The 7th African Writers Conference and Awards, set to take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from October 22 to 27, 2024, promises to be an extraordinary event for writers, readers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts across the continent. Organized by the African Writers Development Trust (AWDT) in partnership with Writers Space Africa (WSA) and the Writers Space Africa – Rwanda Chapter (WSA-R), this year’s conference will bring together a diverse array of voices to celebrate the power and potential of African literature. With a focus on African children’s literature and its role in shaping the minds and identities of future generations, this conference stands as a critical milestone in the evolution of African storytelling.
Since its inception in 2018, the African Writers Conference has become one of the continent’s most significant literary events. The inaugural edition, held in Abuja, Nigeria, laid the foundation for a new movement in African literature, with a theme that highlighted the fight for the girl child. Over the years, the conference has taken on new dimensions and deeper significance. In Nairobi in 2019, attendees discussed how cultural stereotypes could be rewritten for a modern readership, while the hybrid gathering in Lusaka in 2020 focused on the theme of African identity, offering an innovative blend of virtual and in-person engagement amidst the global pandemic. The following year, Dar es Salaam hosted discussions on the future of African literature, attracting the participation of acclaimed figures such as Richard Mabala. In 2022, Douala, Cameroon, became the site of a hopeful conversation about writing Africa’s future, while last year, Accra, Ghana, played host to an event that brought together major literary institutions and thought leaders in African literature.
This year, the conference will continue its tradition of transformative themes with “The Role of African Children’s Literature in Shaping the Youths.” The emphasis on children’s literature is timely and critical, as the youth of Africa are faced with challenges that demand new narratives and fresh perspectives. Literature can play a crucial role in shaping values, instilling a sense of cultural pride, and influencing how young people see themselves in the world. In focusing on the stories told to children, the 2024 AWC seeks to explore how African storytelling can lay the foundation for a future grounded in cultural identity, social justice, and creativity.
One of the most anticipated aspects of the conference is the African Writers Awards ceremony, which will recognize outstanding contributions to African literature in various categories. These prestigious awards have become a focal point of the conference, celebrating excellence in both emerging and established writers. This year, there will be four major awards. The African Teen Writers Awards, under the theme “A Right to Peace,” will honor young African poets and prose writers with cash prizes of $100 each for the best poetry and prose entries, while the runners-up will receive certificates. This award, sponsored by Nahida Esmail, aims to encourage young talent and cultivate a new generation of literary voices committed to peace and positive change.
Another highlight is the Wakini Kuria Prize for Children’s Literature, now in its sixth year. With the theme “Guardians of Peace,” this award seeks to spotlight the often-overlooked genre of children’s literature, which is critical in shaping the minds of Africa’s youth. The winning author will receive $200, while the first and second runners-up will receive $150 and $100, respectively. Like the Teen Writers Awards, this prize is also sponsored by Nahida Esmail, a significant contributor to the development of African children’s literature.
The most prestigious award of the event is the African Writers Awards for Short Stories, now in its seventh year. This category recognizes the very best in African short fiction, and the grand prize of $500 will go to the author whose work best exemplifies the rich tradition and innovation of African storytelling. Sponsored by Anthony ‘PenBoss’ Onugba, this award has consistently highlighted the remarkable talents emerging from across the continent, providing them with not only recognition but also an international platform.
In addition, the Wanjohi Prize for African Poetry will be introduced for the first time this year. This prize is a tribute to Benny Wanjohi, a renowned figure in African poetry, whose legacy continues to inspire writers. The winner of this prize will receive $100, while the first runner-up will take home $50. The introduction of this prize reflects the increasing prominence of African poetry on the global stage and the desire to honor those who contribute to its growth.
Beyond the awards, the 2024 AWC will feature a variety of events and activities aimed at fostering dialogue, collaboration, and the celebration of African literary achievements. Creative writing workshops, including those focused on children’s literature, spoken word poetry, and story writing, will provide participants with hands-on training and personalized feedback. These workshops are expected to be highly engaging, as they will be limited to 15 trainees each, ensuring that participants can benefit fully from the experience.
The conference will also include panel discussions on a range of important topics, including the development of African literature, the role of children’s stories in shaping youth, and the influence of artificial intelligence on creative writing. These discussions, led by experts in the field, will offer fresh perspectives and insights into the future of African literature, providing attendees with the knowledge and inspiration to push their creative boundaries.
Participants will have ample opportunities to network and build meaningful connections with fellow writers and literary professionals through events such as the Writers Mingle and the Writers Space Africa Picnic. The Writers Mingle, in particular, is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas, foster collaboration, and strengthen the bonds within the African literary community.
Additionally, a book exhibition will feature the latest works of African authors, offering a space for both established and emerging writers to showcase their talents. Attendees will have the chance to explore and purchase books, further promoting a culture of reading and a love for African literature. The entertainment segments of the conference, including captivating spoken word poetry, storytelling performances, and theatre, will add a dynamic cultural flair, showcasing Africa’s rich storytelling traditions in a lively and engaging way.
As the 7th African Writers Conference approaches, the excitement surrounding it continues to grow. It offers not only a celebration of African literature but also a critical platform for addressing the role of storytelling in shaping the future. With its focus on children’s literature, the conference underscores the importance of early engagement with culturally relevant narratives that reflect the diversity and richness of African experiences. Kigali, a city known for its beauty and cultural vibrancy, will provide a fitting backdrop for this gathering of Africa’s literary minds.
By the end of this week-long event, it is expected that participants will leave not only inspired but also more connected to the African literary scene, ready to contribute to the growing body of work that defines African literature today and for future generations. The African Writers Conference and Awards continue to be a beacon for literary excellence, and this year’s event in Rwanda will undoubtedly build on its legacy of fostering creativity, collaboration, and cultural pride across the continent.
