CERELI Climate Story Contest 2026
West African writers: Tell us your climate-themed short story in less than 3000 words and grab our $1000 cash prize.
Climate Stories From Around the World
Discover inspiring narratives about our changing planet
Contest Timeline
Entries open: 1 Aug 2025 | Closing date: 1 Oct 2025
West African Climate Story Contest Details
We invite writers from the West African Region to craft a story that captures our planet in the face of the many climate challenges.
Eligibility
- Who can enter? A West African writer is one who is a citizen of a West African country either by birth or any other means of naturalization. The writer may or may not be currently resident in a West African country.
- Shortlisted stories: Announcement will be communicated subsequently.
- Prize giving: The selected winner will be announced and awarded on the 2026 Earth Day event.
- Anthology: All shortlisted stories will be published in our upcoming anthology “Let the Earth Breathe”.
Contest Rules
- All submissions must be made in English language (a conservative and minimal use of other local African words sprinkled across the body of work is acceptable). Any work written mainly in other languages will be disqualified.
- Maintain font 12 Calibri as the acceptable font.
- All stories will be judged anonymously; author’s name or any other form of identification must not appear on the submission.
- People who work for or volunteer for CERELI are not eligible to participate.
- Participants agree that the work they are submitting is original and unpublished, written by them, and that they own all rights to it. Participants will indemnify and hold CERELI harmless from any loss, damage, costs, or other expense arising out of claims resulting from breach of this warranty.
- Participants are expected to submit only one body of work.
- Where more than one author submits one body of work, it will be recognized as a single entry and should they win, the prize will be given as though it was a single entry from a single author.
- Your work must not be submitted for publication in another platform in the course of this contest. Where this is the case, you must notify us immediately to withdraw your entry.
Rights & Licenses
- By submitting, participants grant CERELI the right to translate, reproduce, and publish excerpts or the full work on CERELI platforms.
- Participants grant CERELI licenses to translate, reproduce, and publish the work in all formats, including merchandise. Net income from merchandise will support CERELI social projects.
- CERELI may record, distribute, and broadcast readings of works in original or translated form. Authors will be acknowledged.
- CERELI may edit, abridge, or excerpt the work for publication or broadcast (participants will be consulted for significant edits).
- Licenses are exclusive for one year from acceptance of the prize, then non-exclusive worldwide.
- Participants may be required to have their name, photo, or voice used for contest-related advertising, free of charge. CERELI may grant sub-licenses as needed.
Category
- Short Story (up to 3,000 words; fiction)
About the Contest
Share Your Vision for a Sustainable Future
The CERELI Climate Story Contest invites writers from West Africa to share their perspectives on climate change through compelling narratives.
Storytelling for Change
We believe in the power of stories to inspire action and change perspectives. Your words can help shape how people think about our planet's future.
West African Perspectives
Climate change affects us all differently. We welcome diverse voices and experiences from across West Africa.
Creative Freedom
Only fiction is allowed. While the theme is on climate change, you are at liberty to push the boundaries of your imaginations on how the earth is impacting us.
Community Building
Selected stories will be published in our annual anthology, connecting writers and readers passionate about environmental issues.
The Prize
What You Can Win
The winning story will receive a $1000 cash prize and be featured prominently in our annual CERELI Climate Stories anthology.
Additional Opportunities
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Publication - Selected stories will be published in our digital and print collections
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Exposure - Winners will be promoted through our global network of environmental organizations
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Workshop - Opportunity to participate in an exclusive climate storytelling workshop
Submit Your Story
West African Climate Story Contest Submission
Please fill out the form below and upload your short story (PDF, max 3,000 words). Ensure your submission follows all contest rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Need More Information?
- What counts as a "climate-themed" story?
- Your story should engage meaningfully with climate change, environmental issues, or humanity's relationship with nature. This can include direct impacts, personal experiences, speculative futures, or metaphorical approaches.
- Are there any age restrictions?
- The contest is open to writers of all ages. However, participants under 18 will need parental consent to claim any prize.
- Can I submit multiple stories?
- No, you can submit only one entry at a time.
- What file format should I use?
- Submissions should be in PDF format, with standard formatting (12pt font, double-spaced). Full formatting guidelines will be provided when submissions open.
- Is there an entry fee?
- No, the CERELI Climate Story Contest is completely free to enter. We believe in making climate storytelling accessible to all.
- Who are the judges?
- Our panel includes published authors, environmental journalists, and climate activists. Judges will be announced when submissions open.