‍New prize strengthens the visibility, circulation, and impact of French books, ensuring that stories written in French by African publishers reach more readers across the continent and beyond

Nairobi, Kenya, 11 October 2025 – Four French titles received prizes during the inaugural award of Prix de l’édition jeunesse africaine, a new literary prize dedicated to celebrating excellence in French-language children’s publishing in Africa. 

Maua Books, an imprint of eKitabu, is behind the new literary prize, which is designed to build vital bridges between Francophone and Anglophone communities.

The prize was born out of the Forum des éditeurs jeunesse d’afrique (FEJA) held in Lomé, Togo, where African publishers of children’s books came together to champion children’s literature and spotlight the urgent need for more diverse, high-quality books for young readers across the continent. Building on that foundation, Prix de l’édition jeunesse africaine seeks to elevate the visibility of French-language African stories, support publishers in reaching new markets, and nurture a culture of reading for enjoyment and leisure across Africa.

“Prix de l’édition jeunesse africaine is an inspiring example of how collaboration can elevate African stories,” said Olivia Deroint, Director of Alliance Française de Nairobi. “It highlights the strength, creativity, and professionalism of African publishers and deepens the literary ties between Anglophone Africa and the Francophone world. This is how we build a solid global future for children’s literature.”

The inaugural award ceremony was held on 24th September 2025 at the Nairobi International Book Fair, gathering students, teachers, authors, publishers, and cultural institutions. Alongside honouring outstanding titles in categories such as picture books, middle grade, and young adult, the event also unveiled the official prize badge of recognition, which will appear on winning and shortlisted books.

While Ludo le Dodo by Celine Chowa  won the Premières lectures award category, Fatou et le secret d’anniversaire by Laurence Marianne led in the Roman jeunesse category. The winner in the Roman ado category was Il faut vaincre Trimobe by Andrea Razafi, while L’imagier de Tikoulou illustrated by Henry Koombes was awarded Mention spéciale. 

“This prize is much more than an award; it’s about creating connections,” said Will Clurman, CEO of eKitabu, emphasizing that Africa has more French speakers than English speakers, and that it is therefore “essential to build stronger bridges between Francophone and Anglophone Africa.”

Prix de l’édition jeunesse africaine is a landmark initiative in recognising and celebrating French-language children’s books published in Africa. By elevating these works, the prize strengthens their visibility, circulation, and impact, ensuring that stories written in French by African publishers reach more readers across the continent and beyond. At the same time, it opens new pathways for dialogue and collaboration between Francophone and Anglophone publishing communities, affirming the vital role of language and literature in uniting Africa’s diverse voices.

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