Pfumo Collective has unveiled the 12 writers selected for its inaugural CITIZEN project, an ambitious pan-African literary initiative that brings together emerging voices in nonfiction from across the continent. The selected writers include JAY Lit contributor, Ekemini Pius.
The project, which attracted over 130 submissions from 37 African countries, will culminate in an intensive writing workshop, a mentorship programme, and the publication of an anthology titled CITIZEN.
The selected writers hail from Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. Each participant was chosen based on the strength and originality of their proposal, which explores the idea of citizenhood through personal, political, and historical lenses.
The core of the project is a fully funded 10-day residential workshop in Accra, Ghana, where writers will work closely with mentors and editors to develop their ideas into fully realised nonfiction essays.
For Editorial Consultant and Project Partner, Dr. Billy Kahora, the selection process was both energising and inspiring. In her words, she says:
“African creative nonfiction is in rude health,” he shared. “I just can’t wait to collaborate with these amazing writers. What was so pleasing was the variety of style and theme as warrants the idea of Citizenship on the continent.”
The initial plan was to select 10 writers. However, the sheer quality of the submissions led to the decision to expand the cohort to 12. According to Founder and Project Lead, Ellah P. Wakatama:
“The selected writers fulfilled my hopes for imaginative ways of interrogating African experiences of citizenship: what makes us a people united; what happens if we focus on the voices of women; how does urban planning impact social cohesion? I can’t wait to work with these brilliant writers in developing their work and bringing their ideas, observations and solutions to a wide, international reading public.”
Among those selected is Adeowu Azeeza from Nigeria, who described her selection as “honestly a dream.” She added:
“Creative nonfiction is still emerging in Nigeria, and I’m really grateful for opportunities like this that offer space to grow and learn as a writer. This year’s theme feels especially personal, and I’m honoured to finally tell a story that’s been waiting to be heard.”
Also representing Nigeria is Iweka Kingsley, who expressed his commitment to the power of collective storytelling. In his words:
“I am honored to join the Pfumo Collective, where our voices unite to shape a brighter future for Africa. This selection is a call to transform narratives, empower communities, and inspire global change through our collective storytelling.”
From Ghana, Kareem Widad reflected on how the project aligns with her interest in community identity:
“This project is an opportunity to explore the complexities of identity within the Zongo community, and how lives are shaped across generations by trade and migration.”
Kona Bongani from Zimbabwe emphasised the timeliness of the anthology’s theme, quoting Toni Morrison in her statement:
“We live in a moment where, as Toni Morrison writes, ‘the concept of home is seen as being menaced by foreigners,’ and so many people’s sense of belonging hangs in the balance. To be part of a project that attempts to use creative non-fiction writing to shed light on this subject is hugely exciting, but I also feel its urgency.”
From Somalia, Mahamoud Ali Faduma says:
“I’m thrilled to embark on this great endeavor with Pfumo team, to reflect on citizenhood in the continent and look forward to contributing my perspective on this discourse.”
Another Zimbabwean voice, Mudzonga Tawanda, noted the collaborative nature of the opportunity saying:
“The chance to learn and work with other African writers is an important communing and I look forward to seeing how these interactions will show up in and affect the work. This is a life-changing opportunity to develop my craft. I’m very excited for the journey ahead.”
Mugaa Dennis from Kenya emphasized the value of technical support and mentorship:
“Being selected for this Pfumo project means that I’ll have the requisite support and technical knowledge imparted on me to enable me to complete my writing project. It is such a wonderful opportunity that I hope to utilise to the fullest.”
Pius Ekemini, another Nigerian participant, shared his excitement saying:
“I feel blessed and highly privileged to be a part of this cohort of African writers who will embark on this timely project to discover what it really means to be an African citizen at this present time. I look forward to working with the distinguished mentors, and I cannot wait to get started!!”
Representing South Africa, Sinivasan Santhea says:
“Being selected for this collective affirms that active citizenship includes reflection, questioning, and care. For me, storytelling is a civic act — one that can use nostalgia not to retreat into the past, but to remember, honour, and reimagine. It’s a way of asking: how did we get here, what binds us, and where might we go from here, together?”
Wolde Yordanos Tekleab from Ethiopia expressed how meaningful the gathering is.
“Opportunities take on many forms. When it comes in the form of fellow Africans, coming together to write, learn and grow as we tell our stories, then that is too great a deal to miss. I am truly honored to be a part of this cohort.”
Finally, Zabu Yvonne from Uganda spoke of the creative potential of nonfiction stating:
“I’m deeply honoured to join the Pfumo Collective — a space that brings together bold, thoughtful storytellers. Creative nonfiction, for me, is where truth meets imagination; it allows us to illuminate difficult histories and lived realities in ways that resonate. Being part of CITIZEN: A Manifesto means I can finally shape and share a story rooted in personal history and movement — one I’ve carried for years. We are at the beginning of a beautiful thing.”
A “full-circle” literary initiative addressing structural gaps in African literary production, Pfumo Collective’s model includes paid commissions, editorial and mentorship support, coverage of travel expenses, and strategies for international engagement through festivals, media, and publishing partnerships.
Congratulations to Ekemini Pius and all the other selected writers! Your voices will no doubt shape conversations about what it means to be a citizen in today’s Africa!!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
