By: Loise Shiimi
Namibia has launched and hosted its inaugural African Authors’ Recognition Award to celebrate authors and inspire them to continue on their creative journeys.
The event took place in Ongwediva, Oshana Region, this past Saturday.
In an interview with Eagle FM, Victoria Haihambo, the founder of the African Author’s Recognition Award, shared that this is the first ceremony dedicated to honouring and celebrating authors in the country, noting that it will be held annually moving forward.
“I see that there is no platform in our country that celebrates authors and encourages them. Authors matter; they share stories that touch hearts, improve lives, and educate. This event is designed to support and celebrate them in order to keep their passion alive,” she stated.
The inaugural ceremony was held under the theme ‘Recognise, Celebrate, Inspire.’
Despite being the first of its kind, several nominees travelled from other African countries and various regions of Namibia to participate.
According to Haihambo, this response from across the continent has been positive. “We received 124 submissions from Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Cameroon, Kenya, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Eswatini,” she said.
From these submissions, over 60 authors were shortlisted, and 27 nominees were announced on October 20, 2025.
They competed in six categories: Best Children’s Literature, Best Debut Author, Best Inspirational Writing, Best Fiction, Best Non-Fiction, and Young Emerging Writer, as well as awards for the best female and male authors, which were determined by votes.
Regarding the nominees, Haihambo emphasised the importance of giving authors the visibility they need while fostering collaboration and growth. “Recognising them gives them the courage to continue and allows their stories to be shared.”
“I understand the challenges of writing – the long nights, the emotional journeys, the fears, and the courage involved. Many African writers work quietly and tirelessly, often without recognition. Tonight, we honour their resilience, creativity, and bravery,” she added.
She also appealed for support from the government, private sector, development agencies, and cultural institutions to provide platforms to celebrate authors. To this, she explained that their initiative aligns with Namibia’s sixth National Development Plan (NDP 6), which emphasises knowledge-based development, digital transformation, youth empowerment, and strengthening the arts and creative industries.
“By uplifting authors, we uplift culture. By celebrating stories, we celebrate identity. And by creating platforms like this, we contribute to both national and continental development,” she indicated.
Awards were presented to several winners, including Jobina Shovaleka, who received three awards: Best Female Author, African Author of the Year, and Best Children’s Writer from Namibia. Other winners included Kingsford Reginald from Ghana as Best Male Author, Colisile Tfwala from Eswatini for Best Non-Fiction Author, and Alfeus Benjamin from Namibia for Best Inspirational Writer, among others.
Marcia Chavunduka, co-founder of the African Author’s Recognition Award, explained the Young Emerging Author Award category, stating that it recognises talented young authors, lauding their potential.
“This category represents a new generation that is bold, creative, and ready to change the world through literature. To our Young Emerging Author nominees: keep pushing forward; your gift will carry you far,” she encouraged.
She further elaborated on the Inspirational Writing Award category, highlighting that it honours authors whose words uplift readers mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
“This category celebrates inspirational writers who motivate us to persevere when life gets challenging. Their words remind us that hope endures, strength lies within us, and brighter days are attainable. They encourage us to believe in ourselves repeatedly,” she noted.
