Here are the literature finalists of the Future Awards Africa Prize 2025 announced in Lagos, Nigeria, on Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
The Future Awards Africa, also known as The Future Awards, are a set of awards given by The Future Project, a social enterprise set up with a commitment to human and capital development in Africa. Founded by Chude Jideonwo and Adebola Williams in 2004, they recognise and celebrate figures in a myriad of fields, between the ages of 18 and 33, who have done remarkable work during the past year. Some of the previous winners in the literature category have been Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀̀, Akwaeke Emezi, Ijeoma Umebinyuo, Lanaire Aderemi, and Oyinkan Braithwaite, making it a vital gauge of the important new voices coming from the continent.
The 2025 finalists in twenty-five categories under the theme “Threads of Legacy,” shaping the fabric of Africa’s tomorrow, were announced on Wednesday. The categories include performing arts, acting, advocacy and activism, agriculture, art, community action, content creation, creativity and innovation, education, entrepreneurship, fashion, film, governance, health and wellness, intrapreneurship, journalism, law, music, literature, photography, sports, and technology.
Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), said, “The story of Africa’s future is being written today, thread by thread, through the work of these nominees. They are artists, tech enthusiasts, entrepreneurs, advocates, and innovators whose achievements do more than inspire — they create legacies that others can build on. Each name on this list is proof that young Africans are not waiting for the future to happen; they are actively shaping it. This is what The Future Awards Africa exists to celebrate. We are honoured to spotlight their stories, preserve their contributions as part of Africa’s collective memory, and excited for the mark they will leave on generations to come.”
The finalists in the literature categories are;
- Adedayo Agarau
- Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu
- Troy Onyango
- Chioma Rosemary
- Chukwuebuka Ibeh
Adedayo Agarau said, “The first thing I remembered when I received this news a few months back was that evening in the small room of Ayotoz Hotel—James, Chika, Ayomide, Ademola, Ridwan, LKG—talking about the future, or our future as writers. We were really young, many of us left school without informing our parents to come to Ibadan for @brainypoet’s event. I’m grateful for how far all of us have come, the work we have done and continue to do, both in our personal study and in our communities. I’m really proud to be named with these people, especially @waasishafii, who edits Non-Fiction at @agbowoart. The work I do in African literature, especially poetry, is still day one—many more. Thank you, @thefutureawardsafrica. This means a lot to me and to young Nigerian poets. Pouring wine and dulling to @fireboydml’s Iseoluwa.”
Troy Onyango said, “What an honour to be a finalist for the Future Awards Africa Prize for literature alongside such stellar nominees! grateful to everyone who continues to believe in the work I do and the stories I tell.”
Chioma Rosemary said, “I’m beyond honored to announce that I’ve been nominated for The Future Awards Africa 2025 — Prize for Literature! 🏆 This recognition means the world to me — a reminder that words truly have power, and stories can shape legacies. A huge thank you to The Future Project for celebrating young African voices and the beautiful world of creativity that connects us all. 💛 Let’s keep writing, dreaming, and building legacies — one story at a time.”
Chukwuebuka Ibeh said, “Delighted to be nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Literature, and to be in such good company ❤️.”
Hauwa Shaffii Nuhu said, “So humbled to be up for this prestigious award. Being nominated for the Future Awards Africa Prize for literature is an honour, undoubtedly but the real honor here is being on the list with so many icons, especially my long-term friend and idol @adedayoagarau. thank you @thefutureawardsafrica @tfaafrica.”
These finalists will be judged by a panel of Ikenna Ogbudimkpa, Damilola Olokesusi, Paul Onwuanibe, Dr. Yemisi Akinbobola, Ayo Mairo-Ese, Olumide Femi Makanjuola, Dr. Melvis Ndiloseh, Dr. Ifeanyi Nsofor, Olufemi Oguntamu, and Oluwatobi Adeniyi. They will announce the winner later in the year.
Watch the unveiling of the nominees here.
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