Iskanchi Press is a US-based publishing house for African writing. They believe that stories and ideas convey humanity to the future and that our progress to an egalitarian world is sooner achieved when all perspectives are heard and considered.
The inaugural Iskanchi Book Prize attracted an impressive array of talented writers, and the press is thrilled to see such diversity and excellence on this year’s shortlist. The 11 shortlisted manuscripts showcase the best of African realities and the continent’s vibrant literary talent and align with Iskanchi’s mission to promote authentic African perspectives.
The prize seeks to honour outstanding prose and hybrid book manuscripts, offering the winner a publishing opportunity.
Shortlisted Authors:
1. Joyce Odera – Delightful Cage (Nigeria)
2. Lauwo George – FINELAND (Tanzania )
3. Abenea Ndago – Citizens (Kenya)
4. Terna Douglas Abu – The Seeker (Nigeria)
5. Alieu Bundu – The Brilliance Of A Million Suns (Sierra Leone)
6. Onyeka Nwelue- The Perfect Muslims (Nigeria)
7. Khisa John – Sunset Over Elgon Hills (Uganda)
8. Thabi Moeketsi – The Boy With The Indigo Heart (Zimbabwe)
9. Olowe Damilola – A Little Wonder To Dream (Nigeria)
10. Oyinloye Michael Oluwatomisin – Gone (Nigeria)
11. Aminta Dupuis – The Child from Dindefello Falls
The grand prize winner will receive $1500 and publication in Fall 2025.
For further updates visit the official website at www.iskanchi.com
Congratulations to the shortlisted authors on this exceptional achievement!
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.
