The Caine Prize for African Writing has a reason to celebrate as it marks its 25th anniversary with the announcement of Zimbabwean author NoViolet Bulawayo as the recipient of the prestigious 2025 Best of Caine Award. This accolade is bestowed upon her gripping short story, “Hitting Budapest,” which originally earned her the Caine Prize in 2011.

The announcement was made during the inaugural Words Across Waters Afro Lit Festival on Saturday, by Ellah Wakatama OBE, Chair of the Caine Prize. This year’s judging panel, presided over by Nobel Laureate Prof. Abdulrazak Gurnah, included acclaimed authors and cultural figures such as Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi and film producer Tony Tagoe.

 Prof. Gurnah said, “It was a tremendously impressive collection of stories to read through, but the decision to award the Best of Caine Prize to NoViolet Bulawayo was unanimous and swift. The judges were impressed with the control of voice the story demonstrated and the superb evocation of a childhood vision.”

Expressing her gratitude upon accepting the award, NoViolet Bulawayo reflected on her journey as a writer, stating, “Winning the Caine Prize as an unpublished writer back in 2011 was truly the kind of defining highlight to jumpstart a career, it brought my work to a global audience, affirmed my literary path, and strengthened my confidence and commitment to writing.”

Bulawayo further highlighted the significance of the Best of Caine Award as a moment of reflection on her literary evolution: “Now, receiving the Best of Caine Award these many years later feels like a moment to reflect on the journey. I warmly congratulate the twenty-four remarkable winning authors and finalists whose works have helped define the prize up to this moment.”

Since its inception, the Caine Prize has been instrumental in nurturing and promoting African literature, offering writers unparalleled opportunities for visibility and professional development, including publishing deals and writing fellowships. Bulawayo’s own story is a testament to this legacy, as she has emerged as a voice of significant impact within the global literary community.

“This is twenty-five years of consistency, excellence, and vision – our present is vibrant, and the future promises even more,” Bulawayo remarked, dedicating her award to the emerging voices that will shape the future of African literature.

“I am truly excited to read you all and witness how you continue to shape the landscape of African literature.”

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