contributors to Doek! Literary Magazine. Contributors receive recognition and increased visibility through publication, but no fees or copies are provided.
However, the nonfiction is open to a wider range of contributors. Additionally, the submission windows open a few times a year, and only one piece per writer is accepted during each window.
Host Location: Global (Africa-centered)
Founded: 2020
Founder: Ukamaka Olisakwe
Notable for publishing: Fiction, essays, poetry, and interviews
Isele Magazine is known for its strong focus on voice-driven storytelling. It emphasizes writing that explores identity, history, memory, and the complexity of modern African life, with editors particularly interested in stories that linger on character and motivation.
Although it is young, it has built a reputation for thoughtful curation and a dedication to uplifting African narratives in all their complexity, from quiet domestic stories to bold imaginative pieces.
Their fiction section welcomes short story submissions of up to 5,000 words sent through email. Writers should include a cover letter, a short bio, and the manuscript in a Word document. There is no submission fee. The payment for selected work is a modest token, unnamed, offered to contributors, and rights revert to the author after publication.
Short stories published in Isele are eligible for the $150 Isele Prizes. Prize payments are made directly to winners, usually after the prize announcement date. Please keep in mind that the editors prefer stories that convey emotional honesty, vivid characterizations, and a clear narrative movement. The response time ranges between two to six months. Publication brings visibility as well as the chance for additional payment through awards.
None of these literary magazines accepting short story submissions expects perfection. They want intention, care, and a story with something at its center. Reading past issues helps, but sometimes it is best to submit the well-put-together work and stop overthinking it.
