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This is a list of prominent and notable writers from Africa. It includes poets, novelists, children's writers, essayists, and scholars, listed by country.

Algeria

See: List of Algerian writers

Angola

See: List of Angolan writers

Benin

See: List of Beninese writers

Botswana

• Unity Dow (1959–), judge, human rights activist, writer and minister of basic education
• Bessie Head (1937–1986), novelist and short-story writer born in South Africa
• Leetile Disang Raditladi (1910–1971), playwright and poet
• Barolong Seboni (1957–), poet and academic

Burkina Faso

See: List of Burkinabé writers

Burundi

• Esther Kamatari (1951–)
• Ketty Nivyabandi (1978–)
• Gaël Faye (1982–)

Cameroon

See: List of Cameroonian writers

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

• Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932–), novelist and poet
• Etienne Goyémidé (1942–1997), novelist, poet and short story writer: Le Silence de la Foret
• Blaise N'Djehoya (1953–), novelist
• Cyriaque Robert Yavoucko (1953–), novelist
• Adrienne Yabouza (1965–), novelist

Chad

• Salma Khalil Alio (1982–), poet, short story writer and artist.
• Khayar Oumar Deffalah (c. 1944–), politician and autobiographical writer
• Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960–), economist and writer
• Marie-Christine Koundja (1957–), novelist and diplomat
• Koulsy Lamko (1959–), playwright, poet, novelist and university lecturer
• Joseph Brahim Seid (1927–1980), writer and politician
• Ahmat Taboye, literary critic

Congo (Brazzaville)

See: List of Republic of the Congo writers

Congo (Democratic Republic) – formerly Zaïre

See: List of Democratic Republic of the Congo writers

Côte d'Ivoire

See: List of Ivorian writers

Djibouti

• Waberi Abdourahman (1965–), novelist, poet and academic
• Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972–), French-language novelist

Egypt

See: List of Egyptian writers

Equatorial Guinea

• María Nsué Angüe (1945–2017), novelist and writer
• Justo Bolekia Boleká (1954–), professor and Bubi writer
• Juan Balboa Boneke (1938–2014), politician and writer
• Raquel Ilombé (1938–1992), Spanish-language writer
• Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (1966–), Annobonese writer
• Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo (1950–), writer and journalist

Eritrea

• Hamid Barole Abdu (1953–), non-fiction
• Reesom Haile (2003–), Tigrinya-language poet
• Saba Kidane (1978–), Tigrinya poet
• Hannah Pool (1974–), journalist
• Alemseged Tesfai (1944–), English-language playwright

Ethiopia

• Sahle Selassie (c. 1795–1847)
• Haddis Alemayehu (1910–2003)
• Michael Daniel Ambatchew (1967–2012)
• Āfawarq Gabra Iyasus (1868–1947)
• Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin (1936–2006)
• Moges Kebede
• Tāddasa Lībān
• Tsehay Melaku
• Dinaw Mengestu (1978–)
• Maaza Mengiste (1974–)
• Nega Mezlekia (1958–)
• Martha Nasibù (1931–2020)
• Lemn Sissay (1967–)
• Hama Tuma (1949–)
• Mammo Wudneh (1931–2012)
• Birhānu Zarīhun (1933/4–1987)
• Nega Mezlekia (1958–)

Gabon

• Jean-Baptiste Abessolo (1932–), educator and short story writer
• Peggy Lucie Auleley, French-language poet and novelist
• Bessora (1968–, in Belgium), novelist and short story writer
• Charline Effah (1977–), French-language novelist and educator
• Rene Maran, born near Martinique (1887–1960), poet and novelist
• Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa, French-language poet and novelist
• Justine Mintsa (1967–), French-language novelist
• Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang (1973–), French-language short story writer
• Nadia Origo (1977–), novelist and publisher
• Honorine Ngou (1957–), novelist and academic
• Vincent de Paul Nyonda (1918–1995), playwright
• Maurice Okoumba-Nkoghe (1954–), poet and teacher
• Laurent Owondo (1948–), playwright
• Angèle Ntyugwetondo Rawiri (1954–2010), novelist

The Gambia

Ghana

See: List of Ghanaian writers

Guinea

See: List of Guinean writers

Guinea-Bissau

• Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973), agronomist, writer and politician
• Vasco Cabral (1926–2005)
• José Carlos Schwarz (1949–1977), poet and musician
• Fausto Duarte (1903–1953), from Cape Verde
• Carlos Lopes (1960–)
• Hélder Proença (died 2009)
• Carlos Semedo, poet
• Abdulai Silla (1958–)

Kenya

See: List of Kenyan writers

Lesotho

• David Cranmer Theko Bereng (1900–1974), Sotho poet
• Caroline Ntseliseng Khaketla (1918–2012)
• Simon Majara (1924–), Sotho novelist
• Zakea D. Mangoaela (1883–1963), folklorist
• Thomas Mofolo (1876–1948), novelist
• A. S. Mopeli-Paulus (1913–1960), novelist
• Edward Motsamai (1870–1959), politician and writer
• Kem Edward Ntsane (1920–), Sotho poet and novelist
• Basildon Peta (1972–), journalist
• Everitt Lechesa Segoete (1858–1923), religious and social writer
• Azariele M. Sekese (1849–1930), Basotho author and historian
• Joseph I. F. Tjokosela (c.1911–), Catholic writer and teacher

Liberia

• Edwin Barclay (1882–1955), politician and writer
• Thomas E. Besolow (c.1867–?), autobiographical writer
• Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Sierra Leone), educator, writer, diplomat and politician
• Jeremy Teddy Karn (1996-)
• Roland Tombekai Dempster (1910–1965), poet
• Hawa Jande Golakai (1979–)
• Bai T. Moore (1916–1988), poet, novelist, folklorist and essayist
• Wilton G. S. Sankawulo (1937–2009), politician and author
• Vamba Sherif (1973–)

Libya

• Wafa Albueise (1973–), lawyer and writer
• Sadiq Al-Nayhum (1937–1994), Islamic writer, critic and journalist
• Khalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer
• Ahmed Fagih (1942–2019), novelist
• Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942–2011), politician and occasional novelist
• Ibrahiem El-kouni (1948–), novelist
• Latifa al-Zayyat (1923–1996), activist and novelist

Madagascar

See: List of Malagasy writers

Malawi

• Tito Banda (1950–2014), novelist, academic
• Ezra Jofiya Chadza (1923–1985), poet and novelist
• William Chafulumira (1908–1981), writer on social issues
• Lula Pensulo (b. 1991) author, translator, and poet
• Yesaya Chibambo, author of A Short History of the Ngoni (1933), translated into English by Rev. Charles Stuart.
• Shadreck Chikoti (b. 1979), writer and social activist
• Steve Chimombo (1945–2015), writer, poet, editor and teacher
• Frank Chipasula (b. 1949), poet, writer, editor, publisher and academic
• Reuben Chirambo (d. 2011), scholar of African literature
• Robert Chiwamba, poet
• Tobias Dossi, author of a novel (1958) and humorous short stories (1965) in Chichewa.
• Aloysius Dziko, author of a novel in Chichewa (1965).
• Walije Gondwe (b. 1936), Malawi's first female novelist
• John Gwengwe, author of novels in Chichewa (1965, 1968).
• Aubrey Kachingwe (b. 1926), novelist and short story writer
• Lawrence Kadzitche, short story writer
• Samson Kambalu (b. 1975), artist and autobiographer
• William Kamkwamba (b. 1987), inventor and author
• Gertrude Webster Kamkwatira (1966–2006), playwright
• Whyghtone Kamthunzi (1956–2000), novelist in Chichewa
• Legson Kayira (1942–2012), novelist and autobiographer
• Stanley Onjezani Kenani (b. 1976), writer and poet
• Ken Lipenga (b. 1954), politician, journalist and writer
• John Lwanda (b. 1949), biographer, poet, doctor, publisher
• Qabaniso Malewezi (b. 1979), spoken-word poet
• Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga (b. 1962), poet and broadcaster
• Jack Mapanje (b. 1944), writer and poet
• Emily Mkamanga (b. 1949), novelist and social commentator
• Felix Mnthali (b. 1933), poet, novelist and playwright
• Francis Moto (b. 1952), writer, academic, and diplomat
• Sam Mpasu (b. 1945), novelist and politician; author of prison memoirs
• Edison Mpina (1946–2001), poet
• Ndongolera Mwangupili (b. 1977), poet and short story writer
• George Mwase (c.1885–1962), author of a historical account of the 1915 rebellion, published 1967 (2nd ed. 1970).
• Anthony Nazombe (1955–2004), poet and academic
• Innocent Masina Nkhonyo (b. 1987), short story writer and poet
• Jolly Max Ntaba (1946–1993), novelist in Chichewa and English
• Samuel Josia Ntara or Nthara (1905–1979), novelist and historian
• D.D. Phiri (Desmond Dudwa Phiri), economist, historian and playwright
• Bonwell Kadyankena Rodgers (b. 1991), author, translator and editor
• David Rubadiri (1930–2018), diplomat, academic and poet
• Paul Tiyambe Zeleza (b. 1955), historian, critic and writer
• Barnaba Zingani (b. 1958), novelist in Chichewa and English, teacher.
• Willie Zingani (b. 1954), novelist in English and Chichewa, journalist, poet, playwright
• Tendai M Shaba (b. 1989), author, writer and poet

See: List of Malawian writers

Mali

See: List of Malian writers

Mauritania

• Amadou Oumar Bâ (1917–), poet

* Ibn Razqa (died 1144 AH/1731 AD), poet and scholar

• Moussa Diagana (1946–2018), French-language writer
• Moussa Ould Ebnou (1956–), French-language novelist
• Abderrahmane Sissako (1961–), filmmaker

Mauritius

Morocco

Mozambique

See: List of Mozambican writers

Namibia

Niger

See: List of Nigerien writers

Nigeria

See: List of Nigerian writers

Rwanda

See: List of Rwandan writers

São Tomé and Príncipe

• Olinda Beja (1946–), novelist
• Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright
• Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portuguese-language poet
• Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist
• Conceição Lima (1962–), Portuguese-language poet
• Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portuguese-language poet
• Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010), Portuguese-language poet
• José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poet

Senegal

See: List of Senegalese writers

Seychelles

• Antoine Abel (1934–2004), poet and fable writer

Sierra Leone

See: List of Sierra Leonean writers

Somalia

• Abdi Sheik Abdi (1942–), U.S.-based writer
• Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi, linguist and translator
• Maxamed Daahir Afrax, novelist, playwright and critic
• Elmi Boodhari (1908–1940), poet
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali (1969–), feminist and anti-Islam activist
• Ahmed Ibrahim Artan, diplomat, author and politician
• Jaamac Cumar Ciise (c.1922–2014), historian of Somali oral literature
• Waris Dirie (1965–), model and autobiographical writer
• Salaan Carrabey (1864–1943), poet
• Cristina Ali Farah (1973–), poet and novelist
• Farah Nur (1862–1932), poet and warrior
• Hussein Hasan (d. 1910s), warrior and poet
• Nuruddin Farah (1945–), novelist
• Hadrawi (1943–), poet
• Yaasiin Cismaan Keenadiid (1919–1988), literary scholar
• Abdi Kusow, scholar and writer
• Abdillahi Suldaan Mohammed Timacade (1920–1973), poet
• Nadifa Mohamed (1981–), novelist
• Gaariye (d. 2012), poet
• Mohamed Haji Mukhtar (1947–), historian and scholar
• Rageh Omaar (1967–), journalist
• Abdi Ismail Samatar (1950–), geographer
• Ahmed Ismail Samatar (1950–), writer and academic
• Dada Masiti, Ashraf poet, mystic and Islamic scholar
• Said S. Samatar (1943–), scholar and writer
• Cali Xuseen Xirsi (1946–2005), poet
• Shadya Yasin (1983/4–), poet

South Africa

See: List of South African writers

Sudan

See: List of Sudanese writers

Swaziland

• Modison Salayedvwa Magagula (1958–), playwright
• Stanley Musa N. Matsebula (1958–), economist and writer
• Elias Adam Bateng Mkhonta (1954–2001), novelist
• Sarah Mkhonza (1957–), novelist, short story writer and journalist
• Gladys Lomafu Pato (1930–), short story writer

Tanzania

See: List of Tanzanian writers

Togo

See: List of Togolese writers

Tunisia

See: List of Tunisian writers

Uganda

See: List of Ugandan writers

Western Sahara

• Mohamed Fadel Ismail Ould Es-Sweyih (1958–2002), journalist and politician
• Ahmed Baba Miské (1935–2016), writer, diplomat and politician

Zambia

• Ellen Banda-Aaku (1965–), fiction, children's books
• Jack Avon (1967–), non-fiction, business books
• Kenneth Kaunda (1924–2021), nationalist and writer
• Chibamba Kanyama (1965–), journalist and business writer
• Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922–), diplomat and novelist
• Dominic Mulaisho (1933–2014), novelist
• Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer
• Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist
• Field Ruwe (1955–), educator, historian, media practitioner, author (fiction and non-fiction)
• Namwali Serpell (1980–), fiction
• Monde Sifuniso (1944–), editor, publisher, author (fiction and non-fiction)
• Binwell Sinyangwe (1956–)

Zimbabwe

See: List of Zimbabwean writers

See also

• African Writers Series
• Lists of authors
• International Research Confederacy on African Literature and Culture
• List of Latin American writers

Notes

1. "Ketty Nivyabandi", World Literature Today, March 2014.
2. Acheikh ibn Oumar, Fiche de lecture de: "Fils de nomade, les mémoires du dromadaire" – Khayar Oumar Defallah Archived 2014-01-11 at the Wayback Machine, 11 February 2010.
3. "1ère ÉDITION DES JOURNÉES TCHADIENNES AU SÉNÉGAL: Pour vivifier un héritage culturel". Lematindafrique.com. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
4. "Mouna-Hodan Ahmed: An author from Djibouti writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
5. Charles Cantalupo, Reesom Haile's poetry Archived 2011-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
6. Jane Plastow, "Alemseged Tesfai: a playwright in the service of Eritrean liberation", in Banham et al, African theatre in development, 1999, pp. 54–60.
7. Bouchard, N; Ferme, V (2013). Italy and the Mediterranean: Words, Sounds, and Images of the Post-Cold War Era. Springer. ISBN 978-1137343468.
8. "Peggy Lucie Auleley: lauréate du concours ACCT". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 1999-06-03. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
9. Toman, Cheryl (2016). Women Writers of Gabon: Literature and Herstory. Lexington Books. p. xxviii. ISBN 978-1498537216.
10. "Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
11. "Justine Mintsa: An author from Gabon writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
12. "Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang: An author from Gabon writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 2003-09-19. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
13. Albert S. Gérard, European-Language Writing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Volume 1, p. 286.
14. Margaret Busby (ed.), Daughters of Africa: An International Anthology of Words and Writings by Women of African Descent from the Ancient Egyptian to the Present, London: Jonathan Cape, 1992; Vintage, 1993; pp. 275–276.
15. Suha Taji-Farouki, 'Sadiq Nayhum: An Introduction to the Life and Works of a Contemporary Libyan Intellectual', The Maghreb Review, 25:3–4 (2000), pp. 242 ff.
16. Benghazi-Born Poet Mattawa Reflects on Growing up Under Gadhafi, PBS Newshour, 2 March 2011.
17. Nyasa Times obituary "Malawi writer, media trainer dies: Tito Banda | Malawi Nyasa Times – Malawi breaking news in Malawi". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 8 Sep 2024.
18. Dictionary of African Christian Biography.
19. ^ Janheinz Jahn; Ulla Schild; Almut Nordmann Seiler (1972). Who's who in African Literature: Biographies, Works, Commentaries. Horst Erdmann Verlag. ISBN 978-3-7711-0153-4.
20. "Lula Pensulo Uploads at the Internet Archive". archive.org. Retrieved 8 Sep 2024.
21. B. Pachai, "Samuel Josiah Ntara: Writer and Historian" The Society of Malawi Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 (July, 1968), pp. 60-66; page 60.
22. ^ Killam, Douglas & Ruth Rowe, eds., The Companion to African Literatures. James Currey & Indiana University Press; 2000. ISBN 0-253-33633-3
23. Univ. of South Africa obituary
24. Malawi 24 news 6 Nov 2015
25. ^ Chimombo, Steve, (1987) "Creative Writing in Malawi: A Bibliography" Research in African Literatures, Vol. 18, No. 3, Special Issue on the Concept of National Literature (Autumn, 1987), pp. 336-339
26. Lars Eckstein, ed., English Literatures Across the Globe: A Companion, p. 122-3.
27. "News story about Kadzitche's publications". Archived from the original on 2021-07-25. Retrieved 2021-07-24.
28. Precious Kalolo, "Qabaniso ‘Q’ Malewezi reflects with ‘The Road Taken’" "Timve Magazine » Qabaniso 'Q' Malewezi reflects with 'The Road Taken'". Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 8 September 2014., Timeve Magazine.
29. Alfred Msadala, "A look at Bededicto Wokomaatani Malunga", Destined for great things: papers, 1999, pp. 27–8.
30. Albert S. Gérard (1986), European-Language writing in Sub-Southern Africa, p. 962.
31. Profile in the Daily Nation April 4, 2014
32. WorldCat identities
33. B. Pachai, "Samuel Josiah Ntara: Writer and Historian" The Society of Malawi Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 (July, 1968), pp. 60-66
34. Author of Miyambi ya Patsokwe (Chichewa proverbs) (2015) and Mpandamachokero (Malawian tales) (2015); editor of Chisimba cha Alakatuli (anthology of Chichewa poems) (2015).
35. "Willie Zingani: A Writer of All Ages" (Profile in the Daily Nation newspaper, April 18, 2014).
36. "Shaba revives poetry". 17 July 2020.
37. "Palimage: Olinda Beja". Palimage.pt. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
38. Cavaleiro da Torre (2004-02-27). "Torre da História Ibérica: Admirável Mário Domingues". Torredahistoriaiberica.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
39. Morreu a poetisa são-tomense Manuela Margarido Archived 2012-09-05 at the Wayback Machine, Publico, 11 March 2007.
40. Hans M. Zell, Carol Bundy, Virginia Coulon, A New Reader's Guide to African Literature, 1983, p. 498.
41. Elias Munshya wa Munshya, Zambia: Chibamba Kanyama’s Controversy: A Review of “Business Values for our Time”, Lusaka Times 31 October 2010.
42. Albert S. Gérard, African Language Literatures: an introduction to the literary history of Sub-Saharan Africa, 1981, p. 227.
43. Eric Gondwe, Charles Mwewa, Zambian.com.
44. Zambian Economist review.

References

1. [Gikandi] Simon Gikandi, ed., Encyclopedia of African Literature. Routledge; 2002. ISBN 978-0-415-23019-3
2. [Gikandi & Mwangi] Simon Gikandi & Evan Mwangi, ed., The Columbia Guide to East African Literature in English Since 1945. Columbia University Press; 2007. ISBN 978-0-231-12520-8
3. [Killam & Rowe] Douglas Killam & Ruth Rowe, eds., The Companion to African Literatures. James Currey & Indiana University Press; 2000. ISBN 0-253-33633-3
4. [Jahn] Janheinz Jahn, Ulla Schild & Almut Nordmann Seiler, eds., Who's who in African Literature: Biographies, Works, Commentaries. Horst Erdmann Verlag, 1972. ISBN 978-3-7711-0153-4

External links

• 25 African Women Writers
• Contemporary African writers/authors
• Africa Resource research data
• Lire les femmes – African women writers

• Lists of African writers
• Lists of writers by nationality