Jordan only Nigerian on 2026 Caine Prize shortlist
By Adeola Ogunrinde
Nigerian writer Akinwande Jordan is the only Nigerian among the five writers shortlisted for the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing, with his short story, “So Long Now It’s Starting To Look Like Eternity,” making the final list.
The shortlist, recently announced by the Caine Prize, was selected from 407 entries submitted from 27 African countries, representing a significant increase in submissions compared with the 2024 edition. The winner of the prize will receive £10,000.
Jordan’s shortlisted story was published in February 2026 in “A House That’s Not A Home,” an anthology released by Naira Books, an imprint of Nigerian publishing firm Naira Publishers.
The story centres on the failing marriage of two University of Lagos professors of mathematics and literature, exploring the communication gaps and emotional tensions that complicate their relationship.
Reacting to his inclusion on the shortlist on Thursday, Jordan described the recognition as surreal and said he was deeply honoured. “I feel validated, humbled and extremely elated. I do not regard this as the apogee of my literary career, but it affirms that my attempts to learn from writers I admire have not been futile,” he said.
The other shortlisted writers are Gladwell Pamba of Kenya for “The Last Shop,” Melara Mvogdobo of Cameroon for “Dieu Merci!,” Yasmine Zohdi of Egypt for “The Absence of Stains” and Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza of Zimbabwe for “The Blue Fighter.”
The Chair of Judges for the 2026 prize, journalist Bola Mosuro, said the shortlisted stories stood out for their originality, adding that the writers delivered powerful narratives that were poignant, shocking, moving and, in some cases, quirky.
Similarly, the Chair of the Caine Prize Board of Trustees, Ellah Wakatama OBE, expressed appreciation to the publishers for their commitment to producing and providing platforms for the five diverse stories. She said the shortlist reflected the breadth and quality of contemporary African writing.
