Sprinng Writing Fellowship
425+ mentees matched with 200+ mentors (2018 - 2025)
Timeline
This year, we are hosting a FREE 6-week seminar series. from June 1, 2026, to July 18, 2026.
Our next fellowship application opens and closes between Dec 15, 2026, and April 15, 2027.
May 20, 2027:
Finalists will be notified
June 1 – July 15, 2027:
Fellowship Period
The Sprinng Writing Fellowship (SWF) is a FREE and intensive 6-week online mentorship program for developing African writers with great potential and willingness to learn.
In 2027, we will continue the Writing Fellowship and expand the program to 10 countries.
Building on our current community in Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, and South Africa, we are excited to welcome writers from Zimbabwe, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Zambia, and Uganda!
This fellowship focuses on 4 genres of literature: Poetry, Fiction, Creative Nonfiction, and Book Reviews. During the 6 weeks, mentees will be in contact with their mentors, sending them their work for review and feedback. Mentors and mentees will aim to work on at least 1 piece of writing in their select genre per week.
Throughout the program, mentors and mentees communicate via email, phone, WhatsApp, and text. In addition, all mentees will receive weekly airtime and a 1-year MasterClass membership as part of the program.
Eligibility: The Sprinng Writing Fellowship is open to Nigerian, Ghanaian, Liberian, South African, Zimbabwean, Cameroonian, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenyan, Zambian, and Ugandan writers (residing within these countries) and between the ages of 18 and 25, who have not published a book before (eBook/hardcopy).
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The fellowship rekindled my passion and reminded me that I do not just want to be a writer, I am one, and I am ready to keep going.
— Paul Yissa, 2025
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I already decided I was going to be a writer, but I didn't know how to go about my pursuit. The fellowship gave me a sense of direction.
— Adeola Aregbesola, 2024
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I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor. I received critical feedback on my assignments, and my drafts became better in many ways.
— Anthony M. Kwavah, 2023
Our Fellowship Sponsor
We are very grateful for your generous support of our writers. To donate and learn more about our sponsorships, click HERE.
Fellowship Eligibility
Must be a citizen of Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Zambia, or Uganda.
Must reside in any of the countries listed above.
Must be between the ages of 18 to 26.
Have not published a book before (eBook/chapbook/hardcopy).
Selection Criteria
We are seeking writers who are goal-oriented and have the potential to grow. In selecting the mentees for the fellowship, we will consider the following:
Writers with POTENTIAL: Applicants must have basic writing skills and show the potential to develop.
Writers who are OPEN-MINDED: Applicants must demonstrate the will to receive constructive feedback.
Writers who are AMBITIOUS: Applicants must show passion and interest in developing their writing.
Upcoming Fellowship
December 15, 2026 – April 15, 2027: Application opens and closes
April 2027: Mentors will be announced
May 18, 2027: Finalists will be notified
May 21, 2027: Mentees and mentors will be paired
The Fellowship
June 1 – July 15, 2027: Fellowship Period
July 15 – 20, 2027: Programme rounds up
December, 2027: Mentees’ profiles and program reports will be released
Please watch the video below for tips on submitting a successful application and to hear more about fellows’ experiences.
What Happens After the Fellowship?
Fellows and alumni of the Sprinng Writing Fellowship have gone on to accomplish great things after completing our program! Some of our program outcomes reported by fellows include:
Accepting admission to pursue a higher degree.
Securing a new job in the writing or publishing industry.
Establishing a literary organization, platform, or community.
Publishing a book (print, e-book, or chapbook).
Publishing three or more works (individual pieces) on literary platforms within a year.
Receiving recognition with a writing, literature, or publishing-related award.
Mentoring or teaching a writing-related course or topic (including individual mentorship).
Completing a writing, literature, or publishing-related course.
Participating in three or more literary events, such as readings, panels, or conferences within a year.
Editing or writing a foreword for an anthology slated for publication.
Follow us on social media and sign up for our newsletters to stay informed about the fellowships. For all inquiries regarding the Sprinng Writing Fellowship, email: Contact@sprinng.org