Why We’re Launching The Africa Research Writing Prize

We talk a lot about Africa’s problems. But we rarely talk about them with data. And even when we do, the numbers are either outdated, hard to find, or too shallow to show the full picture.

This is one of the reasons we created the Africa Research Writing Prize.

The goal is simple: help people across the continent tell clear, well-argued stories about problems in their countries and communities—supported by real data and focused on solutions that might actually work. We’re not looking for perfect grammar or academic polish. We’re looking for clarity, context, and critical thinking.

Submissions are open until July 18, 2025. All the details are here: columncontent.com/africa-research-writing-prize

But first, a bit about why we’re doing this.

Africa’s problems need better visibility

Data is political. When it’s missing, manipulated, or ignored, the scale of a problem is easy to downplay. Take education, for instance. If someone says “schools are underfunded,” you nod and move on. But if they tell you that only 3 in 10 public schools in their region have functioning toilets—and show you a source—you stop. You think. Hopefully you remember it.

Good data makes a problem real. And when paired with thoughtful writing, it gives that problem weight.

But across the continent, reliable data is patchy. Sometimes it’s hidden in dense reports. Sometimes it’s sitting in a PDF no one reads. Sometimes it doesn’t exist at all. What we’re trying to do is train the habit of finding it, verifying it, and using it to make arguments stronger—not weaker.

I left academia because it stopped making sense

I spent years in academia. I got the PhD. I published the papers. I sat through the conferences where everyone nodded along to ten-dollar words and pages of references.

But over time, it started to feel hollow.

The pressure to publish outweighed the pressure to say something useful. So much of what we call research is built to impress journals, not to change minds or lives. I left because I wanted to write, research, and relay things that matter—and say them plainly enough that they don’t need footnotes.

This prize is one step in that direction. We want to help people move from research-for-research’s-sake to writing that informs, persuades, and moves.

Writing with data, not around it

We’re not asking for long essays. We’re asking for clarity.

If you enter, you’ll write up to 1,500 words explaining a real problem in your country. You’ll need at least three local data points to support it—things like percentages, survey results, spending figures, or policy failures. You’ll also propose a solution, and support that with at least three more data points (which can come from anywhere in the world).

Here’s the catch: it’s not enough to match three statistics with three ideas and call it a day. You need to think. Why did that solution work elsewhere? What’s different about your context? What would need to happen before it could work here? What might stand in the way?

We’re rewarding critical synthesis—how you connect the dots, not just how many dots you collect.

We want to build a culture of data literacy

Most people trust or dismiss data based on how it makes them feel, not where it comes from. But in a world full of claims, data is what helps you tell the difference between opinion and insight.

That’s why this prize isn’t just about writing. It’s about building better habits: checking sources, reading footnotes, digging through reports, and learning to ask better questions about the numbers people throw around. It’s about being curious and skeptical in equal measure.

Research and data aren’t just for academics. They’re tools for everyone—activists, entrepreneurs, journalists, students, and anyone who wants to understand and explain the world better.

What you get if you win

Two winners will each receive $150. Three other strong entries will be named as highly commended. All winning entries will be lightly edited and published in a digital report we’ll release on our site.

More than money, this is about visibility. We want to help new voices gain recognition for sharp thinking and strong ideas. The best pieces will be shared, cited, and used to spark conversation.

Who this is for

You don’t need a degree or to be published elsewhere. You don’t even need to be a professional writer. If you’re based in Africa and can think clearly, argue thoughtfully, and back your words with good evidence, you’re exactly who we’re hoping to hear from.

You can be a teacher, farmer, researcher, NGO staffer, student, or just someone who’s tired of seeing the same issues ignored or misunderstood. The more personal your essay, the better.

How to enter

Write your essay in a Google Doc. Make sure the link is set to “anyone with the link can view.” Then go to the submission form and paste in your link along with your details.

The current deadline is July 18, 2025. We hope to announce winners by July 23.

You’ll find the full submission details, judging criteria, and sponsor info here: columncontent.com/africa-research-writing-prize

Let’s raise the bar on research communications

We’re not here to fix everything. But we do want to raise the standard for how we talk about what’s broken.

The Africa Research Writing Prize is one small step in that direction—towards clearer thinking, sharper writing, and better use of data to tell stories that matter.

If you have something worth saying, this is your shot. Say it well. Back it up. And send it in.

You can help fund more prizes

We’re starting small—but we’d like to grow this.

Right now, we’re offering two $150 prizes and publishing five essays. But with more support, we could fund more winning slots, highlight more voices, and expand the reach of this work across the continent.

If you or your organization believes in clear thinking, evidence-based writing, or strengthening public discourse in Africa, we’d like to invite you to help fund additional prize slots.

Each sponsored slot costs $200. That covers the winner’s prize, light editorial work, promotional costs, and inclusion in the final report. Sponsors are listed by name and photo in the report and on our website. At higher tiers, you can even help judge the entries or shape the direction of a prize focus (for example: education, health, youth).

This is especially relevant for:

• Research institutions looking to support science communication
• NGOs working in data, policy, or advocacy
• Media platforms that care about elevating new African voices
• Academics who want to mentor or back work that leaves the ivory tower
• Anyone who’s tired of shallow content and wants to fund depth

Sponsorship isn’t limited to big orgs. If you’re an individual who wants to help fund good work, you’re welcome here.

To express interest or ask questions, email us at team@columncontent.com with the subject line Sponsor – Africa Research Writing Prize. We’ll send you everything you need to know.