CANEX WKND 2026

CANEX creative writing workshop

A fully funded, four-day residential workshop for emerging African and Caribbean prose writers.

APPLICATONS OPEN

14 JULY 2026

DEADLINE

28 JULY 2026

About the WORKSHOP

The CANEX Creative Writing Workshop is a fully funded, four-day residential programme for aspiring prose writers of African and Caribbean heritage running alongside the CANEX Book Factory at CANEX WKND 2026 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Across four immersive days, selected writers receive intensive training in creative craft, the business and legal aspects of writing, and the professional networks that sustain a literary career. Every session is led by acclaimed authors, experienced editors, and publishing professionals.

Across Africa and the Caribbean, extraordinary literary talent abounds. Too often, it goes unheard — not for lack of ability, but lack of access. This workshop exists to close that gap.

Travel, accommodation, meals, and workshop materials are fully covered for all selected participants. There is no application fee.

WHAT YOU WILL GAIN

Craft

Voice, structure, character, dialogue, point of view, and the art of revision. Hands-on sessions and manuscript workshops led by celebrated authors.

Industry

The African and international publishing landscape, rights and intellectual property, working with agents and editors, and the business realities of a writing career.

Mentorship

Direct access to acclaimed authors, editors, and publishing professionals across four intensive days — plus a closing reception celebrating your progress.

Community

A curated cohort of selected writers from across Africa and the Caribbean — real relationships forged in shared work that last long after the workshop ends.

WHO IS THIS FOR

This workshop is built for you if: ✓ You consider yourself an emerging writer ✓ You're passionate about storytelling but haven't yet had the opportunity to participate in a structured writing programme. ✓ You want to develop your craft, understand the publishing industry, and connect with a community of African and Caribbean writers. ✓ You're a citizen of an African Union member country or a CARICOM member country — including diaspora writers living anywhere in the world. ✓ You're 18 or older and can be in Lagos, Nigeria for the full five days in November 2026. A valid passport for international travellers is a requirement. ✓ You write in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili or any indigenous AU-member-country or CARICOM-member language.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOT:

– A guarantee of publication or literary representation. – A poetry, screenwriting, playwriting, or academic writing programme — prose fiction and creative non-fiction only. – Open to previous participants of any edition of the CANEX Creative Writing Workshop. – Allowing partial attendance — the full four days are required.

HOW SELECTION WORKS

Applications are reviewed by a panel of literary professionals, scored on writing quality, creative potential, and cohort diversity.

What to Submit

✓ A completed application form.

✓ A 250-word statement of purpose.

✓ A 500-word original prose sample (fiction or creative non-fiction).

✓ Valid proof of citizenship (e.g., national ID or passport data page).

No translation required for non-English submissions.

What We're Looking For

The quality and originality of your writing. The clarity of your creative purpose. Your potential as a storyteller. And the overall diversity of the cohort — geographic, linguistic, and genre representation all factor into selection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CANEX Creative Writing Workshop?

Is this the first edition of the workshop?

What genres are covered?

What language is the workshop delivered in?

Who is eligible to apply?

Do I need to be previously published to apply?

I attended a previous edition. Can I apply again?

What does my application need to include?

What should my writing sample be?

Can I submit my writing sample in French, Arabic, or another language?

How are applications reviewed and selected?

Is the workshop really free? What does CANEX cover?

Who owns the work I create during the workshop?

Must I have a passport to attend?

Will all applicants be contacted?

Can I submit more than one application?

What if I have questions that aren’t answered here?

Where and when will the workshop take place?

What will the daily schedule look like?

Can I apply if I am attending another programme?