2nd Sharjah Festival Of African Literature To Highlight Contemporary Trends In African Storytelling

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, the Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) returns for its second edition, to be held from January 14 to 18 at University City in Sharjah. Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) under the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Bodourbint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, the festival continues to open new chapters of cultural exchange between the people of the region and African literature, one of the richest and most influential streams of human storytelling.

This year’s festival builds on the success of its inaugural edition, which attracted more than 10,000 visitors. The programme adopts a renewed approach to African literary experiences, addressing themes of social transformation and collective memory, while enabling audiences to explore the diversity, rhythm and intellectual depth of African narratives.

Commenting on the second edition, Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, said, “SFAL reflects the global cultural role Sharjah has earned as an inclusive international hub that views literature as a shared human space beyond borders and classifications. This role — which the emirate upholds with responsibility and long-term commitment — is becoming increasingly central to the course of world literature. It strengthens cultural diversity, enriches local literary practice through global exchange, supports translation, expands the international presence of writers and publishers, and affirms literature as a vital force in shaping global awareness.”

For his part, HE. Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, said, “The continuity of the SFAL is the result of the cultural vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who has firmly established literature as a bridge between peoples. The new edition, under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, reaffirms the commitment to expanding cultural dialogue and highlighting creative diversity worldwide. The festival provides a distinctive platform to explore African literary experiences, engage with them critically, support translation and publishing, and generate knowledge that reflects the depth and influence of this literature.”

SFAL authors will include Tsitsi Dangarembga (Zimbabwe) (Winner of Lifetime Achievement Award), author of: ‘Black and Female’ Essays 2022; Lemn Sissay (Ethiopia/UK), author of: Let the Light Pour In, My Name is Why; Nahida Esmail (Tanzania), author of: Bahiya the Little Zebra, The Pink Boda Boda; Richard Mabala (Tanzania), author of: Hawa the Bus Driver, Mabala and the Internet; Scholastique Mukasonga (Rwanda), author of: Our Lady of the Nile; Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu (Zimbabwe), author of: The Theory of Flight, The History of Man; K??la? Tu?b??su?n (Nigeria), author of: E??u? at the Library & Other Poems, Best Literary Translations; Dilman Dila (Uganda), author of: Where Rivers Go To Die; Beatrice Lamwaka (Uganda), author of: Butterfly Dreams and other stories; Goretti Kyomuhendo (Uganda), author of: PROMISES, The First Daughter.

The 2nd edition of SFAL will present a diverse programme of panel discussions addressing literature, identity and memory; workshops for children and young people introducing African heritage and storytelling; artistic and musical performances; African culinary experiences; and an art exhibition, offering audiences a comprehensive cultural experience.

The festival aims to deepen the presence of African literature within the local and Arab cultural landscape, highlight the richness of its literature and poetic traditions, and strengthen cultural exchange through direct dialogue between writers, publishers, academics and audiences. These exchanges seek to establish enduring intellectual and cultural links between the African continent and the region.