Hemley BoumWinner of the 2025 Francophonie 5 Continents Prize for her novel Le rêve du pêcheur (Gallimard, France)

A Cameroonian writer born in Douala and based in Paris, Hemley Boum is one of the leading voices in contemporary French-language literature. Her works, translated into several languages, explore the themes of exile, memory, the complexity of identities, and family relationships.  

Her latest novel, Le rêve du pêcheur (Gallimard, France), takes us from a coastal village in Cameroon to Paris. The story follows Zacharias, a fisherman troubled by the arrival of a logging company, and his grandson Zack, a refugee who has become a psychologist in France. A story of kinship, exile, and identity, recognized for its power and poetry.  

Created by the International Organization of La Francophonie in 2001, the Prix des 5 continents de la Francophonie aims to promote cultural and literary diversity within the French-speaking world.  

Awarded annually, this prize reflects the vibrancy of Francophone literary creation, promotes the international dissemination of often little-known authors, and reflects the OIF's mission to support the French language while promoting cultural diversity. The winner receives a cash prize and promotional support for a whole year, with the OIF ensuring their participation in literary gatherings, events, and international fairs in order to promote their work. 

Since 2001, renowned authors such as Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio and Vénus Khoury Ghata have served on the jury. Currently chaired by Tunisian-French writer Fawzia Zouari, the jury reflects the diversity of authors from five continents: Monique Proulx (Canada-Quebec), Liliana Lazar (Romania), Mohamed Mbougar Sarr (Senegal), Sami Tchak (Togo), Michel Choueiri (Lebanon, International Association of Francophone Booksellers), Aqill Gopee (Mauritius, for the Young Writer's Prize), as well as two winners from the previous edition, Éric Chacour (Egypt-Quebec) and Khalid Lyamlahy (Morocco).