An Ely schoolgirl has received global recognition for her remarkable literary talent and leadership, winning a major award at the 2025 Forbes Women Africa Awards in South Africa.
Hephzibah Akinwale, aged 12, was awarded the Next Generation Award, making her one of the youngest ever recipients of the accolade. The award celebrates visionary young talents who are already making waves in their fields, and is presented in partnership with Visa.
Hephzibah, a pupil at Little Thetford Primary School, said she was “over the moon” to receive the honour. The Forbes panel praised her as “the future of African literature,” applauding her ability to spark a movement for young African voices in storytelling.
A Literary Record-Breaker
Hephzibah first captured international attention at the age of 10 when her debut novel, Chronicles of the Time Keepers: Whisked Away, was recognised by the International Book of Records as the longest fiction novel written by a child, clocking in at an astonishing 58,000 words.
She has since won multiple awards, including the 12+ years category of the Reach for the Stars story competition, judged by best-selling author Robin Stevens. Her impact continues to grow with a second book on the way—a powerful collection titled No Approval Needed, featuring quotes and stories celebrating BAME girls.
The Forbes Women Africa Awards ceremony took place at the annual Leading Women Summit on 5 March, drawing influential women leaders from across the continent.
Hephzibah’s message to other young creatives is simple yet powerful:
If you can imagine it, you can write it. And if you can write it, you can change the world.
Cambridgeshire may be home to this young author, but her stories—and her voice—are already echoing far beyond.
