Young Literary Prodigy Hephzibah Akinwale Shines Bright at Forbes Awards
In an inspiring display of young talent, 11-year-old Hephzibah Akinwale has made headlines as one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious Next Generation Award at the 2025 Forbes Women Africa Awards. The ceremony took place during the Forbes Women Africa Leading Women Summit in South Africa, a vibrant hub of ideas and innovation, on March 5. It’s a significant recognition that celebrates the efforts of youngsters who are paving the way toward a better future.
Hephzibah, who is a bright student at Little Thetford Primary School, expressed her excitement over the accolade, saying she was “over the moon” with joy. This young literary star is renowned not just for her award-winning potential but also for her significant contributions to children’s literature. Her debut novel, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, made waves in 2023 when it was recognized by the International Book of Records as the longest work of fiction written by a child author. And she achieved all of this before she even turned 11!
This isn’t the only accolade in her growing portfolio. Hephzibah also claimed victory in the 12+ years category of the “Reach for the Stars” story competition, an initiative showcasing the creativity of youth and headed by best-selling author Robin Stevens. Currently, she is channeling her creativity into a new collection titled No Approval Needed, which aims to uplift and empower BAME girls through inspirational quotes and heartfelt stories.
Hephzibah’s journey is not merely about accolades; she embodies the spirit of resilience and creativity that today’s youth represent. Her story serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for other young talents throughout the African continent and beyond. It underscores the importance of nurturing creativity, regardless of age.
As she continues to push boundaries in the literary world, we can’t wait to see what future endeavors await this brilliant young girl. Her journey is a reminder that age is no barrier to making a lasting impact.
For more inspiring stories and updates on talents like Hephzibah, check out Africazine.
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