Nigerian-British author Abi Daré has been announced as the winner of the inaugural Climate Fiction Prize for her novel And So I Roar.
Her novel follows Adunni, the beloved protagonist from her debut, as she returns to her rural village from Lagos just as she’s about to begin school — only to confront new challenges shaped by environmental and social breakdowns. While initially focused on gender inequality, the story evolved into a deep exploration of how climate change affects rural African communities.
Daré expressed both surprise and gratitude at receiving the honour. She says:
“As a Black British-Nigerian woman, receiving this prize is a reminder that we do not need to wait for permission to step into global conversations. Our stories matter as they are.”
Chair of judges Madeleine Bunting praised And So I Roar for its emotional range and thematic power:
“It’s a novel of urgency and spirit, one that illuminates how climate crises often trigger social ones — especially for women and children.”
Daré also highlighted the importance of recognising African voices in the climate conversation, noting that while the continent contributes just a fraction of global emissions, it bears disproportionate burdens from the climate emergency. In her words:
“A story like this being acknowledged matters, iIt shows how deeply connected we all are — and how fiction can move people where data might not.”
Born in Lagos and now based in Essex, Daré studied law and project management before completing a creative writing course at Birkbeck, University of London. In 2023, she launched The Louding Voice Foundation, which supports educational opportunities for girls in Nigeria — echoing her lifelong advocacy for equity and empowerment.
Congratulations Abi Daré!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
