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
Angola
Benin
- Christine Adjahi Gnimagnon, also connected with Senegal
- Stanislas Adotevi (1934–2024), French-language academic and philosopher[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Berte-Evelyne Agbo, French-language poet also connected with Senegal
- Colette Senami Agossou Houeto (1939– )
- Julien Alapini (1906–1971), ethnographer and playwright[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Ryad Assani-Razaki (1981– )
- Francis Aupiais (1877–1945), French-born missionary and anthropologist[1]
- Olympe Bhêly-Quenum (1928– ), writer and journalist[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Florent Couao-Zotti (1964– ), novelist, writer of comics, plays and short stories
- Félix Couchoro (1900–1968), novelist, also connected with Togo[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Richard Dogbeh (1932–2003), also connected with Togo, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire[Jahn]
- Adelaide Fassinou (1955– ), novelist
- Dieudonné Gnammankou, writer and historian[2]
- Paul Hazoumé (1890–1980), novelist[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Gisèle Hountondji (1954– ), French-language novelist[3]
- Paulin J. Hountondji (1942–2024), philosopher and politician
- Béatrice Lalinon Gbado, children's writer
- Paulin Joachim (1931–2012), poet, journalist and editor[Jahn]
- Lauryn, also connected with Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, born in France (1978–)
- Jean Pliya (1931–2015), playwright and short story writer[Jahn]
- José Pliva (1966– ), actor and playwright
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[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Leetile Disang Raditladi (1910–1971), playwright and poet[Jahn]
- Barolong Seboni (1957–), poet and academic[Jahn]
Burkina Faso
Burundi
- Esther Kamatari (1951–)
- Ketty Nivyabandi (1978–)[4]
- Gaël Faye (1982–)
Cameroon
Central African Republic
- Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932–), novelist and poet[Gikandi]
- Etienne Goyémidé (1942–1997), novelist, poet and short story writer: Le Silence de la Foret[Gikandi]
- Blaise N'Djehoya (1953–), novelist[Killam & Rowe]
- Cyriaque Robert Yavoucko (1953–), novelist[Gikandi]
- Adrienne Yabouza (1965–), novelist
Chad
- Salma Khalil Alio (1982–), poet, short story writer and artist.
- Khayar Oumar Deffalah (c. 1944–), politician and autobiographical writer[5]
- Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960–), economist and writer[6]
- Marie-Christine Koundja (1957–), novelist and diplomat
- Koulsy Lamko (1959–), playwright, poet, novelist and university lecturer
- Joseph Brahim Seid (1927–1980), writer and politician[Jahn]
- Ahmat Taboye, literary critic
Congo (Brazzaville)
- André-Patient Bokiba, academic[7]
- Adèle Caby-Livannah (1957– )
- Emmanuel Dongala (1941– )
- Mambou Aimée Gnali (1935– )
- Bill Kouélany (1965– )
- Sony Lab'ou Tansi (1947–1995), born in Congo-Kinshasa
- Henri Lopes (1937–2023), born in Congo-Kinshasa
- Alain Mabanckou (1966– )
- Jadelin Mabiala Gangbo (1976– )
- Jean-Pierre Makouta-Mboukou (1929–2012)[Jahn]
- Martial Malinda, also known as Sylvain Bemba / Michel Belabin (1934–1995)[Jahn]
- Jean Malonga (1907–1985)[Jahn]
- Guy Menga (1935– )[Jahn]
- Florence Lina Mouissou (1972– ), novelist[8]
- Maxime n'Debeka (1944– )[Jahn]
- Victor N'Gembo-Mouanda (1969– )
- Dieudonné Niangouna (1976– ), playwright, novelist, and poet
- Theophile Obenga (1936– )
- Martial Sinda (c.1930– )[Jahn]
- Tchicaya U Tam'si (1931–1988)[Jahn]
- Jean-Baptiste Tati-Loutard (1938–2009)[Jahn]
- Jeannette Balou Tchichelle (1947–2005)
- Marie-Leontine Tsibinda (1936–1958)
- Brigitte Yengo
Congo (Democratic Republic) – formerly Zaïre
- Léonie Abo (1945– ), autobiographical writer
- J'ongungu Lokolé Bolamba (1913–1990), poet[Gikandi]
- Raïs Neza Boneza (1979– ), poet and peace researcher[9]
- Amba Bongo, writer and advocate for refugees
- Maguy Kabamba (1960– ), writer and translator
- Kama Sywor Kamanda (1952– ), writer and poet[Killam & Rowe]
- Charles Djungu-Simba Kamatenda (1953– ), journalist, teacher, publisher, and writer[Gikandi]
- Paul Lomami-Tshibamba (1914–1985), novelist, born in Congo-Brazzaville[Gikandi]
- Alain Mabanckou (1966 - ), novelist
- Ngal Mbwil a Mpaang (1933– ), novelist[Gikandi]
- Buabua wa Kayembe Mubadiate (1950– ), playwright[Gikandi]
- V. Y. Mudimbe (1941–2025), philosopher, academic and author[Gikandi]
- Fiston Mwanza Mujila (1981– ), novelist [Métailié]
- Jimi Yuma (1953-), short story writer and graphic novel script writer
- Kavidi Wivine N'Landu, poet
- Clémentine Nzuji (1944– ), poet[Gikandi]
- Sony Labou Tansi (1947–1995), novelist and poet[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Samy Tshileu (1998–present), theologian, apologist, philosopher and author[10]
- Frederick Kambemba Yamusangie, novelist, playwright and poet
- Lye M. Yoka, playwright and short story writer[11] [Gikandi]
- Batukezanga Zamenga (1933–2000), novelist and essayist[Gikandi]
- Sandra Uwiringiyimana (1994– ), human rights activist, author of How Dare The Sun Rise
Côte d'Ivoire
- Josette Abondio (b. 1949), novelist, children's writer, playwright
- Marguerite Abouet, born in Abidjan (b. 1971), writer of graphic novels
- Francois-Joseph Amon d'Aby (1913–2007)[Jahn]
- Raphael Atta Koffi (b. 1942), writer and playwright[Jahn]
- Séry Bailly (1948–2018), academic, politician and short-story writer
- Angèle Bassorá-Ouédraogo, also connected with Burkina Faso (b. 1967), poet and journalist
- Joseph Miezan Bognini (1936–2017), poet[Jahn]
- Fatou Bolli (b. 1952), novelist
- Tanella Boni (b. 1954), poet and novelist
- Micheline Coulibaly, born in Vietnam (1950–2003), short story writer and writer for children
- Bernard Binlin Dadié (1916–2019), novelist, playwright, poet and politician[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Jeanne de Cavally (1926–1992), children's book writer
- Gaston Demand Goh (b. 1940), playwright and accountant[Jahn]
- Henriette Diabate (b. 1935), politician and writer
- Mamadou Diallo (1920–1980), poet[Jahn]
- Richard Dogbeh, also connected with Benin, Senegal and Togo (1932–2003), novelist and educator
- Bertin B. Doutéo (1927–1990), poet[Jahn]
- Fatou Fanny-Cissé (1971–2018), novelist, short story writer, journalist and editor
- Germain Coffi Gadeau (1913–2000), playwright[Jahn]
- Gauz (author name of Patrick Armand-Gbaka Brede, b. 1971)
- Werewere-Liking Gnepo (b. 1950), also connected with Cameroon, writer, playwright and performer
- Gilbert G. Groud (b. 1956), painter, illustrator and author
- Josué Guébo (b. 1972), poet and short-story writer
- Flore Hazoumé (b. 1959), writer known for short stories[12]
- Simone Kaya (1937–2007), considered the first Ivorian woman writer
- Fatou Kéita (b. 1965)
- Venance Konan (b. 1958), journalist and writer
- Maurice Koné (1932–1980), poet[Jahn]
- Adjoua Flore Kouame (b. 1964), novelist
- Ahmadou Kourouma (1927–2003), novelist[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Aké Loba (1927–2012), novelist[Jahn]
- Michelle Lora (b. 1968), children's writer, academic
- Charles Nokan (1936–2022), novelist and playwright[Jahn]
- Véronique Tadjo (b. 1955), poet, novelist and artist
- Regina Yaou (1955–2017), novelist[13]
- Zaourou Zadi (1938–2012), playwright[Jahn]
Djibouti
- Waberi Abdourahman (1965–), novelist, poet and academic[Gikandi]
- Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972–), French-language novelist[14]
Egypt
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[Gikandi]
- Raquel Ilombé (1938–1992), Spanish-language writer
- Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (1966–), Annobonese writer[Gikandi]
- Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo (1950–), writer and journalist[Gikandi]
Eritrea
- Hamid Barole Abdu (1953–), non-fiction
- Beyene Haile (1941–2012), Tigrinya-language writer, novelist, playwright and public administrator[15]
- Reesom Haile (2003–), Tigrinya-language poet[16]
- Saba Kidane (1978–), Tigrinya poet
- Hannah Pool (1974–), journalist
- Alemseged Tesfai (1944–), English-language playwright[17]
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)[18]
- Lemn Sissay (1967–)
- Hama Tuma (1949–)
- Mammo Wudneh (1931–2012)
- Birhānu Zarīhun (1933/4–1987)
- Nega Mezlekia (1958–)
- Etalem Eshete (1968–)
Gabon
- Jean-Baptiste Abessolo (1932–), educator and short story writer
- Peggy Lucie Auleley, French-language poet and novelist[19]
- Bessora (1968–, in Belgium), novelist and short story writer[Gikandi]
- Charline Effah (1977–), French-language novelist and educator[20]
- Rene Maran, born near Martinique (1887–1960), poet and novelist
- Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa, French-language poet and novelist[21]
- Justine Mintsa (1967–), French-language novelist[22]
- Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang (1973–), French-language short story writer[23]
- 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[Gikandi]
- Laurent Owondo (1948–2019), playwright[Gikandi]
- Angèle Ntyugwetondo Rawiri (1954–2010), novelist[Gikandi]
Gambia
- Janet Badjan-Young (1937–), playwright
- William Conton (1925–2003), educator, historian and novelist, also associated with Sierra Leone[24][25]
- Hassoum Ceesay (1971 -), historian, curator, educator, scholar and novelist
- Ebrima Ceesay (1966-), academic, author, scholar and former editor
- Lamin Ceesay (1990–), writer and translator.
- Ebou Dibba (1943–2000), novelist[26]
- Dayo Forster (fl. 2007), novelist[27]
- Hassan Bubacar Jallow (1950–), law books, politician and barrister[28]
- Augusta Jawara (1924–1981), playwright
- Joseph Henry Joof (1960–)
- Alhaji Alieu Ebrima Cham Joof (1924–2011), historian, politician and Pan-Africanist[29][30]
- Tamsier Joof (1973–)
- Augusta Mahoney (1924–1981), playwright and activist for women's rights
- Florence Mahoney (1929–), author and historian
- Sulayman S. Nyang (1944–2018), historian and lecturer
- Lenrie Peters (1932−2009), poet and novelist, also associated with Sierra Leone[31]
- Tijan Sallah (1958–), poet, publisher[32]
- Sally Singhateh (1977–), poet and novelist
- Lamin Sanneh (1942–2019), scholar, novelist, historian, and poet
- Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe (1990–), novelist, scholar, playwright, poet, and event organizer[33]
- Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784), poet[34]
Ghana
Guinea
- Kesso Barry (born 1948), autobiographer also associated with Senegal[Gikandi]
- Saïdou Bokoum (born 1945), novelist[Gikandi]
- Sory Camara, anthropologist[Gikandi]
- Ahmed Tidjani Cissé (born 1942), playwright[Gikandi]
- Koumanthio Zeinab Diallo (born 1956), poet and novelist[Gikandi]
- Alioum Fantouré (born 1938), economist and novelist[Gikandi]
- Keita Fodeba (1921–1969), actor, politician and writer[Jahn]
- Lansiné Kaba (1941–2023), historian[35]
- Fodéba Keïta (1921–1969), poet and dancer[Gikandi]
- Siré Komara (born 1991), novelist: Mes Racines[36]
- Camara Laye (1928–1980), novelist: The Black Child[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Tierno Monénembo (born 1947), novelist: The Oldest Orphan, Les écailles du Ciel, Peulorihno, Le Roi de Kahel[Gikandi]
- Condetto Nénékhaly-Camera (1930–1972), poet and playwright[Jahn]
- Djibril Tamsir Niane (1932–2021), novelist and historian[Gikandi]
- Williams Sassine (1944–1997), French-language novelist[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Sékou Touré (1922–1984), politician, political writer and occasional poet[Jahn]
- Mamadou Traoré, also known as Ray Autra (1916–1991), teacher and poet[Jahn]
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[37]
- Abdulai Silla (1958–)
Kenya
Lesotho
- David Cranmer Theko Bereng (1900–1974), Sotho poet[Jahn]
- Caroline Ntseliseng Khaketla (1918–2012)[38] [Jahn]
- Simon Majara (1924–), Sotho novelist[Jahn]
- Zakea D. Mangoaela (1883–1963), folklorist[Jahn]
- Thomas Mofolo (1876–1948), novelist[Jahn]
- A. S. Mopeli-Paulus (1913–1960), novelist
- Edward Motsamai (1870–1959), politician and writer[Jahn]
- Kemuel Edward Ntsane (1920–1983), Sotho poet and novelist[Jahn]
- Basildon Peta (1972–), journalist
- Everitt Lechesa Segoete (1858–1923), religious and social writer[Jahn]
- Azariele M. Sekese (1849–1930), Basotho author and historian[Jahn]
- Joseph I. F. Tjokosela (c. 1911–?), Catholic writer and teacher[Jahn]
Liberia
- Edwin Barclay (1882–1955), politician and writer
- Thomas E. Besolow (c.1867–?), autobiographical writer[Jahn]
- Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Sierra Leone), educator, writer, diplomat and politician
- Roland Tombekai Dempster (1910–1965), poet[Jahn]
- Hawa Jande Golakai (1979–)
- Bai T. Moore (1916–1988), poet, novelist, folklorist and essayist[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- 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[39]
- Khalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer[40]
- Ahmed Fagih (1942–2019), novelist[Gikandi]
- Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942–2011), politician and occasional novelist
- Ibrahiem El-kouni (1948–), novelist[Gikandi]
- Latifa al-Zayyat (1923–1996), activist and novelist
Madagascar
- Ny Avana Ramanantoanina
- Dox
- Elie-Charles Abraham (1919–1989), poet[Gikandi]
- Victor Georges Andriananjason (1940– ), musician and non-fiction writer[Jahn]
- Lucile Allorge (1937– ), botanist
- David Jaomanoro (1953–2014), poet, short story writer and playwright[41]
- Lucien Xavier Michel Andrianarahinjaka (1929–1997), politician, writer, and poet
- Esther Nirina (1932–2004), poet[Gikandi]
- Hajasoa Vololona Picard-Ravololonirina (1956– ), academic, politician and poet[Gikandi]
- Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo (1903–1937), poet and novelist[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Jacques Rabemananjara (1913–2005), poet, playwright and politician[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Raymond William Rabemananjara (1913–?), historian and writer[Gikandi]
- Fidelis Justin Rabetsimandranto (1907–1966), novelist and playwright[Jahn]
- Charlotte Arisoa Rafenomanjato (1936–2008), writer and translator[Gikandi]
- Jean-Luc Raharimanana (1967– ), French-language writer
- Elie Rajaonarison (1951–2010), poet
- Régis Rajemisa-Raolison (1913–1990), poet and educator[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Michèle Rakotoson (1948– ), novelist, short story writer and playwright[Gikandi]
- Flavien Ranaivo (1914–1999), poet and writer[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Esther Razanadrasoa (1892–1931), poet, novelist and journal editor
- Edmond Randriamananjara aka Randja Zanamihoatra (1925 - 1997), poet
Malawi
Mali
- Ahmad Baba al Massufi (1556–1627), writer and scholar.
- Abdoulaye Ascofaré (1949– ), poet and filmmaker.
- Ibrahima Aya (1967– )
- Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1900/1901–1991), historian, theologian, ethnographer, novelist and autobiographer.[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Adame Ba Konaré (1947– ), historian and writer.
- Seydou Badian Kouyaté (1928–2018), novelist and politician.[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Siriman Cissoko (1934–2005), poet.[Jahn]
- Sidiki Dembele (1921–1983), novelist and playwright.[Jahn]
- Massa Makan Diabaté (1938–1988), historian, author and playwright.[Jahn]
- Souéloum Diagho, poet.
- Aïda Mady Diallo, novelist and director.
- Aly Diallo, French-language novelist first published in German translation.[42]
- Alpha Mandé Diarra (1954– )
- Oumou Armand Diarra (1967– ), born in Yugoslavia.[43]
- Doumbi Fakoly (1944–2024), non-fiction writer
- Aïcha Fofana (1957–2003), first female Malian novelist
- Mamadou Gologo (1924–2009), autobiographical novelist and poet.[Jahn]
- Aoua Kéita (1912–1980), independence activist and autobiographer.
- Fatoumata Keïta (1977– ), poet, novelist, essayist.
- Moussa Konaté (1951–2013), French-language writer.
- Ibrahima Mamadou Ouane (1908–?), writer.[Jahn]
- Yambo Ouologuem (1940–2017), novelist.[Jahn]
- Bernadette Sanou Dao (1952– ), author and politician.
- Fily Dabo Sissoko (1900–1964), poet.[Jahn]
- Fanta-Taga Tembely (1946– ), French-language novelist.[44]
- Aminata Traoré (1942– ), author, politician and political activist.
- Falaba Issa Traoré (1930–2003), writer, comedian, playwright and director.
Mauritania
- Ahmad ibn al-Amin al-Shinqiti (1872–1913), Arabic-language writer
- 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
- Paulina Chiziane (1955– ), Portuguese-language novelist and short-story writer
- Mia Couto (1955– ), novelist and short story writer[Killam & Rowe] [Gikandi]
- José Craveirinha (1922–2003), Portuguese-language poet[Jahn]
- Luis Bernardo Honwana (1942– ), Portuguese-language short story writer[Gikandi]
- Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa (1957– ), Portuguese-language novelist and short-story writer
- Fátima Langa (1953–2017), children's book author in Portuguese and various Bantu languages
- Virgílio de Lemos (1929-2013), Portuguese-language journalist and poet[Williams]
- Lina Magaia (1940s–2011), Portuguese-language novelist and short-story writer[Killam & Rowe]
- Malangatana Ngwenya (1936–2011), poet and autobiographical writer[Jahn]
- Orlando Marques de Almeida Mendes (1916–1990), Portuguese-language novelist[Gikandi]
- Lília Momplé (1935– ), Portuguese-language fiction writer
- Eduardo Mondlane (1924–1969), politician and autobiographical writer[Jahn]
- Amélia Muge (1952– ), writer and singer
- Rui de Noronha (1909–1943), poet[Jahn]
- Glória de Santana (1925–2009), poet[45]
- Marcelino dos Santos (1929–2020), poet[Jahn]
- Castro Soromenho (1910–1968), journalist, novelist and short story writer[Jahn]
- Noémia de Sousa (1926–2003), Portuguese-language poet[Jahn]
Namibia
- Neshani Andreas (1964–2011), novelist
- Ndeutala Angolo (1952–), novelist and nonfiction writer
- Joseph Diescho (1955–), novelist
- Dorian Haarhoff (1944–), poet and academic
- Giselher Werner Hoffmann (1958–), German-language novelist[46]
- Anoeschka von Meck (1967–), journalist and Afrikaans-language writer
- Hans Daniel Namuhuja (1924–1998), poet
- Cosmo Pieterse (1930–), playwright and poet
- Sylvia Schlettwein (1975–), writer, translator and critic
- Mvula ya Nangolo (1943–2019), poet and journalist
Niger
- Idé Adamou (1951– ), poet and novelist[Gikandi]
- Ousmane Amadou (1948–2018), poet, novelist, lawyer and journalist[Gikandi]
- Djibo Bakary (1922–1998), politician and writer
- Ada Boureïma, writer
- Andrée Clair, born and died in France (1916–1982), ethnographer and children's writer
- Mahamadou Halilou Sabbo (1937–2006), novelist and playwright[Gikandi]
- Boubacar Hama Beidi (born 1951), educator, author, and politician
- Boubou Hama (1906–1982), politician and writer[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- Hawad (1950– ), Tuareg poet currently living in France[Gikandi]
- Hélène Kaziende (1967– ), teacher, journalist and short story writer[47]
- Salihu Kwantagora (1929– ), songwriter and poet[Gikandi]
- Abdoulaye Mamani (1932–1993), poet, novelist and trade unionist[Gikandi]
- Ide Oumarou (1937–2002), politician, diplomat and writer
- Samira Sabou (born 1981), journalist and blogger
- Andre Salifou (1942– 2022), politician, diplomat and academic[Jahn]
Nigeria
Rwanda
São Tomé and Príncipe
- Olinda Beja (1946–), novelist[48]
- Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright
- Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portuguese-language poet[Jahn]
- Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist[49]
- Conceição Lima (1962–), Portuguese-language poet
- Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portuguese-language poet[50]
- Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010), Portuguese-language poet[Gikandi] [Jahn]
- José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poet[Gikandi] [Jahn] [51]
Senegal
Seychelles
- Antoine Abel (1934–2004), poet and fable writer[Gikandi]
Sierra Leone
- John Akar (1927–1975), broadcaster, playwright and diplomat[Jahn]
- Gaston Bart-Williams (1938–1990), exiled writer and journalist[Jahn]
- Ishmael Beah (born 1980), child soldier and memoirist
- Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), pan-Africanist, born in the Virgin Islands (see also Liberia)
- Adelaide Casely-Hayford (1868–1960), short story writer and educator[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Gladys Casely-Hayford (1904–1950), poet also associated with Ghana[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Syl Cheney-Coker (born 1945/47), poet, journalist and novelist[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Robert Wellesley-Cole (1907–1995), surgeon and autobiographical writer[Jahn]
- William Conton (1925–2003), educator, historian, and novelist also associated with The Gambia[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- R. Sarif Easmon (1913–1997), doctor, playwright and novelist[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Aminatta Forna (born 1964), memoirist and novelist
- Namina Forna (born 1987), novelist and screen writer
- Wilfred Freddy Will Kanu Jr. (born 1977) author, poet, lyricist, hip-hop emcee and blogger. [52]
- Africanus Horton (1835–1883), Creole African nationalist writer[Jahn]
- Delia Jarrett-Macauley (living), academic and novelist[53]
- Lemuel A. Johnson (1940/41–2002), poet and academic[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Eldred Durosimi Jones (1925–2020), academic and literary critic[Jahn]
- Joseph Ben Kaifala (living), historian, memoirist and human rights activist
- Yulisa Amadu Maddy (1936–2014), playwright, novelist, and choreographer[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Ambrose Massaquoi (born 1964), poet, musician and educationist[Brown]
- Augustus Merriman-Labor (1877–1919), later took the name Ohlohr Maigi, barrister, writer and munitions worker[54]
- Abioseh Nicol (1924–1994), doctor and short story writer[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]
- Lenrie Peters (1932–2009), poet also associated with The Gambia[Gikandi]
- Ekundayo Rowe (born 1937), journalist and short-story writer[Jahn]
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[Killam & Rowe]
- 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
South Africa
Sudan
Swaziland
- Modison Salayedvwa Magagula (1958–), playwright[Gikandi]
- Stanley Musa N. Matsebula (1958–), economist and writer[Gikandi]
- Elias Adam Bateng Mkhonta (1954–2001), novelist[Gikandi]
- Sarah Mkhonza (1957–), novelist, short story writer and journalist[Gikandi]
- Gladys Lomafu Pato (1930–), short story writer[Gikandi]
Tanzania
Togo
- Jeannette D. Ahonsou (1954–2022), novelist
- Gad Ami (born 1958), novelist
- David Ananou (1917–2000), novelist
- Félix Couchoro (1900–1968), novelist, also connected with Benin[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Yves-Emmanuel Dogbé (1939-2004), writer, philosopher, sociologist, and educator.
- Richard Dogbeh, also connected with Benin, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire (1932–2003), novelist and educator
- Kossi Efoui (born 1962), playwright[Gikandi]
- Christiane Akoua Ekue (born 1954), French-language novelist[55]
- Pyabelo Chaold Kouly (born 1943), autobiographical writer and novelist
- Tété-Michel Kpomassie (born 1941), explorer and writer
- Farida Nabourema (born 1990), human rights activist, writer and blogger
- Stanislas Ocloo (died 2010), journalist
- Senouvo Agbota Zinsou (born 1946), playwright and short story writer[Gikandi]
Tunisia
Uganda
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[Gikandi]
- Chibamba Kanyama (1965–), journalist and business writer[56]
- Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922–?), diplomat and novelist[57]
- Dominic Mulaisho (1933–2014), novelist[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]
- Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer[58]
- Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist[59]
- 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 also
References
- ↑ "Dictionary of African Christian Biography". Dacb.org. 1 April 2007. Archived from the original on 18 December 2014. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ New Statesman. New Statesman Limited. 2005. p. 36. Retrieved 23 January 2015.
- ↑ "Gisèle Hountondji: an author from Benin writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 18 February 1997. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ "Ketty Nivyabandi", World Literature Today, March 2014.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ "1ère ÉDITION DES JOURNÉES TCHADIENNES AU SÉNÉGAL: Pour vivifier un héritage culturel". Lematindafrique.com. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Mbanza, J. (14 March 2011). "Congo – France : Le professeur André Patient Bokiba fait chevalier dans l'ordre de la Légion d'Honneur". lasemaineafricaine.net. La Semaine Africaine. Archived from the original on 2019-09-09. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ "Florence Lina Bamona-Mouissou. An author from Congo writing in French". aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. The University of Western Australia. 11 May 2013. Archived from the original on 2023-03-16. Retrieved 10 November 2024.
- ↑ Matt Meyer, Elavie Ndura-Ouédraogo, Seeds of New Hope: Pan-African Peace Studies for the 21st Century, 2009, p. 325.
- ↑ Samy Tshileu, The Boy in Red Shorts. Purpose Spirit Publishing; 2020.ISBN 978-1-735-63810-2
- ↑ "Lye Yoka (Democratic Republic of the Congo) Time of the Writer Festival 2004". Archived from the original on 18 October 2010. Retrieved 8 September 2014.
- ↑ Flore Hazoumé, UWA.edu, Retrieved 7 April 2016.
- ↑ "Regina N'Doufou Yaou".
- ↑ "Mouna-Hodan Ahmed: An author from Djibouti writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Encyclopedia of African Literature. Oxford University Press.
- ↑ Charles Cantalupo, Reesom Haile's poetry Archived 2011-09-28 at the Wayback Machine
- ↑ Jane Plastow, "Alemseged Tesfai: a playwright in the service of Eritrean liberation", in Banham et al, African theatre in development, 1999, pp. 54–60.
- ↑ Bouchard, N; Ferme, V (2013). Italy and the Mediterranean: Words, Sounds, and Images of the Post-Cold War Era. Springer. ISBN 978-1137343468.
- ↑ "Peggy Lucie Auleley: lauréate du concours ACCT". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 1999-06-03. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Toman, Cheryl (2016). Women Writers of Gabon: Literature and Herstory. Lexington Books. p. xxviii. ISBN 978-1498537216.
- ↑ "Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ "Justine Mintsa: An author from Gabon writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ "Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang: An author from Gabon writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 2003-09-19. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Zell, Hans M., Helene Silver, A Reader's Guide to African Literature: to 1972, Heinemann Educational, 1972, pp. 134–5, ISBN 0435919989.
- ↑ "William Conton" in Deborah Manley Growing Up, Taylor & Francis, p. 50.
- ↑ Whiteman, Kaye, "Ebou Dibba", The Guardian, 3 April 2001.
- ↑ Richardson, Owen (28 July 2007). "Reading the Ceiling". The Age. Melbourne. Retrieved 29 April 2021.
- ↑ Biography in Commonwealth Secretariat]. Archived 29 September 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
- ↑ "Burning Issues : TRIBUTE TO ALHAJI A.E. CHAM JOOF". Exclusive interview in "Foroyaa Panorama" column, Foroyaa. Archived 3 October 2011 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
- ↑ Jammeh, Momodou, "Tribute to Late Alhagie A. E. Cham Joof", The Point, 11 May 2011. (Cham Joof pictured with the author.) Retrieved 10 May 2012.
- ↑ De la Fontaine, Jean, "Adieu Lenrie Peters", The Point Newspaper, 28 May 2009. Retrieved 10 May 2012.
- ↑ Arana, R. Victoria, "The Facts on File Companion to World Poetry", Infobase Publishing (2008), pp. 3, 386–527, ISBN 1438108370
- ↑ Manneh, Makudu (25 February 2022). "Young Gambian writer makes top four West African writers list". The Point Newspaper. Gambia. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
- ↑ Gates, Henry Louis, Phillis Wheatley: America's Second Black Poet and Her Encounters with the Founding Fathers, Basic Civitas Books, 2003, p. 5.
- ↑ Professor Lansine Kaba, Al Jazeera, 5 October 2010.
- ↑ "Siré Komara An author from Guinea writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 11 October 2006. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Albert S. Gérard, European-Language Writing in Sub-Saharan Africa: Volume 1, p. 286.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ Benghazi-Born Poet Mattawa Reflects on Growing up Under Gadhafi, PBS Newshour, 2 March 2011.
- ↑ Thomas C. Spear (26 November 2000). "David Jaomanoro". Lehman.cuny.edu. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Die Täuschung, tr. Gabriele Henschke, 1987; La révolte de komo, 2000, Editions Gallimard. See "The African voice in contemporary German literature", in Eleoma Joshua & Robert Vilain (eds.), Cultural Exchange in German Literature, pp. 162–64.
- ↑ Sébastien Le Potvin, Lettres maliennes: figures et configurations de l'activité littéraire au Mali, L'Harmattan, 2005, p. 303.
- ↑ "Fanta-Taga Tembely: An author from Mali writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 16 July 2003. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ "A Bibliography of Lusophone Women Writers". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 15 April 1999. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Sven Rosenow. "Die Biographie von Gilselher W. Hoffmann". Afrikaroman.de. Archived from the original on July 1, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
- ↑ "Hélène Kaziende: An author from Niger and Togo writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. 20 September 2011. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- ↑ "Palimage: Olinda Beja". Palimage.pt. Archived from the original on 2011-07-25. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Cavaleiro da Torre (2004-02-27). "Torre da História Ibérica: Admirável Mário Domingues". Torredahistoriaiberica.blogspot.com. Retrieved 2011-11-11.
- ↑ Morreu a poetisa são-tomense Manuela Margarido Archived 2012-09-05 at the Wayback Machine, Publico, 11 March 2007.
- ↑ Hans M. Zell, Carol Bundy, Virginia Coulon, A New Reader's Guide to African Literature, 1983, p. 498.
- ↑ Kamara, Sally (30 January 2017). "INTERVIEW WITH FREDDY WILL: AUTHOR, ENTREPRENEUR & ARTIST". irepsalone.com/. iRep Salone. Retrieved 22 October 2017.
- ↑ "Award for Sierra Leone war novel", BBC News, 5 April 2006.
- ↑ Danell Jones (2018). An African in Imperial London: The Indomitable Life of A.B.C. Merriman-Labor. Hurst. ISBN 978-1-78738-076-9.
- ↑ "Christiane Akoua Ekue: an author from Togo writing in French". Aflit.arts.uwa.edu.au. Retrieved 11 November 2011.
- ↑ Elias Munshya wa Munshya, Zambia: Chibamba Kanyama’s Controversy: A Review of “Business Values for our Time”, Lusaka Times 31 October 2010.
- ↑ Albert S. Gérard, African Language Literatures: an introduction to the literary history of Sub-Saharan Africa, 1981, p. 227.
- ↑ Eric Gondwe, Charles Mwewa, Zambian.com.
- ↑ Zambian Economist review.
Sources
- [Gikandi] Simon Gikandi, ed., Encyclopedia of African Literature. Routledge; 2002. ISBN 978-0-415-23019-3
- [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
- [Killam & Rowe] Douglas Killam & Ruth Rowe, eds., The Companion to African Literatures. James Currey & Indiana University Press; 2000. ISBN 0-253-33633-3
- [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