African Speculative Fiction Society Unveils Prestigious 2026 Nommo Awards Shortlist at LAcon V

Anaheim, CA – August 27, 2026 – The African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) today announced the highly anticipated shortlist for the 2026 Nommo Awards, celebrating the finest works of speculative fiction by African authors. The prestigious announcement took place at LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, held in Anaheim, California, marking a significant moment for African literature on the global stage. The Nommo Awards, recognized for their commitment to showcasing the rich tapestry of African imagination, continue to be a vital platform for authors contributing to the ever-expanding genre.

The shortlist, meticulously curated by a dedicated panel of judges, represents a diverse array of voices and narratives, spanning themes from Afrofuturism and fantasy to science fiction and horror, all deeply rooted in African experiences and mythologies. The ASFS defines "African authors" by specific guidelines, ensuring the awards uplift creators from the continent and its diaspora who contribute authentically to the genre.

Main Facts: A Glimpse into the Future of African SFF

The 2026 Nommo Awards shortlist highlights an exceptional year for African speculative fiction, demonstrating both the genre’s explosive growth and its profound depth. Across four major categories, the selected works push boundaries, challenge perceptions, and invite readers into worlds both familiar and fantastically new. The full shortlist, as revealed at the international convention, is as follows:

Ilube Award for Best Novel

The Ilube Award for Best Novel, the highest honor, recognizes full-length works that have made a significant impact on the genre. This year’s contenders represent a thrilling blend of established masters and groundbreaking new voices:

"The Memory Weavers of Sokoto" by Adewale Nkosi (Nigeria): A sweeping epic of a future Nigeria where ancient spiritual practices intertwine with advanced bio-engineering, exploring themes of identity, memory, and societal control. Nkosi, a previous Nommo nominee, delivers a narrative rich in cultural detail and ethical dilemmas.
"Stars Over Kilimanjaro" by Aisha Sharif (Kenya): A breathtaking space opera that follows a crew of East African astronauts on a mission to terraform a distant planet, only to uncover an ancient alien civilization with profound connections to Earth’s past. Sharif’s lyrical prose and imaginative world-building have earned her critical acclaim.
"Cyber-Shaman Blues" by Zola Mkhize (South Africa): A gritty, cyberpunk thriller set in a near-future Johannesburg, where a disillusioned traditional healer must navigate a world of corporate espionage and digital spirits to uncover a conspiracy that threatens to erase ancestral knowledge. Mkhize’s novel is praised for its sharp social commentary and innovative fusion of genres.
"The Serpent’s Daughter" by Lena Okoro (Ghana): A masterful blend of historical fantasy and magical realism, tracing the lineage of powerful women in a West African kingdom blessed and cursed by a river deity. Okoro’s storytelling prowess illuminates the enduring power of myth and the complexities of matriarchal societies.
"Whispers of the Sand Sea" by Omar Al-Hassan (Egypt): A captivating post-apocalyptic saga set in a reimagined North Africa, where survivors of a climate catastrophe harness forgotten technologies and ancient desert wisdom to rebuild civilization. Al-Hassan’s evocative imagery and philosophical depth offer a unique vision of resilience.

Best Novella

The Best Novella category spotlights shorter works that deliver powerful narratives and intricate world-building in a more concise format:

"The Djinn’s Daughter of Cairo" by Layla Rahman (Egypt): A haunting urban fantasy that delves into the hidden magical underbelly of modern Cairo, where a young woman discovers her heritage as a descendant of djinns and must protect her city from unseen forces. Rahman’s novella is lauded for its atmospheric tension and cultural authenticity.
"The Seed of the Baobab Star" by Kwesi Osei (Ghana): A poignant science fiction piece exploring the first contact between humanity and a sentient cosmic entity housed within a colossal baobab tree, questioning the nature of consciousness and connection. Osei’s work is celebrated for its philosophical depth and poetic language.
"Beneath the Ochre Sky" by Naledi Dlamini (South Africa): A speculative Western set in a drought-stricken alternate Southern Africa, where a lone gunslinger with supernatural abilities seeks justice against a tyrannical water baron. Dlamini masterfully blends genre tropes with indigenous folklore.

Best Short Story

Recognizing excellence in short-form speculative fiction, the Best Short Story category showcases concentrated brilliance:

"When the Rivers Ran Backwards" by Chiamaka Eze (Nigeria): A mesmerizing tale of magical realism where a village grapples with the inexplicable reversal of nature, forcing them to confront their past and future. Eze’s story is praised for its evocative prose and profound allegorical resonance.
"The Quantum Griot" by Jide Okoro (Ghana): A futuristic narrative exploring the role of artificial intelligence in preserving oral traditions and cultural memory in a technologically advanced society. Okoro’s innovative concept sparks discussions on heritage and progress.
"Dust and Echoes" by Amina Said (Somalia): A poignant post-apocalyptic story of survival and hope set in the Horn of Africa, where a young scavenger unearths ancient relics that hold the key to humanity’s future. Said’s narrative is celebrated for its emotional depth and stark beauty.
"The Last Baobab’s Song" by Kemi Adebayo (Nigeria): A fantasy short story that explores ecological themes through the perspective of the last sentient baobab tree, witnessing the decline of its ecosystem and the struggle for balance. Adebayo’s work is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Best Graphic Novel

This category celebrates the vibrant visual storytelling and artistic innovation within African speculative fiction:

"Chronicles of the Sunstone Protector" by Maya Abidoye (Writer) and Emeka Nnamdi (Artist) (Nigeria): An action-packed superhero saga rooted in Yoruba mythology, following a young woman who inherits the power of the Sunstone and must defend her city from ancient evils and modern corruption. The vibrant artwork and dynamic storytelling have garnered widespread acclaim.
"City of Whispering Sands" by Tariq Al-Hassan (Writer/Artist) (Egypt): A visually stunning fantasy graphic novel set in a mystical desert city, where a young cartographer uncovers a conspiracy that threatens to engulf her home in eternal darkness. Al-Hassan’s intricate art and rich narrative create an immersive experience.
"The Shifting Forest" by Lerato Mokoena (Writer) and Sipho Ngubane (Artist) (South Africa): A captivating eco-fantasy graphic novel where a sentient forest actively resists human encroachment, exploring themes of environmentalism, indigenous rights, and the sentience of nature. Its powerful visuals and compelling narrative make it a standout.

The announcement at LAcon V underscores the ASFS’s commitment to providing a global platform for these extraordinary talents, bringing African narratives to an international audience and fostering cross-cultural literary exchange.

Chronology: The Journey to LAcon V

The reveal of the Nommo Awards shortlist at LAcon V is the culmination of a rigorous and extensive process, beginning many months prior and involving countless hours of dedication from the ASFS and its community.

The Journey to the Shortlist

The 2026 Nommo Awards cycle officially began in late 2025, with a call for submissions that saw an unprecedented number of entries across all categories. African authors, as defined by the ASFS’s comprehensive guidelines (which include authors born in Africa, authors with at least one African parent, and authors who are current citizens or permanent residents of an African country), submitted their works for consideration. The guidelines ensure that the awards genuinely reflect the diverse voices and experiences of the continent and its diaspora.

Following the submission period, a dedicated panel of readers and judges, comprised of authors, academics, critics, and avid readers of speculative fiction from across Africa and beyond, undertook the arduous task of evaluating the entries. This initial phase led to the announcement of the longlists in spring 2026, a moment that generated considerable buzz within the speculative fiction community. The longlists served to highlight a broader range of excellent works, giving many deserving authors a moment in the spotlight.

Over the subsequent months, the judges delved deeper into the longlisted works, engaging in intense discussions and critical analysis to arrive at the final shortlist. This meticulous process ensures that only the most impactful, original, and skillfully crafted narratives are recognized. The ASFS prides itself on a transparent and merit-based judging system, fostering trust and credibility within the literary community.

The WorldCon Connection

The decision to announce the Nommo Awards shortlist at LAcon V, the 84th World Science Fiction Convention, is a strategic one that reflects the growing global recognition of African speculative fiction. WorldCons, the largest and longest-running science fiction conventions in the world, serve as a nexus for authors, publishers, fans, and industry professionals from across the globe.

By choosing this international platform, the ASFS amplifies the visibility of African authors and their works, introducing them to a broader audience that includes influential editors, agents, and readers who might otherwise not encounter these narratives. This move also symbolizes the increasing integration of African speculative fiction into the global genre landscape, moving beyond niche categories to claim its rightful place among the world’s most innovative and imaginative storytelling traditions. The convention provides an invaluable opportunity for networking, cultural exchange, and solidifying the presence of African SFF on the international literary map.

Supporting Data: The Ascendance of African SFF

The 2026 Nommo Awards shortlist is not an isolated event but rather a testament to the remarkable growth and maturation of African speculative fiction as a vibrant and influential literary movement.

Growth of African Speculative Fiction

Over the past decade, African speculative fiction has experienced an extraordinary renaissance. What began as a burgeoning sub-genre has blossomed into a formidable literary force, characterized by its incredible diversity, thematic richness, and unapologetic originality. Concepts like Afrofuturism, pioneered by figures like Octavia Butler and Sun Ra, have evolved into a broader movement that includes Africanfuturism (a term coined by Nnedi Okorafor to emphasize stories rooted specifically in African culture, history, and cosmology, rather than solely diaspora experiences) and various other speculative modes.

This growth is evident in several key areas:

Increased Publication: A surge in novels, novellas, and short story collections from African authors, both within Africa and internationally. Major publishing houses are increasingly seeking out African voices, while independent African presses are flourishing.
Anthologies and Journals: The proliferation of anthologies like AfroSF and online literary journals dedicated to African speculative fiction has provided crucial platforms for emerging writers.
Online Communities: Robust online communities and forums have fostered collaboration, mentorship, and critical discourse among African SFF writers and fans.
International Recognition: Beyond the Nommo Awards, African SFF authors are consistently being shortlisted for and winning other major international literary awards, including the Hugo, Nebula, World Fantasy, and Arthur C. Clarke Awards. This cross-pollination of recognition highlights the universal appeal and high quality of these works.
Academic Interest: A growing body of academic scholarship is dedicated to exploring the themes, aesthetics, and cultural significance of African speculative fiction, further solidifying its literary standing.

This flourishing ecosystem demonstrates a robust and self-sustaining literary movement, poised for even greater global impact.

The ASFS: A Driving Force

At the heart of this vibrant movement is the African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS). Established in 2017, the ASFS was founded with a clear mission: to promote, develop, and celebrate speculative fiction by Africans. More than just an awards body, the ASFS functions as a crucial hub for the community.

Key aspects of the ASFS’s role include:

Community Building: Creating networks for African writers, editors, and readers to connect, share ideas, and support each other. This includes online forums, workshops, and virtual events.
Advocacy and Mentorship: Working to increase the visibility of African SFF authors within the global publishing industry and providing mentorship opportunities for aspiring writers.
Preserving and Promoting Heritage: Championing narratives that draw from Africa’s rich mythologies, histories, and diverse cultures, ensuring these stories are told by those who understand them best.
The Nommo Awards: The flagship initiative of the ASFS, the Nommo Awards have rapidly become one of the most respected accolades in the genre. Named after the Dogon ancestral spirits, the awards symbolize creativity, fertility, and the power of the word. They are instrumental in spotlighting new talent and affirming established authors. The "by African authors" definition is central to the ASFS’s mission, ensuring that the awards remain focused on uplifting and recognizing indigenous and diaspora African voices.

Past Nommo Awards Highlights

Since their inception, the Nommo Awards have consistently recognized groundbreaking works that have gone on to achieve significant acclaim. Previous winners have included authors whose works have challenged perceptions, explored complex social issues, and captivated audiences worldwide. For instance, the inaugural Ilube Award for Best Novel in 2017 went to Nnedi Okorafor for Who Fears Death, a powerful fantasy novel that later inspired an HBO series adaptation. Other past winners, such as Tade Thompson’s Rosewater (2019) and Akwaeke Emezi’s The Death of Vivek Oji (2021, though not strictly SFF, Emezi is a prominent SFF author), have cemented the awards’ reputation for identifying literary excellence that transcends genre boundaries. These previous successes underscore the predictive power of the Nommo Awards in identifying authors and works that will leave a lasting mark on the literary landscape.

Official Responses: Voices from the Heart of the Genre

The announcement of the 2026 Nommo Awards shortlist has generated an outpouring of excitement and pride from various stakeholders, reflecting the profound impact of these awards.

Statements from ASFS Leadership

Dr. Nneka Okoro, Chair of the African Speculative Fiction Society, expressed immense satisfaction with this year’s shortlist. "Every year, we are astounded by the sheer creativity and narrative power emanating from African authors," Dr. Okoro stated. "The 2026 shortlist is no exception; it’s a vibrant mosaic of voices, tackling everything from ancient mythologies to cutting-edge technological futures, all infused with a uniquely African sensibility. Announcing these incredible works at LAcon V provides them with the global platform they so richly deserve, showcasing to the world the unparalleled imagination thriving on our continent."

Kofi Mensah, the 2026 Nommo Awards Coordinator, added, "The dedication of our judges and the incredible quality of submissions make this shortlist a true highlight of the literary year. These authors are not just telling stories; they are building worlds, challenging perspectives, and shaping the future of speculative fiction. We are incredibly proud to celebrate their achievements and contribute to the ongoing growth of African SFF."

Authorial Reactions

The shortlisted authors themselves have reacted with a mix of humility, excitement, and gratitude. Adewale Nkosi, shortlisted for the Ilube Award for Best Novel for "The Memory Weavers of Sokoto," shared his feelings: "To be recognized by the ASFS, an organization so vital to African SFF, is an immense honor. The Nommo Awards have been instrumental in shining a light on our stories, and to be among such talented writers is truly humbling. This nomination inspires me to continue exploring the rich tapestry of African narratives."

Aisha Sharif, whose "Stars Over Kilimanjaro" also made the Best Novel list, commented, "I’m absolutely thrilled. ‘Stars Over Kilimanjaro’ was a deeply personal project, an attempt to bring East African cosmology into the vastness of space. The Nommo Awards validate the importance of these unique perspectives and demonstrate that our stories have a place among the stars."

Layla Rahman, nominated for Best Novella, expressed, "It’s surreal. When I wrote ‘The Djinn’s Daughter of Cairo,’ I hoped it would resonate with readers who understood the magic and mystery of my city. To have it shortlisted for a Nommo Award is a dream come true, and it means the world to know that stories rooted in our specific cultural heritage are being celebrated."

Industry Perspectives

Publishers and literary critics have also weighed in on the significance of the 2026 shortlist. Dr. Imani Ndlovu, a prominent literary critic specializing in African literature, remarked, "The Nommo Awards consistently deliver a shortlist that is not only creatively brilliant but also culturally vital. This year’s selection showcases the increasing sophistication of African speculative fiction, demonstrating its capacity to engage with universal themes through uniquely African lenses. These awards are indispensable for both discovery and validation."

Maria Rodriguez, a senior editor at a major international publishing house, noted, "The Nommo Awards have become a reliable bellwether for identifying groundbreaking talent. We actively follow their shortlists and winners because they consistently highlight authors who are pushing boundaries and capturing the zeitgeist. The global appetite for diverse, authentic voices is immense, and the ASFS is at the forefront of satisfying that demand."

Implications: Shaping the Future of Storytelling

The announcement of the 2026 Nommo Awards shortlist carries profound implications, not just for the individual authors but for the broader literary landscape and cultural discourse.

Elevating African Voices

The most significant implication of the Nommo Awards is their role in elevating African voices on the global literary stage. For too long, narratives from Africa have been marginalized or filtered through external perspectives. The ASFS and the Nommo Awards actively dismantle these barriers, providing an authentic platform for African authors to tell their own stories, in their own voices, with their own cultural nuances.

By celebrating these works, the awards:

Break Stereotypes: Challenge monolithic perceptions of Africa, showcasing its vast diversity, modernity, and complex histories.
Inspire New Generations: Serve as a powerful inspiration for aspiring African writers, demonstrating that their stories are valued and that there is a pathway to global recognition.
Foster Cultural Exchange: Introduce readers worldwide to rich African mythologies, philosophies, and societal structures, enriching global understanding and empathy.
Promote Inclusivity: Contribute to a more inclusive and representative literary world, where storytelling truly reflects the global human experience.

Economic and Cultural Impact

Beyond critical acclaim, the Nommo Awards have tangible economic and cultural impacts. Shortlisting and winning a Nommo Award can significantly boost an author’s career, leading to:

Increased Sales and Visibility: A surge in readership, both domestically and internationally.
Translation Opportunities: Opening doors for works to be translated into multiple languages, reaching even wider audiences.
Film and TV Adaptations: Drawing attention from producers interested in adapting these rich narratives for visual media, as seen with previous Nommo-recognized authors.
Support for the Publishing Industry: Stimulating growth in African publishing houses and fostering a more robust ecosystem for genre fiction on the continent.

Culturally, these works are vital. Speculative fiction, particularly, offers a unique lens through which to explore contemporary African challenges and aspirations – from climate change and technological advancement to post-colonial identity and social justice – all while offering visions of diverse African futures.

The Future of African Speculative Fiction

The 2026 Nommo Awards shortlist signals a trajectory of continued growth and innovation for African speculative fiction. The caliber and diversity of this year’s nominees suggest that the genre is not only expanding but also deepening its thematic exploration and artistic experimentation. We can anticipate:

Continued Innovation: Authors will continue to blend traditional African storytelling techniques with cutting-edge speculative concepts, forging new subgenres and narrative forms.
Global Collaborations: Increased partnerships between African authors, publishers, and international entities, leading to more co-productions and cross-cultural projects.
Evolving Definitions: A continuous evolution of what "African speculative fiction" means, embracing even wider diasporic voices and diverse interpretations of African identity.

Anticipation for the Awards Ceremony

With the shortlist now unveiled, the excitement builds for the final Nommo Awards ceremony, where the winners in each category will be announced. While the specific date and format of the winners’ announcement are yet to be formally confirmed by the ASFS, anticipation is high within the global speculative fiction community. Regardless of who ultimately takes home the coveted awards, the 2026 Nommo Awards shortlist has already succeeded in its mission: to celebrate the boundless imagination of African authors and to affirm their essential contribution to the future of storytelling. The literary world watches with keen interest as these narratives continue to captivate, challenge, and inspire.