The African Speculative Fiction Society (ASFS) has announced the winners of the 2025 Nommo Awards, celebrating the continent’s most innovative speculative storytelling. The awards were revealed during the opening ceremony of the Aké Arts and Book Festival in Lagos on November 20, marking eight years of recognizing excellence in African speculative fiction.

Tlotlo Tsamaase’s Womb City (Erewhon Books, 2024) claimed the Ilube Award for Best Novel, leading a roster of winners that showcases the genre’s expanding creative boundaries.

The complete list of 2025 winners includes:

Ilube Award for Best Novel: Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase (Erewhon Books, 2024)

Best Novella: Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa (Tor Publishing Group, 2024)

Best Short Story: “From Across Time” by Chisom Umeh (Clarkesworld, 2024)

Best Graphic Novel: Celestial Eyes by John Uche and Francis (The Machine Publishing, 2024)

 

“These works represent some of the most innovative, daring, and visionary storytelling coming out of Africa and the African diaspora,” said Muna Khogali, representing the African Speculative Fiction Society. “To experience their recognition live at Aké Arts and Book Festival, in front of a passionate and engaged audience was profoundly moving. Our creators are redefining global speculative fiction.”

The 2025 awards arrive during a year of heightened international visibility for African speculative fiction. ASFS programming appeared at Worldcon Seattle, while new academic collaborations like the Applied African SF program brought together Imperial College London, University of Nairobi, Vector Magazine, and the International Black Speculative Writing Festival. The Society has also transitioned into a Community Interest Company (CIC), positioning itself for greater long-term support of writers, artists, and readers.

As ASFS enters this new chapter, the organization welcomes donations and partnerships to sustain the Nommo Awards and its broader work in education, advocacy, and creative collaboration. For more information, visit www.africansfs.com.

Congratulations to all the winners and finalists!