New prize for African writers

A new $15,000 (Pounds 9,433) writing prize, focusing on the short story and open to writers from anywhere on the African continent, was launched this week. The Caine Prize will be awarded for the first time in June next year. Booker prize-winner Ben Okri will be the first judging panel chairman. Contact Jonathan Taylor, fax: 0171 938 3728, for details.