Zambian writer, literature promoter, and JAYLIT Social Media Manager, Doreen Mwenda, has been appointed as African Authors Recognition Awards (AARA) Country Ambassador for Zambia for the 2026 to 2027 term.
The announcement was made on 14 June by AARA founding partner, Victoria Haihambo. Doreen was selected from a competitive pool of applicants. According to AARA, her application stood out due to her track record in literature promotion, community engagement, and advocacy for African authors.
As an Ambassador, Doreen will lead AARA’s outreach in Zambia, working with authors, publishers, libraries, schools, and literary organisations to expand participation in AARA programmes and awards. AARA stated:
“We believe her experience and passion will significantly expand the reach and impact of AARA within the country.”
Doreen expressed gratitude for the appointment and said she is ready to serve. In her words, she said:
“I am honoured by this appointment and ready to serve. My documentation of our literary activities in Zambia spoke for me before I did. My priority is to network widely, promote African literature, and showcase Zambian voices on this global platform. I will work to connect authors with opportunities, build partnerships with sponsors, and grow the AARA Exhibition Programme in Zambia.”
Other appointed Ambassadors include:
- Bame Bame (Bostwana)
- Dr. Victoria Ndinelago Erasmus (Namibia)
- Dr. Iris Zemza Nozizwe Mhlanga (Zimbabwe)
About AARA
The African Authors Recognition Awards (AARA) is a continental literary initiative dedicated to recognising, celebrating, and promoting African authors, storytellers, publishers, literary organisations, and contributors to the growth of literature across Africa and the diaspora. The awards celebrate literary excellence across the continent, with a strong focus on self-published and independent authors.
AARA Recognizes Excellence In: Fiction, Non-Fiction, Poetry, Children’s Literature, Inspirational Writing, Business & Leadership, Educational Publications, Youth Authors, Debut Authors, Self-Published Authors, Literary Impact, and Special Recognition.
AARA is still recruiting potential Ambassadors for underrepresented countries including Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, DR Congo, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Eswatini.
Congratulations, Doreen!
