The African Speculative Fiction Society announced the winners of the 2025 Nommo Awards on Thursday, November 20, during the opening ceremony of the Aké Arts and Book Festival in Lagos, Nigeria.
The African Speculative Fiction Society was founded to celebrate speculative fiction genres of magical realism, Sci-Fi, horror, and graphic novels in 2016. In the following year, they introduced the Nommo Awards to celebrate writers in the categories of Best Speculative Novel by an African, Best Speculative Novella by an African, Best Speculative Short Story by an African, and Best Graphic Novel/Comic by an African. It has been won by, among others, Nnedi Okorafor, Tade Thompson, Akwaeke Emezi, Tochi Onyebuchi, Lesley Nneka Arimah, Nana Akosua Hanson, Ekpeki Oghenechovwe Donald, Innocent Chizaram Ilo, Suyi Davies Okungbowa, Chikodili Emelumadu, Nerine Dorman, T. L. Huchu, Roye Okupe, and Pemi Aguda. The 2024 winners were Wole Talabi, Stephen Embleton, Gabrielle Emem Harry, Mamode Ogbewele, Roye Okupe, artist Sunkanmi Akinboye, and colourist Toyin Ajetunmobi.
The 2025 shortlist was first revealed at the Seattle Worldcon on August 17, with the final winners chosen by the ASFS membership.
The speculative society said, “These works represent some of the boldest, most visionary storytelling across the continent and the diaspora. These are stories that challenge, illuminate, unsettle, and inspire. This moment is a testament to the growing global power of African speculative fiction and to the incredible community behind it. Thank you to our ASFS members, our shortlisted authors, the organisers and the incredible team at Aké Arts and Book Festival, and everyone who continues to champion African futures in literature and art.”
The winners are;
Best Novel: Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase
Best Novella: Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
Best Graphic Novel: Celestial Eyes by John Uche and Francis
Best Short Story: From Across Time by Chisom Ume
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