We are looking for bold, original and critical essays (1,000–1,500 words) that engage with any of the following themes:

⎈ The cultural, political and economic impact of Africa’s growing tech ecosystems. 

⎈ The rise of African-led innovation in fintech, agritech, edtech, AI and healthtech.

⎈ Gender, class and geographical inequalities in access to tech opportunities.

⎈ Surveillance, digital rights, and data colonialism and decolonization in the age of Big Tech.

⎈ Diaspora investment and the tensions between local ownership and global venture capital.

⎈ Stories/profiles of local innovators creating meaningful change with or without venture capital backing.

⎈ Impact of technology on political and geopolitical engagement.

⎈ Urgent debates on Artificial Intelligence, around topics such as climate sustainability, artistic ethics, job security and labour exploitation.

⎈ We welcome contributions across The Republic categories of Art and Culture, Business and the Economy, Gender, History, Politics, Science and World Affairs.

Terms of Application:

⎈ This opportunity is open to undergraduate students enrolled in public universities across Nigeria (excluding final year students).

⎈ Postgraduate students enrolled in public universities with at least one year left on their course can also apply.

⎈ PhD students enrolled in public universities are strongly encouraged to apply.

⎈ Submissions must be original and unpublished. Plagiarism will result in disqualification.

Why Submit?

⎈ ₦500,000 prize for each of six laureates—one from each geopolitical zone.

⎈ Additional ₦500,000 prize for the overall winner, chosen from the six regional laureates.

⎈ Winning essays will be published in The Republic.

⎈ Laureates will participate in a national symposium and roundtable event.

⎈ Laureates will be appointed as Republic Campus Ambassadors for the 2025–26 academic year, with a monthly stipend, merchandise and opportunities to shape The Republic’s university chapters.

The deadline for submissions is noon (WAT) 22 June 2025. After the deadline, the submission form will be closed, and you will not be able to submit your essay. Please keep this in mind and submit before the deadline⎈