CANEX WKND 2026

CANEX creative writing workshop

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

APPLICATONS OPEN

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About the WORKSHOP

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

Across five 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 five 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're working on your first novel, memoir, short story collection, or narrative non-fiction project. ✓ 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, hold a valid passport, and can be in Lagos, Nigeria for the full five days in November 2026. ✓ You write in any language — including French, Arabic, Swahili, Portuguese, or any other AU or CARICOM language. ✓ You may have been published in journals, magazines, or online — but you have not yet published a full-length trade book with a commercial publisher.

THIS WORKSHOP IS NOT:

– A guarantee of publication or literary representation. – Open to writers who have already published a full-length trade book with a commercial publisher. – 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 five days are required.

Self-published writers are eligible. You do not need prior publications to apply. We welcome writers at the very beginning of their journey.

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 300-word statement of purpose.

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

✓ A scan of your passport biographical 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.

YOUR FACILITATORS

The 2026 facilitator lineup will be announced in early 2026 — follow CANEX on social media for updates.

To Be Announced

Lead Fiction Facilitator

To Be Announced

Publisher / Editor

To Be Announced

Non-Fiction Masterclass

To Be Announced

Rights & Career Panel

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?

I've published work in journals and anthologies. Am I eligible?

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?