Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP), along with ASAP East and Southern Africa, the University of Zambia’s Graduate School of Business, and the University of Lusaka, announces the inaugural Nelson Mandela Essay Prize Competition for 2026. This competition encourages young African scholars to tackle pressing issues and offer innovative solutions for global governance.
Application Deadline:
- 14 June 2026
Tell Me About The Essay Competition:
The Nelson Mandela Essay Prize Competition 2026, organized by Academics Stand Against Poverty (ASAP) with partners including the University of Zambia Graduate School of Business and the University of Lusaka (UNILUS), invites young African scholars to write essays that propose innovative solutions to pressing continental and global governance challenges. This inaugural competition provides a platform for African voices to influence global discussions, especially as South Africa chairs the G20 and the African Union joins as a permanent member.
Read More:
- SOAS Master’s Scholarships (International) 2026/27 Offers 150 Awards Valued at £8,000 for Each Student
- Mathias Corvinus Collegium (MCC) Scholarship at Modul University Vienna in Austria 2026/27
- Bond University Transformer Scholarship 2026 in Australia: Applications Are Open for All Countries Worldwide
- Here Are Over 60 Universities That Don’t Require Any Application Fees
- €10,000 Critical Pathways Fellowship 2026 at Utrecht University, Netherlands: Now Open (covers travel, accommodation, living expenses, and visa costs)
- New Zealand Universities Scholarships 2026-2027 for BS, MS, PhD Admissions Open
- UNIFEMGA Scholarships for Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Students 2026 (Get 250k Per Year)
- BetaGlass Apprenticeship Program (BAP) 2026 Application Call
- BetaGlass Technical Trainee Program (BTTP) 2026 Application Call for Young Nigerians
- Fidelity Bank Sales Academy Program 2026 for Young Nigerian Graduates
- School of Public Health (SPH) Master’s Scholarships 2026 – Imperial College London
Which Themes are Eligible?
Essays may focus on one or more of the following areas:
- Climate change resilience
- Economic empowerment
- Healthcare systems
- Education
- Digital transformation
- Gender equality
- Peace and security
Type:
- Essay Competition | Cash Prize & Fellowship Opportunity
Who can Submit?
Applicants must:
- Be citizens of African countries.
- Submit an essay of 4,000–8,000 words.
- Follow Journal ASAP formatting guidelines.
- Ensure essays are anonymized for blind review.
- Joint submissions (two eligible authors) are accepted.
How are Essays Selected?
- Blind review by the competition panel.
- Judged on originality, clarity, and actionable proposals.
- Winners chosen for their potential to influence global governance and poverty alleviation.
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- All African countries.
Where will Winning Essays be Presented?
- At the Yale Global Justice Program conference.
How Many Winning Essays?
- Up to three or four essays will be selected.
What is the Benefit of the Essay Competition?
- USD 5,000 prize pool shared among winners.
- One-year ASAP fellowship (optional) with mentoring, internship, and networking opportunities.
- Presentation of winning essays at Yale’s Global Justice Program conference.
- Recognition as a thought leader in African and global governance.
How Long Will the Fellowship Last?
- One year (optional)
How to Submit:
- Write an essay (4,000–8,000 words) on one or more eligible themes.
- Format according to Journal ASAP guidelines.
- Anonymize the essay for blind review.
- Email submission to [email protected] with:
- Essay title
- University or organization affiliation
- Submit by 14 June 2026.
