For publishers, this shortlist is a treasure trove of untold narratives – proof that Africa’s business renaissance is only just beginning to be documented.
The Business Council for Africa (BCA), in partnership with BrandComms and African Business, has unveiled the shortlist for the 2025 BCA Business Book of the Year Awards, now in its third year.
This prestigious award recognises outstanding works that highlight Africa’s entrepreneurial spirit, economic innovation, and resilience, bridging the gap between business success and storytelling.
This year’s shortlist reflects the continent’s dynamic business landscape, featuring titles on capital market reforms, African infrastructure, manufacturing, and even the economics of skit-making – a burgeoning digital content industry in Nigeria. The selection highlights Africa’s diverse economic drivers, from traditional sectors to emerging digital economies.
Skit-Making? Yeah, I Had To Look It Up Too
A skit is a short, humorous, or satirical performance, often shared digitally. In Nigeria, skit-making has evolved into a lucrative industry, with creators leveraging platforms like Instagram and TikTok to produce viral content.
Bell Ihua’s shortlisted book, How Nigeria’s Comedy Skit-Makers Are Redefining Africa’s Digital Content Landscape, explores how these creators are economic disruptors, generating revenue, jobs, and even influencing global perceptions of African creativity.
Business Literature Matters!
Arnold Ekpe, Chair of the Judging Committee and former Ecobank CEO, emphasises that Africa’s business stories remain undervalued: “We are paying a premium for poor storytelling. Despite leading in tech, fashion, and finance, our narratives are still untold.”
The awards aim to shift perceptions, proving that African business literature is not just informative but essential for global investors, policymakers, and entrepreneurs.
The 2025 Shortlist: A Snapshot
The ten shortlisted books include:
Africonomics: A History of Western Ignorance and African Economics – Bronwen Everill
In Her Hands: Shaping the Future of Manufacturing in Africa – Demi Samande
The Traveller: Crossing Borders and Connecting Africa – Thebe Ikalafeng
How Nigeria’s Comedy Skit-Makers Are Redefining Digital Content – Bell Ihua.
Looking Ahead
Collaboration is key: BCA’s partnerships with media and business leaders amplify reach.
Awards drive visibility: highlighting African voices can reshape global economic discourse.
The winner, to be announced on 4 July in London, will receive $10,000, with runners−up awarded $5,000 and $2,500.
Past winners, like How Africa Trades and Ethiopian Airlines: The African Aviation Powerhouse, have set benchmarks for insightful business analysis.
The View From The Beach
Africa’s business stories are ripe for exploration, with niche topics, not least skit economics, offering fresh angles.
For publishers, this shortlist is a treasure trove of untold narratives – proof that Africa’s business renaissance is only just beginning to be documented.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
