Literary experts from three continents have revealed their most anticipated titles for the coming year, offering a vibrant guide to the future of storytelling. From the bustling publishing hubs of Abuja and Nairobi to a specialist bookshop in Brighton, the recommendations highlight the richness of modern African writing and the powerful voices of the Black diaspora.
Upcoming African Releases to Watch in 2026
Rhoda Nuhu, content and marketing manager at Abuja's Cassava Republic Press, has curated a list of forthcoming gems. The selection includes two standout children's books by Nigerian authors set for release next year.
A Bouncy 123 by Sade Fadipe arrives in June. This colourful picture book, set in a Nigerian village, follows Adanah and her friend Kolade on a playful outdoor adventure. Fadipe is a Nigerian primary schoolteacher and early reading expert based in the UK.
In November, look for Hassan and Hassana Share Everything by Elnathan John, marking the author's debut into children's literature. The story revolves around twins who receive different gifts on their eighth birthday, leading to a touching narrative about kindness and challenging gender stereotypes.
For adult readers, several compelling paperbacks are scheduled. My Own Dear People by Dwight Thompson comes out in May. This taut, lyrical novel set in Montego Bay, Jamaica, follows Nyjah Messado as he grapples with a traumatic past and confronts complicity and masculinity in a city rife with gang politics.
Also in May, The Aquatics by Osvalde Lewat, translated by Maren Baudet-Lackner, will be available in paperback. It tells the story of Katmé, a politician's wife in the fictional nation of Zambuena, whose friendship with a gay artist puts her privileged life on a dangerous collision course with the state.
The Shipikisha Club by Mubanga Kalimamukwento hits shelves in July. This poignant blend of family and courtroom drama centres on Sali, a mother on trial for her husband's murder, forcing a stark examination of patriarchy, motherhood, and hidden marital violence.
September brings the paperback of Pillaging the Dead by Degol Hailu. This debut political satire from an Ethiopian author follows Tarik, a university student and street hawker, who is thrust into a dangerous world of activism after a brutal encounter with a repressive regime.
Celebrating 2025's Standout Books by Black Authors
Carolynn Bain, owner of Brighton's Afrori Books, a UK shop dedicated to Black authors, shares her favourite publications from the past year. Her picks span thrilling fiction, insightful non-fiction, and captivating memoirs.
She highlights The Scammer by Tiffany D Jackson as a suspenseful young adult thriller that will keep readers hooked. For a powerful biographical work, she recommends Firstborn Girls: A memoir by Bernice L McFadden, praising its fresh take on women's stories and generational impact.
We Were There by Lanre Bakare offers an incredible exploration of Black culture in Britain beyond London, written by a talented Guardian journalist. For younger readers (and adults), History’s Most Epic Fails by Athena Kugblenu delivers engaging and lesser-known historical tales with comedic flair.
In fiction, Til Death by Busayo Matuluko provides a cosy crime escape into the extravagant world of Nollywood. For epic fantasy fans, A Song of Legends Lost by MH Ayinde, the first in a planned trilogy, has been a major bestseller.
Essential Reads: The Decade's Best So Far
Ahmed Aidarus, who runs both Nairobi's oldest bookshop, Prestige, and the Jahazi Press, points to current bestsellers and modern classics. His first recommendation is the insightful political analysis Slow Poison: Idi Amin, Yoweri Museveni, and the Making of the Ugandan State by Mahmood Mamdani.
He also champions For What Are Butterflies Without Their Wings by Troy Onyango, a critically acclaimed debut collection of short stories from a Kenyan writer exploring love and grief. From his own press, Let Us Conspire and Other Stories by Billy Kahora showcases a diverse range of contemporary Kenyan writing across genres from horror-fantasy to auto-fiction.
No list would be complete without Dream Count by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, her first novel in over a decade, which has been one of the most awaited publishing events of 2025. Finally, the hugely popular short-story collection Nearly All the Men In Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku offers a funny and empathetic look at relationships in Nigeria's bustling metropolis.
This collective insight from industry professionals provides a compelling roadmap for readers eager to explore the dynamic and evolving landscapes of African and diaspora literature in the year ahead.
