Eight African authors and reading-promotion organisations have been named among the nominees for the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, the world’s most valuable prize for children’s and young adult literature.
The award’s organisers announced 263 nominees from 74 countries and regions for the 2026 edition. With a prize of five million Swedish kronor (approximately $570,000), the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award remains the largest global award dedicated to children’s literature.
The African nominees for the 2026 award are:
- Atinuke (Nigeria / UK)
- Ben Okri (Nigeria / UK)
- Gcina Mhlophe (South Africa)
- Ignatius Tirivangani Mabasa (Zimbabwe)
- Audrey N. Chirenje (Zimbabwe)
- Véronique Tadjo (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Book Dash (South Africa)
- Lubuto Library Partners (Zambia)
Together, the list includes six authors and two organisations that promote reading, showing Africa’s strong presence across both storytelling and literacy work.
Established in 2002 by the Swedish Government, the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award (ALMA) is a Swedish international literary prize honoring excellence in children’s and young adult literature to commemorate author Astrid Lindgren. It is the world’s largest award of its kind, promoting reading and children’s rights to culture globally.
The winner will be revealed on 14 April 2026.
Congratulations to the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award nominees!
Read more on the 2026 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award nominations and Africa’s representation.
