African literature continues to move from bookshelves to cinema and television, with several acclaimed novels being developed for the screen. These adaptations span fantasy, romance, family drama and stories about identity and migration.

1. Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Tomi Adeyemi’s bestselling fantasy novel is being adapted into a major Paramount film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood. Set in the fictional kingdom of Orïsha, the story follows Zélie, a young woman fighting to restore magic after it is suppressed by the ruling monarchy. The film features Thuso Mbedu, Amandla Stenberg, Damson Idris, Viola Davis, Idris Elba, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. The adaptation is scheduled for a theatrical and IMAX release on January 15, 2027, bringing Adeyemi’s West African-inspired fantasy world to a global cinema audience.

2. The Secret Lives of Baba Segi’s Wives by Lola Shoneyin

Lola Shoneyin’s acclaimed Nigerian novel is being adapted into a feature film by EbonyLife Films, in partnership with Genesis and other Nigerian cinema companies. The story follows Baba Segi, a wealthy man with four wives, whose carefully maintained household begins to unravel when a new wife joins the family. The adaptation is directed by Daniel Oriahi and features Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Ademoye, Mercy Aigbe, Iyabo Ojo and Omowunmi Dada. The film is scheduled for a global theatrical release in December 2026, bringing one of contemporary Nigerian literature’s most recognisable family stories to cinemas.

The novel has already made the transition to the stage, with a stage adaptation previously presented in Lagos. Shoneyin has also discussed the inspiration behind the novel and the story that eventually led her to write it.

3. Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson

Caleb Azumah Nelson’s debut novel Open Water is being adapted into an eight-part BBC drama series. The story follows Marcus, a young Black photographer, and Effie, a dancer, whose friendship gradually develops into a romantic relationship. Set against London’s creative scene, the novel explores love, art, masculinity, race and vulnerability. Toheeb Jimoh and Dujonna Gift lead the television adaptation, while Nelson serves as lead writer and director. Filming has taken place in Birmingham and London, with the BBC announcing first-look images from the production. The series is expected to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2027.

4. Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s Americanah is once again being developed for television. The 2013 novel follows Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman who moves to the United States and navigates questions of race, identity, love, and belonging before eventually returning to Nigeria. The book previously had a planned HBO Max adaptation starring Lupita Nyong’o, but that version did not proceed. In 2026, Canal+ included Americanah among its African projects in development, putting the novel back into active screen-development conversations. The latest project does not yet have a confirmed cast, production date or release date.

The novel’s earlier adaptation plans included Lupita Nyong’o and Danai Gurira and were also announced as a television series.

5. You Made a Fool of Death with Your Beauty by Akwaeke Emezi

Akwaeke Emezi’s bestselling romance novel is being developed as a film by Amazon Studios and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society. The story centres on Feyi, a Nigerian artist living in Brooklyn who is trying to rebuild her life after losing her husband. When she begins dating again, she finds herself drawn into a complicated relationship involving an older man and his family. The novel explores grief, desire, ar