Dear Friends,

The Africa Forward Fest, a collaboration between Alliance Française and eKitabu, will take place from 7–9 May 2026 at Alliance Française de Nairobi.

This festival will bring together a diverse array of established and emerging literary talents from across the continent. Among the internationally recognised writers who will attend are award-winner Gaëlle Bélem (Réunion); philosopher Souleymane Bachir Diagne (Senegal), a leading authority on "lateral universalism" and translation; historian and political theorist Achille Mbembe (Cameroon); and writer, translator, and literary curator Edwige Dro (Côte d’Ivoire). The lineup also includes Fatou Diomande, Souleymane Gueye, and Kenya’s own Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor, Prof. Kithaka wa Mberia, Peter Kimani, David Maillu, Deborah Auko Tendo, Shiko Nguru, Donica Merhazion, Betty Kilonzo, and Empress Ciku Kimani Mwaniki.

Furthermore, the event will highlight prominent figures in comic book and children's literature, including Constantin Adadja (Benin) and Plachiki Benali (Congo), as well as Almamy Saad Wagué, Agnès Debiage, and Ravaka Tahirimihamina. A wide range of other participants, including publishers, visual artists, poets, performers, and librarians, will also be featured.

Key Highlights:

• 2nd edition of Prix de l’édition jeunesse africaine: This prize was born out of the Forum des éditeurs jeunesse d’afrique (FEJA) held in Lomé, Togo, where African publishers of children’s books came together to champion children’s literature and spotlight the urgent need for more diverse, high-quality books for young readers across the continent. Building on that foundation, Prix de l’édition jeunesse africaine seeks to elevate the visibility of French-language African stories, support publishers in reaching new markets, and nurture a culture of reading for enjoyment and leisure across Africa.

• Book Club Spotlight: The Social Tournament Book Club dives into Rough Silk, now in its exciting second edition. You can get the second edition of Rough Silk here.

• After 4.30 play: Due to public demand, the After 4.30 play will also be performed daily on 8–9 May and 15–17 May. Tickets are available here.

• Brushes and Books: Over three days, five visual artists will be invited to create an Africa Forward mural on the perimeter walls of the Alliance Française. Brushes and Books will connect you to established and upcoming visual artists.

Click here to find out more about Africa Forward Fest.

Warmest regards,

Will

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