The Pfumo Collective has announced its selection of 12 non-fiction writers from across Africa for its inaugural Citizen Manifesto anthology project. Among the standout selections are three Nigerian writers—Adeowu Azeeza, Iweka Kingsley and Pius Ekemini—who will join peers from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda and Zimbabwe in a transformative 10-day intensive workshop in Accra, Ghana.
According to a statement, the project, which received over 130 submissions from 37 African countries, seeks to redefine narratives of African citizenship through bold, imaginative storytelling. With mentorship from literary giants like Dr. Billy Kahora and Ellah P Wakatama, OBE, the cohort will craft compelling non-fiction pieces that challenge conventional perspectives on belonging, identity and social cohesion.
Pfumo Collective’s selection process was fiercely competitive, with the team expanding the initial cohort from 10 to 12 due to the overwhelming quality of submissions. Each writer brings a unique lens to the concept of citizenship, reflecting the continent’s diverse realities.
Nigeria’s literary scene continues to shine, with three writers securing spots in the prestigious cohort:
Adeowu Azeeza sees the opportunity as a dream realised, emphasising the growing space for creative non-fiction in Nigeria. “Creative nonfiction is still emerging in Nigeria, and I’m really grateful for opportunities like this that offer space to grow and learn as a writer,” she says.
Iweka Kingsley, who views storytelling as a tool for empowerment and global change, says “This selection is a call to transform narratives, empower communities, and inspire global change through our collective storytelling”.
For Pius Ekemini, who expresses gratitude for the chance to explore what it truly means to be an African citizen today, “I feel blessed and highly privileged to be a part of this cohort of African writers who will embark on this timely project”.
Their inclusion underscores Nigeria’s vibrant storytelling tradition and the global demand for African voices in non-fiction.
The remaining nine writers bring equally compelling perspectives:
Kareem Widad (Ghana) will explore identity in Ghana’s Zongo communities, shaped by trade and migration.
“This project is an opportunity to explore the complexities of identity within the Zongo community, and how lives are shaped across generations by trade and migration,” he explains.
Kona Bongani (Zimbabwe) tackles themes of belonging in an era where “home” is often contested. “We live in a moment where the concept of home is seen as being menaced by foreigners,” he says, referencing Toni Morrison. “To be part of a project that attempts to use creative non-fiction writing to shed light on this subject is hugely exciting.”
Mahamoud Ali Faduma (Somalia) brings a fresh perspective on citizenhood in a nation rebuilding from conflict.
“I’m thrilled to embark on this great endeavor with Pfumo team, to reflect on citizenhood in the continent,” he shares.
Mudzonga Tawanda (Zimbabwe) sees the workshop as a life-changing opportunity.
“The chance to learn and work with other African writers is an important communing,” he says.
Mugaa Dennis (Kenya) highlights the importance of mentorship. “Being selected means that I’ll have the requisite support and technical knowledge imparted on me to enable me to complete my writing project,” he notes.
Sinivasan Santhea (South Africa) frames storytelling as a civic act. *”For me, storytelling is a civic act — one that can use nostalgia not to retreat into the past, but to remember, honour, and reimagine,” she reflects.
Wolde Yordanos Tekleab (Ethiopia) is honoured to collaborate with fellow African writers.
“When it comes in the form of fellow Africans, coming together to write, learn and grow as we tell our stories, then that is too great a deal to miss,” she says.
Zabu Yvonne (Uganda) is eager to share a long-held personal story. “Being part of CITIZEN: A Manifesto means I can finally shape and share a story rooted in personal history and movement — one I’ve carried for years,” she reveals.
The fully funded workshop in Accra will provide rigorous mentorship, editorial support and collaborative opportunities. Dr Kahora, Editorial Consultant, praised the submissions, stating, “African creative non-fiction is in rude health and I just can’t wait to collaborate with these amazing writers—what was so pleasing was the variety of style and theme as warrants the idea of Citizenship on the continent.”
Wakatama, OBE, Founder and Project Lead, highlighted the cohort’s potential to reshape narratives: “These writers fulfilled my hopes for imaginative ways of interrogating African experiences of citizenship: what makes us a people united; what happens if we focus on the voices of women; how does urban planning impact social cohesion? I can’t wait to work with these brilliant writers in developing their work and bringing their ideas, observations and solutions to a wide, international reading public.”
By centering African perspectives on citizenship, Pfumo Collective challenges monolithic narratives about the continent. The project also addresses systemic barriers in publishing by providing editorial support, fair compensation and global distribution.
Historically, African non-fiction has struggled to gain the same recognition as fiction. Initiatives like this aim to change that, ensuring that African intellectuals, journalists, and essayists have a platform to shape global discourse.
Following the workshop, the writers’ works will be published in the Citizen anthology, distributed internationally through Pfumo Collective’s publishing partnerships. The project not only amplifies African voices but also challenges global perceptions of the continent’s literary and intellectual contributions.
More at: http://www.pfumocollective.org
