Call for entries: 2019 Ebrahim Hussein Poetry Prize Tanzania

The prize was launched in 2014 to celebrate Swahili language and poetry and to honour Tanzanian writer Prof Ebrahim Hussein's contribution to Swahili literature. Hussein’s poetry has been read widely in East Africa and used as part of the syllabuses at secondary schools and universities in Tanzania and neighbouring countries.

The first 15 winners will receive certificates of recognition, while the top three will be rewarded cash prizes. The winner will take home 2 million Tanzanian shillings ($900), the first runner-up 1.3 million shillings and the second runner-up 1 million shillings.

Participants are free to choose their own theme. 

The submission deadline is 1 May.

Eligibility

• Entries are open to Tanzanian citizens.
• Submissions should be in Swahili and promote African norms and values.
• Submissions should be in written form.
• Entrants should submit works that have either never been published or performed to the public.
• The poetry submissions should have a maximum of eight and a minimum of seven paragraphs.
• Submissions should be typed up in font size 12 with double spacing.
• Entrants can only make one submission. 

Requirements

Applicants should submit the following information:  

• A profile/bio
• Physical address
• Mobile number

The application can either be submitted through the online application form or sent to the following address:

Tanzania Growth Trust (TGT)
7th floor
PPF Building
Samora Avenue
SLP 8695
Dar es Salaam
Tanzania.

For more information about the EHPP, call +255 65 200 2757.