Overview

The 2026 Nelson Mandela Essay Prize Competition is a prestigious academic initiative aimed at amplifying African perspectives in global governance, providing a platform for young African scholars to engage critically with pressing continental and global challenges.

Eligibility

African citizens
Submit individual or joint essays (maximum of two authors)
Ensure submissions are anonymized for blind review
Include institutional affiliation and essay title in the submission email

Benefits

Cash prize: Share of a USD 5,000 prize pool awarded to up to four winners
Optional one-year ASAP fellowship, including mentorship, internship opportunities, and access to global networks
Global exposure: Presentation of winning essays at the Yale Global Justice Program conference