Six African and African-diaspora writers have been recognised at the 2025 Creative Future Writers’ Award, and they are: Zahrah Nesbitt-Ahmed, Emma Allotey, Muti’ah Badruddeen, Uduak-Abasi Ekong, Catherine Ben-Ameh, and Afidi Nomo Ongolo.
The award received over 1,600 submissions from writers across the country.
In Creative Non-Fiction, Zahrah Nesbitt-Ahmed (Nigerian-British) earned a Highly Commended mention for Aminat, while Muti’ah Badruddeen (Nigerian) was shortlisted.
In Fiction, Emma Allotey (Ghana) received a Highly Commended mention for Wild Fruit, while Uduak-Abasi Ekong (Nigeria) made the shortlist.
In Poetry, the shortlist included Catherine Ben-Ameh (Nigeria) and Afidi Nomo Ongolo (Cameroon).
The judging panel featured poet Nancy Campbell, journalist and broadcaster Kieran Yates, Jack Hadley of Curtis Brown Creative, Beth Brambling of Faber Academy, and Aki Schilz of The Literary Consultancy.
In her words, Nancy Campbell, Award judge said:
“What an honour to read new fiction, non-fiction and poetry which demonstrates such outstanding creative talent. Congratulations are due to everyone on the shortlist for their courage in submitting their work. These writers transport the reader to diverse locations and domains of experience, exploring urgent themes and challenging dominant discourse. In uncertain and precarious times language can occasionally seem inadequate to express injustice and trauma, but these compelling new voices are forging work that is vital, transformative and hopeful.”
Kieran Yates added saying:
“It was such a joy to read these essays and get a sense of what writers are thinking about in relation to the theme, and beyond. The process encouraged me to be thoughtful, engaged and made me consider what I love about literature all over again.”
The winning and commended works will be published in the 2025 anthology, available from October 1.
Winners will also be celebrated at the Southbank Centre as part of the London Literature Festival on October 25, with the event available both in person and via livestream.
Click here to read the full list of winners and shortlisted writers.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
