The Pfumo Collective has launched as a transformative literary initiative to tackle the challenges surrounding producing and disseminating creative non-fiction across the African continent.
The full-circle literary endeavour spearheaded by renowned literary figures Ellah Wakatama and Dr. Billy Kahora which seeks to redefine how African stories are written, developed and shared with the world, is set to empower African writers by providing mentorship, editorial support and access to global publishing opportunities.
Funded by a grant from the Open Society Foundation with its headquarters rooted in Africa, Pfumo Collective’s powerhouse team comprises Wakatama, Kahora, Niki Igbaroola and Bukola Akinyemi.
Their shared vision is to create a space where African writers can explore critical questions of identity, nationhood and citizenship in today’s globalised world.
At the heart of the Pfumo Collective’s launch is a month-long call for submissions centred on the theme CITIZEN. Open exclusively to African writers residing on the continent, the collective invites proposals for creative non-fiction pieces that interrogate what it means to be a citizen in the contemporary African context.
From January 27 to February 14, 2025, aspiring writers—both first-time and published authors—can submit proposals through the collective’s official website, www.pfumocollective.org.
Selected participants will receive fully funded support to develop their submissions into polished works during an in-person workshop to be held in Accra, Ghana.
Led by Wakatama, Kahora and a soon-to-be-announced third mentor, the workshop will feature guest lectures from a curated roster of African thinkers and artists. The final works will culminate in the publication of “CITIZEN: A Literary Manifesto,” an anthology showcasing the best of African creative non-fiction.
Dr. Billy Kahora, a creative writing lecturer at the University of Bristol and Editorial Lead for the project, emphasised the critical role of non-fiction in today’s world.
“How many spaces truly support pan-African creative non-fiction? In a time when global politics and commentary often fall short, non-fiction offers a crucial platform for aesthetic and creative expression. Through CITIZEN, we’re inviting young African voices to ask: ‘Who are we as citizens, and what matters most to us as Africans?’”
Each member of the Pfumo Collective brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the project.
Niki Igbaroola, Campaigns Manager at Jacaranda Books and Project Manager for Pfumo, expressed her excitement at creating opportunities for African writers.
“This project is about giving writers the tools and space they need to realize their publishing dreams, both locally and internationally, within a structured, supportive model.”
Bukola Ankiyemi, the Financial Administrator for the Caine Prize for African Writing, highlighted the thematic depth of the CITIZEN project.
“We’re asking questions that resonate deeply: How does one define citizenship when living away from home? What does it mean to never leave your homeland? Pfumo Collective exists to explore these narratives and bring them to the global stage.”
For Wakatama, Editor-at-Large at Canongate and Project Lead, the initiative represents an invitation to bold storytelling. “We’re encouraging writers to be ambitious and imaginative in their proposals. What does ‘citizen’ mean to you? Interrogate your environment, propose solutions, and share your story with the world.”
The CITIZEN project is just the beginning for the Pfumo Collective. The team envisions a sustainable model that nurtures emerging writers, connects them to global publishing networks and elevates the status of African creative non-fiction.
Beyond the anthology, Pfumo plans to engage with African literary festivals, journals and media platforms to ensure the widest possible reach for its projects.
By addressing barriers such as limited access to mentorship, editorial guidance and publishing opportunities, Pfumo Collective aims to create a thriving ecosystem for African writers. This mission is especially significant given the collective’s focus on non-fiction—a genre often overlooked but essential for fostering critical discourse and intellectual inquiry.
Writers interested in the CITIZEN project are required to submit a proposal for a non-fiction piece that aligns with the project’s theme.
Proposals should be original, unpublished and no longer than 3,000 words. Submissions must include a writing sample, a short bio and a proposed timeline for completion. Successful applicants will receive a stipend, travel expenses and mentorship to develop their work.
The window for submissions closes at midnight GMT on February 14, 2025, with responses expected by March 6, 2025.
For more details, visit www.pfumocollective.org or follow @pfumocollective on Instagram.
With its bold vision and strategic approach, the Pfumo Collective promises to be a game-changer for African literature. As the team embarks on this year-long adventure with CITIZEN, they invite the world to witness the power of African voices tackling complex questions of identity and belonging.
For inquiries about the CITIZEN project, email info@pfumocollective.org.
