Brittle Paper has unveiled its list of 100 most notable books published by African writers in 2024, offering a curated collection of stories that celebrate the depth and diversity of African literature. From Uché Okonkwo’s moving short story collection A Kind of Madness to Tomi Adeyemi’s globally acclaimed conclusion to her Legacy of Orisa fantasy series Children of Anguish and Anarchy and Jacqueline Asiimwe’s poignant memoir Facing Mountains, the list has something for every kind of reader.
Since 2018, Brittle Paper has been curating this list to highlight books that leave a lasting impact on African literary culture. The selection process involves tracking African-authored books published in English throughout the year and identifying those that made a significant mark—whether by sparking critical conversations, exploring unique themes, shining a light on underrepresented perspectives, or simply showcasing exceptional writing.
The 2024 list spans an impressive 25 countries, including Botswana, São Tomé, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Namibia, Sudan, Egypt, Cameroon, Western Sahara, Togo, South Africa, and Nigeria. This diversity reflects the pan-African spirit of contemporary African writing. The visual culture surrounding books is also thriving, as seen in the stunning book cover designs featured this year.
Speaking about the list, Ainehi Edoro, founder of Brittle Paper, remarked:
“I would be honest and say that curating this year’s list has been the hardest because of how many good books are coming out. Around 30% of the books on the list are debuts, a figure we’ve seen remain steady in recent years. This tells us there is an organic growth of new voices.”
Whether it’s wildly popular releases or quieter, significant contributions, this list celebrates the breadth and depth of African literature today. As we look forward to 2025, it’s clear that African writers are poised to continue leaving their mark on the global literary scene.
Click here to explore the full list and discover your next great read.
Happy reading!
Bongiwe T. Maphosa
Bongiwe Maphosa is a writer whose fiction and poetry offers fresh, imaginative perspectives on the human condition. Her work has been published in prominent literary spaces, including Isele Magazine, Akowdee Magazine, the AVBOB Poetry Anthology, Journal of African Youth in Literature (JAY Lit), and more. She was also nominated for the 2025 Best of the Net Anthology. Bongiwe is one of six writers selected for the inaugural Caine Prize Online Editing program and serves as a content writer, peer reviewer, and tier three awards judge for JAYLit. Bridging inner reflection with speculative worlds, she continues to carve out a distinctive voice within contemporary African literature for a growing global audience.
