A selection of the best Kenyan, Nigerian and black diaspora writing from 2025 – and some to look out for next year
F
rom the richness of Nigeria’s modern literary scene, to the thriving publishing ecosystem of Kenya and the booming creativity coming from black British and African American writers, we asked an African publishing house, a UK bookshop dedicated to black authors and Nairobi’s oldest bookshop for some recommendations on what to read in the coming year.
Rhoda Nuhu is the content and marketing manager of Cassava Republic Press in Abuja, Nigeria . She has chosen her favourite books due to come out in 2026, including those being released in paperback and two “wonderful” children’s books by Nigerian authors.
A Bouncy 123 by Sade Fadipe will be out in June Adanah and her friend Kolade go running around their village in this colourful picture book set in Nigeria, which captures all the fun of playing outdoors. Written by Sade Fadipe, a Nigerian primary schoolteacher and early reading expert who lives and teaches in the UK.
