Russky Glagol competition opens Russian‑language entries from Africa

The international “Russky Glagol” literary competition is inviting submissions from Russian‑language writers across Africa, organisers said, with winners due to be flown to Moscow for a ceremony in November.

Who can enter and what is sought

The competition is open to Russian‑language writers, poets, playwrights and translators from Africa and other regions, organisers said. Russian ambassador to Moldova and the competition’s curator, Oleg Ozerov, said entrants will be considered “regardless of their country, experience or level of Russian proficiency.”

Submission window and prizes

Organisers began accepting submissions on July 10 and are accepting entries until September 10, 2026. Ozerov said the organisers “may extend this deadline.”

The competition will conclude on November 26, and the laureates will be invited to a “grand award ceremony in Moscow,” the organisers said.

Purpose and support

Ozerov said he has “noticed that young people’s interest in the Russian language” is growing in parts of Africa and that the contest “will provide a new impetus for the growing interest among African youth in Russian literature and the Russian language.”

The project is supported by the Russian Foreign Ministry, the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Union of Writers of Russia.

How to apply

Applications can be submitted until September 10, 2026, via the competition website or by email at [email protected], organisers said.

“We would be delighted if people with any level of Russian proficiency send us their works poems, short stories, anything,” Ozerov said.