Mozambique National Literature Contest deadline set for September 11

Submissions for Mozambique’s National Literature Contest are set to close on September 11. Launched by President Daniel Chapo, the initiative aims to recognize Mozambican authors and scholars while stimulating literary production and reading culture across generations.

Managed by the Ministry of Education and Culture in coordination with the Association of Mozambican Writers, the contest features four categories: Poetry, Children and Youth Literature, Narrative Fiction (short stories, novellas, and novels), and Literary Essays. A total of four million meticais in prizes will be awarded, with one million allocated to each category. In addition to monetary awards, winning works will be edited and published.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Mozambique’s independence, entries must reflect the country’s linguistic, cultural, and regional diversity. Eligible participants include Mozambican citizens born from 1975 onwards, residing either in Mozambique or within the diaspora. All submissions must be original, unpublished works written in Portuguese.