The 2026 Book Prize shortlist is here!

The 2026 Book Prize shortlist is here!

We are thrilled to announce the 2026 Iska Book Prize shortlist, featuring eight writers whose manuscripts stood out to us for their distinctive voices, compelling stories, and the strength of their writing.

This year, we received submissions from across Africa, and we are deeply grateful to every writer who trusted Iska Press with their work. Every submission gave us the opportunity to encounter new voices, perspectives, and stories, and we are honoured to have read so many thoughtful and engaging manuscripts.

After a careful reading and selection process, we are excited to celebrate our eight shortlisted writers:

Nana Kusi Minkah-Premo - The Otu Palaver 🇬🇭

Melissa Webster - Who We Were, Where We Are 🇿🇦

Glen Retief - The Tapework Chronicles 🇿🇦

Harsoite Oulfat - Ta-Nub 🇰🇲

Gabriel Awuah Mainoo - Keteke Symphony 🇬🇭

Ishola Abdulwasiu Ayodele - A Conspiration of Guardian Demons 🇳🇬

C. S. Hadebe - The Ones Who Were Murdered 🇿🇦David Obongekong David - Ready to Exhale 🇳🇬

From Ghana, South Africa, Comoros, and Nigeria, this year’s shortlist brings together writers with varied backgrounds, experiences, and approaches to storytelling.

To our shortlisted writers, congratulations! We can not wait to share more about you and your work with our community.

And to everyone who submitted, thank you for trusting us with your stories.