Zambia Celebrates Literary Brilliance at the 2025 COPPA Book Awards

Zambia’s literary community gathered in full force at the Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe on June 27 for the 2025 COPPA Book Awards, the nation’s largest literary event spotlighting homegrown writers. This year’s edition not only recognized literary excellence across ten categories but also introduced a new honour—Author of the Year, awarded to Louise Mupeta for her motivational book Shadow Ground.

The COPPA Book Awards, launched in 2023, has quickly become a cornerstone of Zambia’s cultural calendar. Celebrated for its grassroots approach and commitment to inclusivity, the program has now honoured 60 writers over three ceremonies, carving out a vital space for storytellers, poets, thinkers, and educators.

This year’s edition drew hundreds of guests, including authors, readers, publishers, academics, and government representatives. With robust support from the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts through the National Arts Council (NAC), and backing from corporate partners like Prudential Zambia, Garden Court Kitwe, Bookworld Zambia, The Journal of African Youth Literature, 99 Group of Companies and several others.

The awards process began in February 2025 with a nationwide call for nominations. Public voting followed, culminating in a final shortlist that was assessed by a panel of veteran literary judges. Each finalist’s work was evaluated using a 60% judges’ review and 40% public vote metric.

A total of 20 authors were awarded across categories spanning fiction, nonfiction, poetry, health, children’s literature, and more.

2025 COPPA BOOK AWARDS WINNERS

Best Of Fiction Book

Winner: Savitir – Ndiwe Mutima
1st Runner up: Ryan Nchimunya – Finding The Light
3rd Place: Luminous Chama – Usiku

Best Of Spiritual & Religious Book

Winner: Nason Joshua – Love Matters
1st Runner up: Oliver Mwansa – The Greatest Truth About An Otiose Aper
3rd Place: Jonathan Nasilele Munsandi Kabanda – Crumbs from The Master’s Table

Best Of History, Political & Heritage Book

Winner: Harry N. Chibesakunda – Forgotten Genocide
1st Runner up: Dominic Anthony Chungu – The Currency Lingo
3rd Place: Moono Namwinzye Chungu – Routs (2021)

Best Of Health Book

Winner: Kripa Aiyar – Bleeding With Pride
1st Runner up: Lameck Simfukwe – Mental Hygiene
3rd Place: Diana E. Phiri – Mimba Yanga

Best of Inspiration & Motivational Book

Winner: Louise Mupeta – Shadow Ground
1st Runner up: Tobias Makai – How To Discover Shape and Thrive In Your Career
3rd Place: Ackim Malambo – Against All Odds

Best of Education & Stem Book

Winner: Stanley Mwiinga – Digital Mastery
1st Runner up: Timothy Mwewa – At The Edge of Technology
3rd Place: Castrol Chama – Climate Puzzle

Best of Poetry & Anthology Book

Winner: Gilbert Kanyembo – A Letter to Love
1st Runner up: Lovewell Mwiinga – Musings of A Mystic
3rd Place: Bwalya Chanda – Whispers of The Heart

Best Of Non Fiction Book

Winner: Terence Phiri – Gambizayo Ziko
1st Runner up: Travis Monga – Socially Alert
3rd Place: Stanley Banda – My Neighbour My Love

Best of Children’s Book

Winner: Kambole Salimu – Koni Phonics Activity Book
1st Runner up: A. Mulamba Chibesakunda – My Zambian Folktales and Geo tales
3rd Place: Choolwe J. Mwiinga – Afronita

Best Of Women & Girl Child Book

Winner: Faith Kamanga – Scars of A Brave Girl
1st Runner up: Natasha Chitimbe Mukamba – Bits and Pieces
3rd Place: Savitir – Single Mom of 2

The headline moment of the night belonged to Louise Mupeta, who took home both the Best of Inspiration & Motivational Book and the top honour of Author of the Year—a new award created to recognize a writer whose work not only exemplifies excellence but uplifts their community.

With the 2025 edition now in the books, the COPPA team is turning its focus to building momentum toward 2026. A series of community-focused events, workshops, and reading campaigns are expected in the lead-up to the next ceremony.

Organizers are also calling on individuals, creatives, educators, and companies to join the movement. Partnerships and collaborations are being welcomed via partner@coppabookawards.com as the platform seeks to deepen its impact and expand opportunities for Zambian writers.

For updates, upcoming events, and the full list of 2025 winners, follow the official COPPA Book Awards Facebook page or visit their official website .