List of African writers by country
(Redirected from List of African writers)
Template:Short description This is a list of prominent and notable writers from Africa. It includes poets, novelists, children's writers, essayists, and scholars, listed by country. {{#invoke:Hatnote|hatnote}}{{#ifeq:||}}
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- 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 AfricaTemplate:Listref Template:Listref
- Leetile Disang Raditladi (1910–1971), playwright and poetTemplate:Listref
- Barolong Seboni (1957–), poet and academicTemplate:Listref
See: List of Burkinabé writers
- Esther Kamatari (1951–)
- Ketty Nivyabandi (1978–)<ref>"Ketty Nivyabandi", World Literature Today, March 2014.</ref>
- Gaël Faye (1982–)
See: List of Cameroonian writers
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- Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932–), novelist and poetTemplate:Listref
- Etienne Goyémidé (1942–1997), novelist, poet and short story writer: Le Silence de la ForetTemplate:Listref
- Blaise N'Djehoya (1953–), novelistTemplate:Listref
- Cyriaque Robert Yavoucko (1953–), novelistTemplate:Listref
- Adrienne Yabouza (1965–), novelist
- Salma Khalil Alio (1982–), poet, short story writer and artist.
- Khayar Oumar Deffalah (c. 1944–), politician and autobiographical writer<ref>Acheikh ibn Oumar, Fiche de lecture de: "Fils de nomade, les mémoires du dromadaire" – Khayar Oumar Defallah Template:Webarchive, 11 February 2010.</ref>
- Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960–), economist and writer<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Marie-Christine Koundja (1957–), novelist and diplomat
- Koulsy Lamko (1959–), playwright, poet, novelist and university lecturer
- Joseph Brahim Seid (1927–1980), writer and politicianTemplate:Listref
- Ahmat Taboye, literary critic
See: List of Republic of the Congo writers
See: List of Democratic Republic of the Congo writers
- Waberi Abdourahman (1965–), novelist, poet and academicTemplate:Listref
- Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972–), French-language novelist<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref> Template:Div col end
- María Nsué Angüe (1945–2017), novelist and writer
- Justo Bolekia Boleká (1954–), professor and Bubi writer
- Juan Balboa Boneke (1938–2014), politician and writerTemplate:Listref
- Raquel Ilombé (1938–1992), Spanish-language writer
- Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (1966–), Annobonese writerTemplate:Listref
- Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo (1950–), writer and journalistTemplate:Listref
- Hamid Barole Abdu (1953–), non-fiction
- Reesom Haile (2003–), Tigrinya-language poet<ref>Charles Cantalupo, Reesom Haile's poetry Template:Webarchive</ref>
- Saba Kidane (1978–), Tigrinya poet
- Hannah Pool (1974–), journalist
- Alemseged Tesfai (1944–), English-language playwright<ref>Jane Plastow, "Alemseged Tesfai: a playwright in the service of Eritrean liberation", in Banham et al, African theatre in development, 1999, pp. 54–60.</ref>
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- 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)<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Lemn Sissay (1967–)
- Hama Tuma (1949–)
- Mammo Wudneh (1931–2012)
- Birhānu Zarīhun (1933/4–1987)
- Nega Mezlekia (1958–)
- Jean-Baptiste Abessolo (1932–), educator and short story writer
- Peggy Lucie Auleley, French-language poet and novelist<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Bessora (1968–, in Belgium), novelist and short story writerTemplate:Listref
- Charline Effah (1977–), French-language novelist and educator<ref>Template:Cite book</ref>
- Rene Maran, born near Martinique (1887–1960), poet and novelist
- Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa, French-language poet and novelist<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Justine Mintsa (1967–), French-language novelist<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang (1973–), French-language short story writer<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- 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 teacherTemplate:Listref
- Laurent Owondo (1948–2019), playwrightTemplate:Listref
- Angèle Ntyugwetondo Rawiri (1954–2010), novelistTemplate:Listref
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- 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<ref>Albert S. Gérard, European-Language Writing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Volume 1, p. 286.</ref>
- Abdulai Silla (1958–)
- David Cranmer Theko Bereng (1900–1974), Sotho poetTemplate:Listref
- Caroline Ntseliseng Khaketla (1918–2012)<ref>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.</ref> Template:Listref
- Simon Majara (1924–), Sotho novelistTemplate:Listref
- Zakea D. Mangoaela (1883–1963), folkloristTemplate:Listref
- Thomas Mofolo (1876–1948), novelistTemplate:Listref
- A. S. Mopeli-Paulus (1913–1960), novelist
- Edward Motsamai (1870–1959), politician and writerTemplate:Listref
- Kem Edward Ntsane (1920–?), Sotho poet and novelistTemplate:Listref
- Basildon Peta (1972–), journalist
- Everitt Lechesa Segoete (1858–1923), religious and social writerTemplate:Listref
- Azariele M. Sekese (1849–1930), Basotho author and historianTemplate:Listref
- Joseph I. F. Tjokosela (c. 1911–?), Catholic writer and teacherTemplate:Listref
- Edwin Barclay (1882–1955), politician and writer
- Thomas E. Besolow (c.1867–?), autobiographical writerTemplate:Listref
- Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Sierra Leone), educator, writer, diplomat and politician
- Roland Tombekai Dempster (1910–1965), poetTemplate:Listref
- Hawa Jande Golakai (1979–)
- Bai T. Moore (1916–1988), poet, novelist, folklorist and essayistTemplate:Listref Template:Listref
- Wilton G. S. Sankawulo (1937–2009), politician and author
- Vamba Sherif (1973–)
- Wafa Albueise (1973–), lawyer and writer
- Sadiq Al-Nayhum (1937–1994), Islamic writer, critic and journalist<ref>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.</ref>
- Khalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer<ref>Benghazi-Born Poet Mattawa Reflects on Growing up Under Gadhafi, PBS Newshour, 2 March 2011.</ref>
- Ahmed Fagih (1942–2019), novelistTemplate:Listref
- Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942–2011), politician and occasional novelist
- Ibrahiem El-kouni (1948–), novelistTemplate:Listref
- Latifa al-Zayyat (1923–1996), activist and novelist
- Tito Banda (1950–2014), novelist, academic<ref>Nyasa Times obituary {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- Ezra Jofiya Chadza (1923–1985), poet and novelist
- William Chafulumira (1908–1981), writer on social issues<ref>Dictionary of African Christian Biography.</ref><ref name="JahnSchild1972">Template:Cite book</ref>
- Lula Pensulo (b. 1991) author, translator, and poet Template:Better source needed <ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Yesaya Chibambo, author of A Short History of the Ngoni (1933), translated into English by Rev. Charles Stuart.<ref>B. Pachai, "Samuel Josiah Ntara: Writer and Historian" The Society of Malawi Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 (July, 1968), pp. 60-66; page 60.</ref>
- Shadreck Chikoti (b. 1979), writer and social activist
- Steve Chimombo (1945–2015), writer, poet, editor and teacher<ref name=KR>Killam, Douglas & Ruth Rowe, eds., The Companion to African Literatures. James Currey & Indiana University Press; 2000. Template:ISBN</ref>
- Frank Chipasula (b. 1949), poet, writer, editor, publisher and academic<ref name=KR />
- Reuben Chirambo (d. 2011), scholar of African literature<ref>Univ. of South Africa obituary</ref>
- Robert Chiwamba, poet<ref>Malawi 24 news 6 Nov 2015</ref>
- Tobias Dossi, author of a novel (1958) and humorous short stories (1965) in Chichewa.<ref name=Chimombo />
- Aloysius Dziko, author of a novel in Chichewa (1965).<ref name=Chimombo>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</ref>
- Walije Gondwe (b. 1936), Malawi's first female novelist<ref>Lars Eckstein, ed., English Literatures Across the Globe: A Companion, p. 122-3.</ref>
- John Gwengwe, author of novels in Chichewa (1965, 1968).<ref name=Chimombo />
- Aubrey Kachingwe (b. 1926), novelist and short story writer<ref name=KR /><ref name="JahnSchild1972"/>
- Lawrence Kadzitche, short story writer<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}</ref>
- 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<ref name=KR /><ref name="JahnSchild1972"/>
- Stanley Onjezani Kenani (b. 1976), writer and poet
- Ken Lipenga (b. 1954), politician, journalist and writer<ref name=KR />
- John Lwanda (b. 1949), biographer, poet, doctor, publisher
- Qabaniso Malewezi (b. 1979), spoken-word poet<ref>Precious Kalolo, "Qabaniso ‘Q’ Malewezi reflects with ‘The Road Taken’" {{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
|CitationClass=web }}, Timeve Magazine.</ref>
- Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga (b. 1962), poet and broadcaster<ref>Alfred Msadala, "A look at Bededicto Wokomaatani Malunga", Destined for great things: papers, 1999, pp. 27–8.</ref>
- Jack Mapanje (b. 1944), writer and poet<ref name=KR />
- Emily Mkamanga (1949–2021), novelist and social commentator
- Felix Mnthali (b. 1933), poet, novelist and playwright<ref name=KR />
- Francis Moto (b. 1952), writer, academic, and diplomat
- Sam Mpasu (1945–2018), novelist and politician; author of prison memoirs
- Edison Mpina (1946–2001), poet<ref name=KR />
- 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).<ref>Albert S. Gérard (1986), European-Language writing in Sub-Southern Africa, p. 962.</ref>
- Anthony Nazombe (1955–2004), poet and academic<ref name=KR />
- Innocent Masina Nkhonyo (b. 1987), short story writer and poet
- Jolly Max Ntaba (1946–1993), novelist in Chichewa and English<ref>Profile in the Daily Nation April 4, 2014</ref>
- Samuel Josia Ntara or Nthara (1905–1979), novelist and historian<ref name="JahnSchild1972"/><ref>WorldCat identities</ref><ref>B. Pachai, "Samuel Josiah Ntara: Writer and Historian" The Society of Malawi Journal Vol. 21, No. 2 (July, 1968), pp. 60-66</ref>
- D.D. Phiri (Desmond Dudwa Phiri), economist, historian and playwright<ref name="JahnSchild1972"/>
- Bonwell Kadyankena Rodgers (b. 1991), author, translator and editor<ref>Author of Miyambi ya Patsokwe (Chichewa proverbs) (2015) and Mpandamachokero (Malawian tales) (2015); editor of Chisimba cha Alakatuli (anthology of Chichewa poems) (2015).</ref>
- David Rubadiri (1930–2018), diplomat, academic and poet<ref name=KR /><ref name="JahnSchild1972"/>
- Paul Tiyambe Zeleza (b. 1955), historian, critic and writer
- Barnaba Zingani (b. 1958), novelist in Chichewa and English, teacher.
- Willie Zingani (1954–2024), novelist in English and Chichewa, journalist, poet, playwright<ref>"Willie Zingani: A Writer of All Ages" (Profile in the Daily Nation newspaper, April 18, 2014).</ref>
- Tendai M. Shaba (b. 1989), author, writer and poet<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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Template:Div col* Ahmad ibn al-Amin al-Shinqiti (1872–1913), Arabic-language writer Template:Listref* 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
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See: List of Mozambican writers
- Olinda Beja (1946–), novelist<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright
- Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portuguese-language poetTemplate:Listref
- Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist<ref>{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation
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- Conceição Lima (1962–), Portuguese-language poet
- Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portuguese-language poet<ref>Morreu a poetisa são-tomense Manuela Margarido Template:Webarchive, Publico, 11 March 2007.</ref>
- Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010), Portuguese-language poetTemplate:Listref Template:Listref
- José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poetTemplate:Listref Template:Listref <ref>Hans M. Zell, Carol Bundy, Virginia Coulon, A New Reader's Guide to African Literature, 1983, p. 498.</ref>
See: List of Senegalese writers
- Antoine Abel (1934–2004), poet and fable writerTemplate:Listref
See: List of Sierra Leonean writers
- 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–), novelistTemplate:Listref
- Hadrawi (1943–2022), 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 (1943–2015), scholar and writer
- Cali Xuseen Xirsi (1946–2005), poet
- Shadya Yasin (1983/4–), poet
See: List of South African writers
- Modison Salayedvwa Magagula (1958–), playwrightTemplate:Listref
- Stanley Musa N. Matsebula (1958–), economist and writerTemplate:Listref
- Elias Adam Bateng Mkhonta (1954–2001), novelistTemplate:Listref
- Sarah Mkhonza (1957–), novelist, short story writer and journalistTemplate:Listref
- Gladys Lomafu Pato (1930–), short story writerTemplate:Listref
See: List of Tanzanian writers
- Mohamed Fadel Ismail Ould Es-Sweyih (1958–2002), journalist and politician
- Ahmed Baba Miské (1935–2016), writer, diplomat and politician
- Ellen Banda-Aaku (1965–), fiction, children's books
- Jack Avon (1967–), non-fiction, business books
- Kenneth Kaunda (1924–2021), nationalist and writerTemplate:Listref
- Chibamba Kanyama (1965–), journalist and business writer<ref>Elias Munshya wa Munshya, Zambia: Chibamba Kanyama’s Controversy: A Review of “Business Values for our Time”, Lusaka Times 31 October 2010.</ref>
- Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922–?), diplomat and novelist<ref>Albert S. Gérard, African Language Literatures: an introduction to the literary history of Sub-Saharan Africa, 1981, p. 227.</ref>
- Dominic Mulaisho (1933–2014), novelistTemplate:Listref Template:Listref
- Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer<ref>Eric Gondwe, Charles Mwewa, Zambian.com.</ref>
- Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist<ref>Zambian Economist review.</ref>
- 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–)
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