The finalists for the 2026 Prix Ivoire for African Literature in Francophone Expression have been announced, with five writers from across Africa shortlisted for the continent’s prominent Francophone literary prize. The selection was made from 46 entries submitted from 13 countries. The finalists are Djaïli Amadou Amal of Cameroon for Espoir, Jocelyn Danga of the Democratic Republic of the Congo for Né sur des pissenlits, Nétonon Noël Ndjékéry of Chad for La Fabrique du merveilleux, Célia Sanchez of Senegal for Yaay!, and Ephrem Youkpo of Côte d’Ivoire for Ceux qui parlent fort.

Founded in 2008 by the Ivorian cultural association Akwaba Culture, the Prix Ivoire recognizes African literary works published or translated into French by African writers, as well as works produced by publishers based on the continent or in the diaspora. The winner will receive two million CFA francs (approximately €3,000), a trophy, and an invitation to attend the Geneva Book Fair. For this year’s edition, the preliminary jury was chaired by critic Michel Koffi and included bookseller Solange Anoh and critics Serge Grah, Koffi Koffi, and Henri N’koumo. The award has previously gone to writers including Véronique Tadjo, Azza Filali, Jennifer Richard, Sami Tchak, and Blaise Ndala.

The five finalists will now proceed to the final stage of the competition under a jury chaired by writer and playwright Werewere Liking-Gnépo. Their works bring together five literary voices from Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire, reflecting the geographical breadth of contemporary African writing in French. The 2026 Prix Ivoire winner will be announced in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, on October 30.

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