Stanley Onjezani Kenani, Renee Akitelek Mboya, and Stephen Embleton are the jury of the inaugural Malawi Writers Union Short Story Prize 2025.
The Malawi Writers Union Short Story Prize is a new literary award that interrogates the intersections of mental health and artificial intelligence, challenging writers to imagine futures, unravel ethical dilemmas, and reflect on human resilience in a digital age. It was initiated by the new Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) secretariat led by Shadreck Chikoti.
The organisers of the award have announced the jury that will be choosing the best new short story coming out of Malawi. The jury includes;
Stanley Onjezani Kenani (chair) (Malawi) – a celebrated writer, poet, and former MAWU president who has been shortlisted for the Caine Prize for African Writing twice and was listed among the Africa 39 writers who are likely to influence African letters in the future. His dual career in literature and finance (UN/ACCA) brings a unique perspective to the judging process.
Renee Akitelek Mboya (Kenya) – A writer, curator, and filmmaker, Mboya’s work merges storytelling with research, exploring personal and collective narratives. Based in Dakar and Nairobi, she collaborates with the Wali Chafu Collective, pushing creative boundaries.
Stephen Embleton (South Africa) – A Speculative fiction author and editor, Embleton’s works (Soul Searching, Bones & Runes) and contributions to African futurism (Sauuti Collective, AfroSFv3) position at the forefront of innovative storytelling.
The deadline for writers from Malawi who want to enter for this award is May 31. More information can be found at the Malawi Writers Union Facebook Page.
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