The Norval Foundation and The Sovereign Art Foundation (SAF) have announced the 29 artists shortlisted for the 2025 Norval Sovereign African Art Prize (NSAAP).

This prestigious annual award, sponsored by Schroders. celebrates contemporary artists from Africa and its diaspora.

Kondi Nkosi, Country Head of South Africa at Schroders, commented on the partnership: “Schroders is thrilled to sponsor this esteemed award in collaboration with Norval Foundation and SAF. 

“The award does an excellent job of promoting contemporary African art on the world stage and raising money for arts education programmes in Africa.”

“As a global investment manager with a strong local presence and a deep respect for Africa’s rich cultural diversity, we are proud to support the careers and international visibility of these talented artists, as well as advance art-based education for African learners.”

A prestigious selection panel

A panel of independent arts professionals, including curators, collectors, writers, and academics, nominated artists for the prize.

From these nominations, the finalists—representing 18 nationalities—were selected by five distinguished art experts, namely: Raphael Chikukwa, Executive Director of the National Gallery of Zimbabwe; Tim Marlow, Chief Executive and Director of the Design Museum, UK; Same Mdluli, Artist, Art Historian, Curator, and Writer; Thato Mogotsi, Curator of Contemporary Art at Zeitz MOCAA; and Simon Njami, Independent Curator, Lecturer, Art Critic, and Novelist.

Finalists exhibition and public vote

The shortlisted artworks will be showcased in a public exhibition at the Norval Foundation from February 4 to April 20. 

Visitors will be invited to vote for their favorite artist, with the most popular artist receiving the public vote prize of US$2,000. 

Online votes will also contribute to the final tally.

Caroline Greyling, Director of the Norval Foundation Museum, expressed excitement about the diverse group of finalists: “We’re thrilled to welcome such an impressive range of artists to the fourth edition of the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize. 

“Over the years, the prize has seen the participation of incredible artists from around the continent, and the 2025 year is no different, which includes 29 artists from 18 African countries,” Greyling said.

“This competition is dedicated to showcasing Africa’s incredible artistic talent, and we believe the 2025 edition will continue that legacy.”

The grand prize and new FAMM women’s prize

The Norval Sovereign African Art Prize aims to elevate the careers of leading contemporary African artists. 

The grand prize, awarded to the artist selected by the panel of judges, includes a cash award of US$35,000 and a solo exhibition at the Norval Foundation in Cape Town.

In an exciting addition this year, the FAMM Women’s Prize will be awarded to the highest-rated female artist (excluding the Grand Prize winner). 

The recipient will receive US$5,000 in cash, generously sponsored by Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins (FAMM). 

Christian Levett of FAMM said of this inaugural element of the prize: “At FAMM, our mission is to restore the place that women artists deserve in art history, while championing the work of contemporary female creators. 

“We aim to build an inclusive art history that celebrates cultural diversity and enriches the global narrative. 

Levett said supporting the FAMM Women’s Prize within the Norval Sovereign African Art Prize embodies this commitment, which allows to honour and elevate female artists in Africa whose work tells compelling stories of resilience, identity, and innovation. 

In partnership with Norval and SAF, whose mission is to foster opportunities for African artists and support arts education, we’re proud to help create a more equitable and vibrant future for women in art.”

An online auction will take place from February 4 to March 13, with a launch event on February 4.

The winners will be announced on February 18.

Main Image: Supplied