List of African writers by country

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

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.

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^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Leetile Disang Raditladi (1910–1971), playwright and poet^[Jahn]
• Barolong Seboni (1957–), poet and academic^[Jahn]

Burkina Faso

See: List of Burkinabé writers

Burundi

• Esther Kamatari (1951–)
• Ketty Nivyabandi (1978–)^[1]
• Gaël Faye (1982–)

Cameroon

See: List of Cameroonian writers

Cape Verde

Main article: List of Cape Verdean writers

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^[2]
• Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960–), economist and writer^[3]
• 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)

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^[Gikandi]
• Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972–), French-language novelist^[4]

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^[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
• Reesom Haile (2003–), Tigrinya-language poet^[5]
• Saba Kidane (1978–), Tigrinya poet
• Hannah Pool (1974–), journalist
• Alemseged Tesfai (1944–), English-language playwright^[6]

Ethiopia

See also: List of Amharic writers

• 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)^[7]
• 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^[8]
• Bessora (1968–, in Belgium), novelist and short story writer^[Gikandi]
• Charline Effah (1977–), French-language novelist and educator^[9]
• Rene Maran, born near Martinique (1887–1960), poet and novelist
• Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa, French-language poet and novelist^[10]
• Justine Mintsa (1967–), French-language novelist^[11]
• Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang (1973–), French-language short story writer^[12]
• 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]

The Gambia

Main article: List of Gambian writers

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^[13]
• Abdulai Silla (1958–)

Kenya

See: List of Kenyan writers

Lesotho

• David Cranmer Theko Bereng (1900–1974), Sotho poet^[Jahn]
• Caroline Ntseliseng Khaketla (1918–2012)^{[14] [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]
• Kem Edward Ntsane (1920–?), 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^[15]
• Khalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer^[16]
• 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

See: List of Malagasy writers

Malawi

• Tito Banda (1950–2014), novelist, academic^[17]
• Ezra Jofiya Chadza (1923–1985), poet and novelist
• William Chafulumira (1908–1981), writer on social issues^[18][19]
• Lula Pensulo (b. 1991) author, translator, and poet ^{[better source needed] [20]}
• Yesaya Chibambo, author of A Short History of the Ngoni (1933), translated into English by Rev. Charles Stuart.^[21]
• Shadreck Chikoti (b. 1979), writer and social activist
• Steve Chimombo (1945–2015), writer, poet, editor and teacher^[22]
• Frank Chipasula (b. 1949), poet, writer, editor, publisher and academic^[22]
• Reuben Chirambo (d. 2011), scholar of African literature^[23]
• Robert Chiwamba, poet^[24]
• Tobias Dossi, author of a novel (1958) and humorous short stories (1965) in Chichewa.^[25]
• Aloysius Dziko, author of a novel in Chichewa (1965).^[25]
• Walije Gondwe (b. 1936), Malawi's first female novelist^[26]
• John Gwengwe, author of novels in Chichewa (1965, 1968).^[25]
• Aubrey Kachingwe (b. 1926), novelist and short story writer^[22][19]
• Lawrence Kadzitche, short story writer^[27]
• 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^[22][19]
• Stanley Onjezani Kenani (b. 1976), writer and poet
• Ken Lipenga (b. 1954), politician, journalist and writer^[22]
• John Lwanda (b. 1949), biographer, poet, doctor, publisher
• Qabaniso Malewezi (b. 1979), spoken-word poet^[28]
• Benedicto Wokomaatani Malunga (b. 1962), poet and broadcaster^[29]
• Jack Mapanje (b. 1944), writer and poet^[22]
• Emily Mkamanga (1949–2021), novelist and social commentator
• Felix Mnthali (b. 1933), poet, novelist and playwright^[22]
• Francis Moto (b. 1952), writer, academic, and diplomat
• Sam Mpasu (1945–2018), novelist and politician; author of prison memoirs
• Edison Mpina (1946–2001), poet^[22]
• 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).^[30]
• Anthony Nazombe (1955–2004), poet and academic^[22]
• Innocent Masina Nkhonyo (b. 1987), short story writer and poet
• Jolly Max Ntaba (1946–1993), novelist in Chichewa and English^[31]
• Samuel Josia Ntara or Nthara (1905–1979), novelist and historian^[19][32][33]
• D.D. Phiri (Desmond Dudwa Phiri), economist, historian and playwright^[19]
• Bonwell Kadyankena Rodgers (b. 1991), author, translator and editor^[34]
• David Rubadiri (1930–2018), diplomat, academic and poet^[22][19]
• 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^[35]
• Tendai M. Shaba (b. 1989), author, writer and poet^[36]

See: List of Malawian writers

Mali

See: List of Malian writers

Mauritania

* Ahmad ibn al-Amin al-Shinqiti (1872–1913), Arabic-language writer

^[a]* 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

Main article: List of Mauritian writers

Morocco

Main article: List of Moroccan writers

Mozambique

See: List of Mozambican writers

Namibia

Further information: List of Namibian writers

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^[37]
• Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright
• Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portuguese-language poet^[Jahn]
• Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist^[38]
• Conceição Lima (1962–), Portuguese-language poet
• Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portuguese-language poet^[39]
• Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010), Portuguese-language poet^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poet^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [40]}

Senegal

See: List of Senegalese writers

Seychelles

• Antoine Abel (1934–2004), poet and fable writer^[Gikandi]

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^{[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

See: List of South African writers

Sudan

See: List of Sudanese writers

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

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^[Gikandi]
• Chibamba Kanyama (1965–), journalist and business writer^[41]
• Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922–?), diplomat and novelist^[42]
• Dominic Mulaisho (1933–2014), novelist^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer^[43]
• Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist^[44]
• 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

• Biography portal
• Africa portal
• Lists portal
• Literature portal

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