The Pfumo Collective has announced its 2025 list of guest facilitators for the inaugural CITIZEN writing workshop, featuring a distinguished group of African literary and cultural figures: writer Emmanuel Iduma, author and academic Chiké Frankie Edozien, multimedia artist and photographer Victor Ehikhamenor, and author Ike Echeruo.
These facilitators will join Pfumo’s editorial team — Ellah P. Wakatama and Billy Kahora — in Accra, Ghana, for a 10-day creative nonfiction workshop organised in partnership with the Goethe-Institut. The workshop will host 11 selected writers as part of the Collective’s commitment to mentorship and excellence in African literary development.
A free public cultural event will take place on June 21, 2025, at the Goethe-Institut. The event will feature the full line-up of mentors and facilitators, and include a headline conversation:
“War and Memory | How What We Capture Defines What We Remember”, featuring Martin Eglewogbe, director of Pa Gya and the Writers Project of Ghana, in conversation with Emmanuel Iduma.
The facilitators expressed their views on the invitation to support the pioneer cohort:
“It’s a pleasure for me to work with the pioneer cohort of the Pfumo Collective. In a fast-changing publishing and media landscape, writers of creative nonfiction in Africa need to be reminded that the promise of humane storytelling is always worth every regimen of rigour. I look forward to our exchanges during the workshop in Accra, and to reading the brilliant work I’m sure each writer will produce.” — Emmanuel Iduma
“It’s very important and honorable for me to be part of building an institution that will help tell our stories and lend agency to both old and new voices in the continent. I hope to consistently contribute to the growth of this worthy initiative.” — Victor Ehikhamenor
“We’re at a moment on our continent where our state of affairs are constantly being defined by others. Be that as it may, our authors continue to share nuanced stories of our complex and joyous realities. A much needed antidote in these times. Pfumo Collective’s emphasis on citizenship highlights this incredible effort.” — Chiké Frankie Edozien
“I am delighted to contribute to the Pfumo Collective and the nurture of new African voices in creative non-fiction.” — Ike Echeruo
Outside the core programme, participating writers will also gain access to a dedicated research day at the Library of Africa and the African Diaspora (LOATAD).
Project Manager Niki Igbaroola noted:
“Getting the writers to see and access the library is an important part of their development. The library holds so much evidence of the breadth and depth of our history as storytellers across different forms and styles, and we want the writers to know who has come before, and also understand where their work could end up and who it could inform in years to come.”
To extend the reach of the workshop beyond Accra, Pfumo Collective has partnered with The Icarus Company to produce audio recordings of selected sessions, which will later be made available as educational material for writers across Africa and the diaspora.
According to The Icarus Company:
“The ICARUS Co. believes firmly in the creativity of Africans and their ability to shine globally. Pfumo Collective is bridging the gap between creative ability and the structure needed to let creative, literary talent flourish. The ICARUs Co. is happy to be a media partner that will help project this initiative in the quality manner that it deserves.”
Interested parties should follow Pfumo Collective across all social media platforms @pfumocollective and sign up to the newsletter to keep up to date with news from the collective.
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
