Announcing the 2025 Iskanchi Book Prize Shortlist

This year, we received more submissions than last year, with exceptional manuscripts coming in from across the African continent. The sheer potential and diversity in our submission pile made the task of selecting a shortlist of ten incredibly difficult. We are convinced now, more than ever, that a new wave of thematically and stylistically diverse fiction has emerged, as writers experiment with different genres and explore controversial themes. This shortlist reflects some of the most genre-bending and boundary-pushing fiction on the continent.

The Iskanchi Book Prize aims to expand the definition of African literature and amplify perspectives that take risks with form, play with language, and defy expectations of African storytelling. The grand prize winner will receive $1000 and publication in Fall 2026.

Join us in congratulating the shortlisted authors on this remarkable achievement!

Xabanisa by Aryan Kaganof (South Africa); On Rainy Days I Think of Flowers by Ezioma Kalu (Nigeria); The Hollow Sound of Lightweight Bodies by Unathi Slasha (South Africa); Souls of Independence by Peter Ngĩla Nzeli (Kenya); Mono: Tales of the Tapa Kingdom by Valerie Chatindo (Zimbabwe); A Season for Mending – Magaret Muthee (Kenya); Nandi Bear by Abenea Ndago (Kenya); Mourning by Karen Williams (South Africa); The Black Hand – Dafe Great (Nigeria); Enchanted Village by Lauwo wa Lauwo (Tanzania).

Finally, we are grateful to every writer who considered us a good place to submit their manuscript, we hope you’ll consider us again next year. The winner announcement will take place via a virtual event in June. Stay tuned for more details on how to register.