Nigerian literary icon Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has added another feather to her already illustrious cap after receiving the Sjöjungfrun (Mermaid) Award at the 2025 Gothenburg Book Fair — a prize that celebrates international authors whose works have deeply resonated with Swedish readers.
The Mermaid Award, introduced in 2024 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Gothenburg Book Fair, draws its inspiration from a unique Swedish literary symbol — the image of a reading mermaid found in the country’s first printed book in 1483. The award, now one of Sweden’s most talked-about literary recognitions, represents imagination, curiosity, and the uniting power of storytelling.
According to the Book Fair’s jury, Adichie was chosen for “bringing new perspectives on identity, feminism, and belonging into contemporary literature,” and for her unmatched ability to “bridge the personal and the political” through storytelling.
Adichie’s celebrated novels — Purple Hibiscus, Half of a Yellow Sun, and Americanah — have made her one of Africa’s most influential literary voices. Her powerful essay, We Should All Be Feminists, continues to spark global dialogue on gender equality and modern feminism.
Accepting the award in Gothenburg, Adichie said she was “deeply honoured to receive an award that celebrates imagination and empathy.”
“I am equally moved by the rich literary symbolism of the mermaid and by the knowledge that my work has resonated so deeply with Swedish readers,” she added.
Adichie’s win transcends personal achievement — it represents a major step for African literature in Europe’s cultural circles.
African storytelling on the world stage: The award highlights the universal reach of Nigerian narratives and the continued influence of African writers in global literature.
Cultural diplomacy through art: It underscores how literature can build bridges between continents, merging Nordic literary heritage with African creativity.
A milestone in her career: The Mermaid Award joins Adichie’s long list of global recognitions, including the Felix Jud Prize in Germany and The Sunday Times Award for Literary Excellence in the UK.
Adichie’s recognition could spark new interest in her works across the Nordic region, expanding translation projects, university studies, and literary collaborations.
The award may also encourage other global literary institutions to spotlight African authors as central voices in world literature.
For Adichie, the Mermaid Award is more than a personal triumph — it’s a testament to the power of stories to connect cultures and challenge perspectives. As she continues to write and inspire a generation of readers, her voice remains a bridge between continents — and between imagination and reality.
In essence, Chimamanda Adichie’s Mermaid Award win isn’t just a literary honour — it’s a celebration of Africa’s enduring contribution to the world’s cultural conversation.
