Out Of Africa: CANEX Prize For Publishing In Africa Invites Submissions For 2026 Edition
The CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa is inviting African and Caribbean publishers to submit manuscripts for its 2026 edition. Africa continues to account for only a small share of the global publishing market, with many regions still relying heavily on imported books and foreign publishing structures. Despite a growing pool of literary talent, African […]
Black News 
The CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa is inviting African and Caribbean publishers to submit manuscripts for its 2026 edition.
Africa continues to account for only a small share of the global publishing market, with many regions still relying heavily on imported books and foreign publishing structures. Despite a growing pool of literary talent, African and Caribbean publishers continue to face challenges including limited capital, restricted distribution networks and low visibility within global rights markets.
The CANEX Prize for Publishing aims to address these issues by recognising not only individual titles, but also the publishers responsible for producing, owning and monetising African-Caribbean intellectual property.
Delivered as part of CANEX Book Factory, the prize supports long-term IP development, intra-African cultural trade and the sustainability of the Africa-Caribbean creative economy.
The prize is open to trade books published in English, French, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese, Spanish and African languages, provided they were first published in a member country of the African Union or the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) during the eligibility year. Unpublished manuscripts are not eligible.
Eligible books must have been published between 1st January and 31st December of the preceding calendar year.
By entering, publishers agree to the following:
- If selected as a Finalist, the publisher will share 10% of their prize money with the author(s) of the book.
- If selected as a Finalist, the publisher must send a representative to the CANEX Book Factory events — travel costs covered by CANEX.
- Each publisher must designate one contact person for all Prize-related communications.
- The publisher is responsible for ensuring the author is aware of the book’s entry.
- The CANEX Book Factory reserves the right to amend the timeline, venue, or format of Prize events in response to unforeseen circumstances.
The overall winner will earn a cash prize of USD $20,000, while four finalists will receive the sum of USD $2,000 each.
This year’s winners will be announced and celebrated at the CANEX Book Factory ceremony, as part of CANEX WKND 2026 which will take place in Lagos, Nigeria from 5th to 8th November 2026.
How To Apply
- Confirm your publishing house is African or Caribbean -owned and operating within Africa or a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Verify your submission was first published in Africa or the Caribbean. Review all criteria carefully before proceeding.
- Gather your submission materials: the book, publisher information, distribution evidence, and a statement of editorial process. Full requirements are detailed in the application form.
- Complete the online application via the Evalato platform. Submissions open 14th May 2026 and close 30th June 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.
All eligible submissions are reviewed by the independent jury. Applicants will be notified at each stage of the process.
To find out more and send in your submissions, click here.
