The concept of literary festivals is a powerful counter-narrative to the tired notion of intellectuals as boring or aloof.
By Evidence Egwuono Adjarho
There is almost always something interesting to look forward to in the African literary ecosystem, and 2025 is no exception. Typically, the first half of each year is a period of reflection within literary circles. Magazines and journals open up for submissions, new books begin to gain traction, and the readingscape is full of promise.
But as the year inches towards the middle, there is a noticeable shift in trajectory. The atmosphere begins to brim with excitement as literary festivals are hosted across various countries and cities in Africa. This timing seems not only strategic but also perfect. It becomes the much-needed “play” to keep Jack from becoming a dull boy. Yet it is far more than a mere reprieve.
Literary festivals play a vital role in maintaining and regulating the literary ecosystem. The concept of literary festivals is a powerful counter-narrative to the tired notion of intellectuals as boring or aloof. These festivals are fertile ground for lovers of literature, and the Arts more broadly, to convene and hold meaningful, often transformative, discussions. While these conversations are typically anchored around celebrating incredible works of literature, they often expand to address broader societal issues, making the festivals both intellectually and socially relevant.
As the year transitions into its second half, in no particular order here are 8 literary festivals across Africa you should make plans to attend.
Macondo Literary Festival — Kenya
In a detailed coverage of Macondo Literary Festival 2024, culture writer, Frank Njugi, writes: “The Macondo Literary Festival has become a celebrated cornerstone of East Africa’s literary community, renowned for its captivating panels, engaging workshops, and the opportunity to connect with acclaimed authors”. Since its inception in 2019, Macondo Literary Festival has become home to the Eastern African literary community. Maintaining a culture of excellence has earned the festival a place among the top 9 literary festivals in the world according to Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
For this year, the festival’s official theme is “Chronicles & Currents”, set to happen from September 19th-21st at Kenya Cultural Center, Nairobi.
Ake Arts and Book Festival (Ake Fest) — Lagos, Nigeria
Arguably one of the most notable literary festivals in Western Africa, Ake Arts and Book Festival is held annually in the energetic hub and city that is Lagos—although formerly Abeokuta— in Nigeria. Organised by Book Buzz Foundation, led by Lola Shoneyin, Ake Festival draws a crowd of people from neighbouring cities and even far ones. Founded in 2013 and now in its 13th edition, the festival’s theme this year is Reclaiming Truths.
In an X post, the significance of this theme is broken down: “It urges us to rediscover the power of authenticity and the courage of integrity. From 20-22 November 2025, we shall amplify voices that champion clarity over confusion, and substance over spectacle. Our discussions will explore ideological bias, media literacy, the role of storytellers in shaping collective memory and the foundational value of shared truths.” More details of the festival are disclosed here.
Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPfest) — Lagos, Nigeria
West Africa’s First International Poetry Festival, Lagos International Poetry Festival easily boasts a number of activities, from panel discussions, workshops, community outreaches and performances. Over the past decade, LIPFest has become a major cultural event, drawing poets, writers, artists, and public thinkers to Lagos for a thorough and exciting four-day ride.
Run by a committed team of cultural producers and arts administrators, the festival extends significant support to the artistic community it serves. It also provides platforms and showcases that help artists reach wider local and global audiences, such as the poetry slam with an exciting prize for winners, and an opportunity for interested participants to host events as well.
The official date for this year’s LIPFest, its 11th edition, is October 23rd- 27th. Although not much has been revealed, registration and other information about the festival may be found here.
Sokoto Books and Arts Festival (SOBAFest) — Sokoto, Nigeria
Now in its 5th year, SOBAFest has opened its door to the public for three days of complete immersion in literary and artistic conversations. A brainchild of Emelife Uchenna, Director and founder of Book O’Clock, SOBAFest happens annually in the Northern Nigerian state, Sokoto.
The theme for the festival this year is “Intersections”— an exploration of how innovation and tradition converge— kickstarting from August 22nd-25th. The festival is usually a beehive of activities ranging from intense but no less interesting discussions, performances from emerging and known artists, to art exhibitions and face painting.
This year’s curators are writer and cultural curator, Zainab Abdulrazaq, and Award-winning poet, Ridwan Fasasi. Indeed, SOBAFest seems like the solution to the observation about Literary Festivals in Nigeria centered in South-Western states like Lagos, Ibadan, ignoring Northern Nigerian states.
Kampala Writes Literary Festival — Kampala, Uganda
With a primary aim to celebrate Ugandan writers and storytellers, Kampala Writes Literary Festival had its inaugural edition in 2024. Now in its second edition, the festival’s line-up of activities includes workshops, panel discussions, and a poetry masterclass, all of which are led solely by Ugandans— an intentional and laudable decision.
Author of renowned and award-winning novels, Kintu and A Girl is a Body of Water, Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi, is the keynote speaker exploring the festival’s theme, “Belonging”, as it relates with preserving the authenticity and essence of one’s homeland through writing. Kampala Writes Literary Festival is set to hold from August 15th- 17th at Makerere University, Kampala.
Abuja International Poetry Festival (AIPFest) — Abuja, Nigeria
Abuja International Poetry Festival is one of Nigeria’s foremost platforms dedicated to the craft and culture of poetry. At its inaugural event in 2024 with the theme “Afrofuturism and Digital Culture”, the festival brought together an exciting mix of poets, performers, scholars, and enthusiasts in Nigeria’s capital city for days of poetry readings, workshops, stage performances, panel discussions, and cultural exchange.
AIPFest’s programming is especially notable for creating space for both emerging and established voices, with events such as the “Word Slam” and “Poetry on the Streets” providing opportunities for young poets to shine. For 2025, the festival will be held from November 14th-16th, with the theme and guest lineup to be announced soon. Keep an eye on their official page for updates.
Umuofia Arts and Books Festival — Enugu, Nigeria
One of the more recent additions to Nigeria’s growing festival calendar, Umuofia Arts and Books Festival has quickly gained attention for its immersive and deeply community-rooted approach to literary celebration.
Situated in the fictional-but-real heartland of Umuofia (an homage to Chinua Achebe’s legendary setting), the festival, inaugurated in 2022, is held annually in South-Eastern Nigeria, Enugu, and offers a mix of literary conversations, indigenous art displays, oral storytelling sessions, book swaps, musical and poetry performances. This year’s edition will hold fromJuly 31st–August 2nd, with a focus on the theme “Reflections”.
Lagos Book and Art Festival (LABAF) — Lagos, Nigeria
Often dubbed “Africa’s biggest culture picnic,” the Lagos Book and Art Festival was founded in 1999 by the Committee for Relevant Art (CORA), a Nigeria-based cultural organisation. LABAF is a convergence of books, theatre, visual arts, and music, all curated to celebrate and interrogate the state of the nation’s creative and cultural consciousness.
Held annually in November at Freedom Park, Lagos, the festival features an impressive lineup of events: book chats, author meet-ups, visual art exhibitions, poetry performances, film screenings, and intellectually stimulating panel discussions.
LABAF is particularly known for its intergenerational spirit, drawing schoolchildren, university students, culture critics, and veteran artists alike. Its 2025 edition will be held from November 11th–17th under the theme “CHANGE: Imagining Alternatives”.
Evidence Egwuono Adjarho is a dynamic and evolving creative with a flair for literature and the arts. She finds joy in reading and writing, and often spends her free time observing the world around her. Her interests span a wide range of artistic expressions, with a particular focus on storytelling in its many forms including photography.