Angolan author Nituecheni Africano has been named the 2025 winner of the prestigious Sankofa Book Awards for his novel The Recluse: The Beginning and the End of an Injustice. The announcement, made by organizers in Kenya, highlights the work’s unflinching exploration of justice, memory, and resilience in Africa’s recent history. Africano’s novel triumphed over dozens of shortlisted titles from across the continent, selected by a panel of international literary experts, writers, and scholars.
Jurors praised the book’s bold narrative and social critique, describing it as a catalyst for confronting unresolved historical traumas. “This novel compels readers to face the open wounds of Africa’s past, crafted with a maturity and humanity that resonates deeply,” said Professor Wanjiku Mugo, chair of the judging committee, during the award’s unveiling. The work, she noted, balances raw emotional depth with a nuanced examination of human dignity.
Africano, responding to the honor, framed the recognition as a collective victory for African voices. “This award pays tribute to the enduring struggles for justice that define so many lives on our continent,” he said. “The Recluse emerged from both pain and the belief that our stories can illuminate paths toward healing. I’m humbled to contribute to the growing global appreciation of African literature.”
As part of the prize, the author will receive $5,000 and the Sankofa Trophy, a symbol of reclaiming cultural heritage. The winning novel will also be translated into English, French, and one of Kenya’s national languages, broadening its accessibility to readers worldwide.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for September 26, 2025, in Nairobi, will gather writers, publishers, and cultural figures from Africa and beyond. The event underscores the Sankofa Awards’ mission to elevate African literary excellence while fostering dialogue about the continent’s complex narratives. Africano is expected to attend alongside fellow finalists, whose works span genres and themes reflective of Africa’s diverse literary landscape.
Established to honor stories that bridge past and present, the Sankofa Book Awards have become a barometer for transformative African storytelling. This year’s selection reinforces the role of literature in addressing societal inequities and preserving collective memory—a vision Africano’s work embodies through its layered portrayal of resilience amid injustice.
