Africa-Press – Namibia. Auleria Wakudumo
ONGWEDIVA – A young Namibian author Jobina Shovaleka (13) made history on Saturday at the inaugural African Authors Recognition Awards (AARA) after scooping three major continental honours, becoming the most celebrated author of the ceremony.
Shovaleka, the author of ‘The Aliens’, walked away with the titles ‘Best Children’s Literature’, ‘Best Female Author in Africa 2025’, and ‘The prestigious Author of the Year 2025’, making her one of the youngest writers ever to claim top honours in a continental competition of this scale.
She emerged the winner among authors from Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Sudan and Eswatini.
Shovaleka said her victory was a payoff for her late nights and hard work.
“I dedicate this achievement to my fellow Namibians who have supported me throughout the journey and my relatives for always being on my side,” she said.
The awards ceremony, held at Galaxy Hotel in Ongwediva, marked a ground-breaking moment in African authors, bringing together writers from across the continent for the first event of its kind.
Co-founder of AARA Victoria Haihambo describe the night as historic, not only for the winners, but for African storytelling.
“Tonight is truly special, because we are not just hosting an event. We are marking the beginning of a new chapter in African literature,” she said.
She stated that AARA was created to recognise, celebrate and inspire.
“When you recognise a writer, you give them the courage to continue. You give their stories a chance to travel,” she said.
She highlighted the importance of supporting authors, who often work silently and tirelessly without recognition.
Haihambo highlighted the diversity of participation.
AARA received 124 submissions from across Africa, including Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Sudan and Eswatini.
Over 60 authors were shortlisted, and 27 nominees were officially revealed on 20 October 2025.
Between 23 October and 20 November, readers across the continent cast 6 924 online votes, reflecting the growing appetite for African stories.
The AARA honoured outstanding writers in six primary categories as well as the three major continental awards.
The winners are:
Other Categories:
Best Young Emerging Writer: Chuchu Majok Wel Aler (South Sudan).
Best Fiction: Francis Kojo Antwi (Ghana).
Best Inspirational Writing: Pamela Phiri (South Africa).
Best Non-Fiction: Colisile Tfwala (Eswatini).
Best Debut Author: Priscilla Ayuen (South Sudan).
Best Male Author: Kingsford Amankwaah Reginald (Ghana).
Haihambo affirmed that the awards would become an annual event aligned with Namibia’s national development agenda, including knowledge-based growth, youth empowerment, digital transformation and the strengthening of creative industries.
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