Lesotho to Host the 8th African Writers Conference in 2025
Maseru, Lesotho – 1 February, 2025
The African Writers Conference (AWC), one of the continent’s most prestigious literary gatherings, will hold its eighth edition in Maseru, Lesotho, from October 27 to November 2, 2025. Organized by the African Writers Development Trust (AWDT) in partnership with Writers Space Africa (WSA), the conference will bring together writers, publishers, literary enthusiasts, and cultural leaders under the theme, “Celebrating African Narratives: Uniting Cultures and Empowering Creatives.”
Building on the success of the 2024 edition in Kigali, Rwanda, where discussions focused on the role of children’s literature in shaping young minds, the 2025 conference will expand the conversation to the power of African storytelling in uniting diverse cultures and equipping creatives for the global literary landscape. The event will feature panel discussions, creative writing workshops, book exhibitions, networking sessions, and cultural performances, providing a platform for African voices to engage in meaningful dialogue.
The key highlight of the conference will be the African Writers Awards, which recognize and celebrate excellence in African literature. Following last year’s outstanding winners—including Ghana’s Elizabeth Dwamena-Asare for short stories and Kenya’s Grace Thuo for children’s literature—this year’s awards are expected to attract an even wider pool of talent from across the continent.
Lesotho, a country known for its rich oral traditions and literary heritage, is an ideal host for this edition. The conference will not only celebrate Basotho literature but also foster collaborations among African writers, further strengthening the continent’s literary ecosystem.
Quotes:
Speaking about the upcoming event, Anthony ‘PenBoss’ Onugba, founder of the African Writers Conference, stated:
“African literature is a unifying force, a bridge between past and future, tradition and innovation. The 2025 AWC in Maseru will celebrate the power of African narratives and their ability to inspire, educate, and connect communities across borders.”
Writers Space Africa – Lesotho Chapter Chairperson, Mosa Mojonothoane added:
“Hosting the African Writers Conference is a significant moment for Lesotho. It presents an opportunity to highlight our unique storytelling traditions while engaging with the broader African literary community.”
Call to Action:
Writers, publishers, educators, and literary enthusiasts are encouraged to mark their calendars and participate in this landmark event. More details, including award categories, submission deadlines, and registration information, will be announced in the coming months.
For press inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or general information, please contact:
Email: info@africanwritersconference.com
Website: www.africanwritersconference.com
About the African Writers Conference (AWC)
The African Writers Conference (AWC) is an annual literary event organized by the African Writers Development Trust (AWDT) in partnership with Writers Space Africa (WSA). Since its inception in 2018, AWC has served as a platform for African writers to engage in literary discourse, promote cultural heritage, and celebrate the richness of African storytelling.
Read – From Stories to Leaders: Reflections from the 7th African Writers Conference in Rwanda