The finalists for the 2026 Prix Ivoire for African Literature in Francophone Expression have been announced, with five writers from across the continent making the shortlist for one of Francophone Africa’s notable literary prizes.

The finalists were revealed on Friday, August 21, following the assessment of 46 entries submitted from 13 countries.

More commonly known simply as the Prix Ivoire, the award recognizes works of African literature published or translated into French by African writers, as well as works produced by publishers based on the continent or in the diaspora. Founded in 2008 by Akwaba Culture, an Ivorian cultural association, the prize is open to writers from Africa and its diaspora.

According to Writing Africa, the winner receives a cash prize of two million CFA francs (approximately €3,000), a trophy, and an invitation to attend the Geneva Book Fair. The prize is supported by the Côte d’Ivoire Ministry of Culture, the International Organization of La Francophonie, the French Embassy in Abidjan, and the Librairie de France Group.

The award has previously gone to writers including Véronique Tadjo, who won in 2025, Azza Filali (2024), Jennifer Richard (2023), Sami Tchak (2022), Blaise Ndala (2021), Isabelle Rochet (2019), Gauz (2018), Johary Ravaloson (2017), Marijosé Alie (2016), Kettly Mars (2015), Bahaa Trabelsi (2014), Hemley Boum (2013), Mariama N’doye (2012), Frédéric Grah Mel (2011), Elisabeth Ewombè-Moundo (2010), Tiburce Koffi (2009), and Racine Kane, the prize’s inaugural winner in 2008.

For the 2026 edition, the 46 submissions were reviewed by a preliminary jury chaired by critic Michel Koffi. The jury also included bookseller Solange Anoh and critics Serge Grah, Koffi Koffi, and Henri N’koumo.

Five titles emerged from the first round:

  • Espoir by Djaïli Amadou Amal (Cameroon), published by Éditions Emmanuelle Collas
  • Né sur des pissenlits by Jocelyn Danga (Democratic Republic of the Congo), published by Éditions Elyzad
  • La Fabrique du merveilleux by Nétonon Noël Ndjékéry (Chad), published by Hélice Hélas Éditions
  • Yaay! by Célia Sanchez (Senegal), published by L’Harmattan Sénégal
  • Ceux qui parlent fort by Ephrem Youkpo (Côte d’Ivoire), published by Eyo Éditions

The five finalists will now face the final jury, chaired by writer and playwright Werewere Liking-Gnépo. The winner will be announced in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on October 30, 2026.