Nituecheni Africano will receive a cash prize of USD 5,000 and the prestigious Sankofa Trophy, a symbol of reclaiming and honouring African memory.
By Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro
The 2025 edition of the Sankofa Book Awards Kenya has named Angolan writer, Nituecheni Africano, as this year’s winner for his novel, O Recluso: O Princípio e o Fim de uma Injustiça (The Inmate: The Beginning and the End of an Injustice).
Selected from dozens of finalists across the African continent, Nituecheni Africano’s novel was recognised by an international jury of literary critics, acclaimed writers, and specialists in contemporary African literature. The jury praised the book for its powerful narrative, social critique, and profound reflections on justice, memory, and human dignity.
“This is a novel that forces us to confront the open wounds of recent African history, written with maturity, intensity, and deep humanity”, said Professor Wanjiku Mugo, president of the jury, during the announcement ceremony.
Reacting to the honour, Africano expressed both humility and gratitude: “This recognition is, above all, a tribute to the struggle for justice that so many Africans have faced, and continue to face. The Inmate was born from pain, but also from the hope that our stories can light the way. I am deeply honoured by this award and grateful to see African literature increasingly gaining the recognition it deserves”.
In a significant development, the organisers also confirmed that the award-winning novel will be adapted for the screen by Nollywood, Nigeria’s powerful film industry. The agreement was officially announced during the press conference, attended by representatives of both the Sankofa Book Awards and Nollywood.
Dr. Samuel Mwangi, Chair of the Sankofa Book Awards Kenya 2025 Jury, noted that Africano’s work demonstrates “a level of literary depth rarely achieved” and described the film adaptation as “a crucial step in amplifying African voices worldwide”.
Nituecheni Africano will receive a cash prize of USD 5,000 and the prestigious Sankofa Trophy, a symbol of reclaiming and honouring African memory. In addition, the novel will be translated into English, French, and one of Kenya’s national languages.
The official award ceremony is scheduled for 26th September, 2025, in Nairobi. The literary gala will bring together writers, publishers, journalists, diplomats, and intellectuals from around the world, with Nituecheni Africano and other finalist authors expected to be in attendance.