List of African writers by country

This is a list of prominent and notable writers from Africa, including poets, novelists, children's writers, essayists, and scholars, listed by country.

Algeria

• Noureddine Aba (1921–1996), playwright and poet.
• Ferhat Abbas (1899–1995), political leader and essayist.
• Salim Aïssa, pseudonym of Boukella, writer of detective fiction.
• Wasini al-A'raj (1954– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Malek Alloula (1937– ), poet and critic.
• Djamal Amrani (1935–2005), poet and essayist.
• Jean Amrouche (1907–1962), poet.
• Marguerite Taos Amrouche (1913–1976), writer and singer.
• Leila Aouchal (1937– ), novelist.
• Maya Arriz Tamza (1957– ), storyteller, novelist and playwright.
• Fatima Bakhaï (1949– ).
• Azouz Begag (1957– ), social scientist and novelist.
• Rabah Belamri (1946–1995), poet, short story writer and critic.
• Myriam Ben (1928–2001), novelist, poet and activist.
• 'Abdelhamid Ben Hadouga (1928–1996), novelist and short story writer.
• Jacqueline Benslimane, poet.
• Réda Bensmaia, novelist and critic.
• Albert Bensoussan, novelist, translator and academic.
• Fatiha Berezak, poet and performer.
• Aïcha Bouabaci, poet and short story writer.
• Rachid Boudjedra (1941– ), writer and educator.
• Nina Bouraoui (1967– ), novelist.
• Hocine Bouzaher (1935– ), poet, politician and editor.
• Albert Camus (1913–1960), author, philosopher and journalist.
• Hélène Cixous (1937–), feminist writer and critic.
• Djamila Debeche (1926– ), novelist and essayist.
• Jacques Derrida (1930–2004), philosopher.
• Mohammed Dib (1920–2003), novelist and poet.
• Tahar Djaout (1954–1993), journalist, poet and fiction writer.
• Assia Djebar (1936– ), Francophone writer, film-maker and academic.
• Frantz Fanon, originally from Martinique (1925–1961), psychiatrist, philosopher and political theorist.
• Achour Fenni, poet and academic.
• Mouloud Feraoun (1913–1962).
• Touati Fettouma (1950– ), Francophone novelist of the Maghreb.
• Fatima Gallaire (1944– ), playwright.
• Anna Greki, pseudonym of Colette Anna Grégoire (1931–1966), poet.
• Malek Haddad (1927–1978), novelist and poet.
• Aicha Lemsine (1942– ), novelist.
• Mouloud Mammeri (1917–1989), Kabyle writer, anthropologist and linguist.
• Latifa Ben Mansour (1950– ), writer and linguist.
• Rachid Mimouni (1945–1995), writer, teacher and activist.
• Ahlam Mostaghanemi (1953– ), novelist.
• Mohammed Ould Cheikh (1905–1938), poet and novelist.
• Leila Rezzoug (1956– ), novelist.
• Leïla Sebbar (1941– ), novelist.
• Jean Sénac (1926–1962), poet.
• al-Tāhir Wattar (1936– ), novelist.
• Kateb Yacine (1929–1989), novelist and playwright.
• Ahmed Zitouni (1949– ), novelist.

Angola

• José Eduardo Agualusa (1960– ), journalist and writer.
• Mário Pinto de Andrade (1928–1990), poet and politician
• Arlindo Barbeitos (1940– ), poet
• Mendes de Carvalho, writing as Uanhenga Xitu, politician and Africanist writer in Portugese and Kimbundu.
• Lopito Feijóo (1963– ), poet.
• António Jacinto (1924–1991), poet and political activist.
• Sousa Jamba (1966– ), Anglophone journalist and novelist.
• Luis Kandjimbo (1960– ), essayist and critic.
• Dia Kassembe (1946– ), Francophone writer and novelist.
• Alda Lara (1930–1962), poet.
• Reis Luís, or "Mbwanga" (1968– ), Portugese-language novelist.
• João Maimona (1955– ), poet and essayist.
• Manuel Rui Monteiro (1941– ), poet.
• Agostinho Neto (1922–1979), poet.
• Ondjaki (1977– ), poet, novelist and dramatist.
• Pepetela, pen-name of Artur Carlos Maurício Pestana dos Santos (1941–), writer of fiction.
• Oscar Ribas (1909–2004), novelist
• Paula Tavares (1952– ), poet.
• José Luandino Vieira (1935– ), short-story writer and novelist.

Benin

• Stanislas Adotevi (1934– ), French-language academic and philosopher.
• Adelaide Fassinou, novelist
• Berte-Evelyne Agbo, French-language poet also connected with Senegal.
• Barbara Akplogan (1984 – ), French-language writer.
• Julien Alapini (1906–1971), ethnographer and playwright.
• Francis Aupiais (1877–1945), French-born missionary and anthopologist.
• Olympe Bhêly-Quenum (1928 – ), writer and journalist.
• Jérôme Carlos (1944– ), novelist,poet.
• Florent Couao-Zotti (1964), novelist,writer of comics, plays and short stories.
• Félix Couchoro (1900–1968), novelist.
• Moudjib Djinadou (1965– ), novelist.
• Paul Hazoumé (1890–19800, novelist.
• Gisèle Hountondji (1954– ), French-language novelist.
• Paulin J. Hountondji (1942– ), philosopher and politician.
• Paulin Joachim (1931– ), poet, journalist and editor.
• Barnabé Laye (1941 – ), poet.
• Hortense Mayaba, French-language novelist and children's writer.
• José Pliva (1966– ), actor and playwright.
• Jean Pliya (1931– ), playwright and short story writer.
• Alidjanatou Saliou-Arekpa, French-language novelist.
• Arnold Sènou, French-language novelist.

Botswana

• Galesiti Baruti, novelist and academic.
• Unity Dow (born 1959), judge, human rights activist and writer.
• Bessie Head (1937—1986), novelist and short-story writer born in South Africa.
• Leetile Disang Raditladi (1910–1971), playwright and poet.
• Barolong Seboni (born 1957), poet and academic.

Burkina Faso

• Angèle Bassolé-Ouédraogo (1967– ), French-language poet, also connected with Côte d'Ivoire.
• François Djobi Bassolet (d. 2001), journalist, historian, and cultural leader.
• Jacques Prosper Bazié (born 1955), poet.
• Nazi Boni (1909–1969), politician and writer.
• Sarah Bouyain (1968– ), writer and film director
• Simporé Simone Compaore (born c. 1956), French-language playwright.
• Augustin-Sondé Coulibaly (1933– ), French-language novelist, poet and critic.
• Bernadette Sanou Dao (1952– ), politician, poet and children's writer.
• D. Jean Pierre Guingané (1947– ), playwright, actor and director.
• Zarra Guiro (1957– ), French-language autobiographical writer.
• Ignace Ansomwin Hien (1952– ), novelist, poet and storywriter.
• Monique Ilboudo, politician and writer.
• Pierre Claver Ilboudo (born 1948), French-language novelist.
• Sophie Heidi Kam (1968– ), French-language poet, playwright and novelist.
• Sandra Pierrette Kanzié, French-language poet.
• Joseph Ki-Zerbo (1922–2006), politician and writer.
• Amadou Koné (1953– ), novelist, playwright and short story writer.
• Gaël Koné (1976– ), French-language poet.
• Honorine Mare (1972– ), French-language poet and academic.
• Roger Nikiéma (c.1935– ), French-language journalist, novelist and poet.
• Suzy Henique Nikiéma (1983– ). French-language novelist.
• Kollin Noaga, pseudonym of Ernest Nongma Ouedraogo, politician, novelist and playwright.
• Dim-Dolobsom Ouedraogo (1897–1940), intellectual.
• Titinga Frédéric Pacéré (1943–), museum curator and French-language writer.
• Adiza Sanoussi, French-language novelist.
• Etienne Sawadogo, French-language novelist.
• Marie-Simone Séri (born 1954), French-language autobiographical writer also connected with Ivory Coast.
• Jean-Baptiste Somé, novelist.
• Malidoma Patrice Somé (1956– ), writer about religion.
• Maxime Z. Somé (1959– ), academic, politician and novelist.
• Norbert Zongo (1949–1988), journalist and novelist.

Burundi

• Esther Kamatari (1951– )

Cameroon

• Severin Cecile Abega (1955–2008), French-language fiction writer and anthropologist, author of Les Bimanes, Le Bourreau and Entre Terre et Ciel.
• Marie-Therese Assiga Ahanda, chemist and novelist.
• Paul-Charles Atangana (1930– ), French-language poet.
• Philomène Bassek (1957– ), French-language novelist, author of La Tache de Sang.
• Francis Bebey (1929–2001), author of Les Trois Petits Cireurs, Agatha Moudio'son, The Ashanti Doll, Enfant Pluie and Ministre et le Griot.
• Bate Besong (1954– ), poet.
• Mongo Beti (pseudonym of Alexandre Biyidi Awala) (1932–2001), novelist writing in French.
• Calixthe Beyala (1961– ), novelist writing in French.
• Jacques Bonjawo (1960– ), software engineer and columnist.
• Bole Butake (1947– ), playwright.
• Fernando d'Almeida (1955– ), journalist and poet.
• Paul Dakeyo (1948– ), poet.
• Mbella Sonne Dipoko (1936– ), English-language novelist, poet and painter.
• Gaston-Paul Effa (1965– ), novelist.
• Jean Marc Ela (1936– ), African liberation theologian, author of African Cry and My Faith as an African
• Samuel-Martin Eno Belinga (1935– ), poet, geologist and civil servant.
• Professor Ndumbe Eyoh (1949–2006), playwright.
• Alexis Maxime Feyou de Happy, French-language playwright, author of Conscience Ouverte (1974), Dithy (2002), Fairy Tales from Propagamar (2006), Victus Libri/Classic African Art (2008), Les Mezzotiniales (2009), Bodanou le Petit Oiseau Rouge (2010), and La Septieme Colonne/L'Ombre de Meridor (2010).
• Joseph Feyou de Happy (1921– ), French-language politician and historian, author of L'esprit des lois grassfields.
• Patrice Kayo (1942– ), poet, short story writer and oral storyteller.
• Yodi Karone (1954– ), novelist.
• Werewere Liking (1950– ), novelist also associated with Côte d’Ivoire.
• Jeanne Ngo Mai (1933– ), French-language poet.
• Claude-Joseph M'Bafou-Zetebeg (1948– ), French-language poet.
• Achille Mbembe (1957– ), political philosopher.
• Rémy Sylvestre Medou Mvomo (1938– ), novelist and playwright.
• Evelyne Mpoudi Ngole (1953–), French-language novelist, author of Sous La Cendre Le Feu and Petit Jo, Enfant Des Rues.
• Engelbert Mveng (1930– ), French-language poet, author of Balafon.
• Bill F. NDI (1964– ), English-language poet and playwright, author of K'cracy, Trees in the Storm and Other Poems, Mishaps and Other Poems, Toils and Travails, and Gods in the Ivory Towers.
• Bernard Nanga (1934–1985), French-language novelist, author of Les Chauve-Souris.
• David Ndachi Tagne (1958– ), novelist and journalist.
• Charles Ngandé, French-language poet.
• Simon Njami (1962– ), novelist.
• Jean-Jacques Nkollo (1962– ), novelist.
• Etienne B. Noume, pen-name of Etienne NKepndep (1944–1970), French-language poet.
• Jean-Paul-Nyunaï (1932– ), French-language poet.
• Joseph Owono (1921–1981), novelist and diplomat.
• Ferdinand Oyono (1929– ), novelist.
• Guillaume Oyono-Mbia (1939– ), playwright writing in English and French, author of Trois Pretendants un mari.
• René Philombe, pseudonym of Philippe-Louis Ombede (1930–2001), novelist and editor.
• Francois Sengat-Kuo (1931– ), French-language poet, author of Fleurs de Laterite, Heures rouges, and Collier de Cauris.
• Elolongué Epanya Yondo (1930– ), poet in French and Duala.
• Delphine Zanga Tsogo (1935– ), feminist and writer.

Cape Verde

Main article: List of Cape Verdeans#Writers

Central African Republic

• Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932– ), novelist and poet.
• Etienne Goyémidé (1942– ), novelist, poet and short story writer: Le Silence de la Foret.
• Blaise N'Djehoya (1953– ), novelist.
• Cyriaque Robert Yavoucko (1953– ), novelist.

Chad

• Marie-Christine Koundja (1957– ), novelist and diplomat.
• Koulsy Lamko (1959– ), playwright, poet, novelist and university lecturer.
• Joseph Brahim Seid (1927–1980), writer and politician.
• Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960– ), economist and writer.
• Ahmat Taboye, literary critic.
• Khayar Oumar Defallah (c.1944– ), politician and autobiographical writer.

Congo (Brazzaville)

• Adèle Caby-Livannah (1957– )
• Emmanuel Dongala (1941– )
• Mambou Aimée Gnali
• Sony Lab'ou Tansi (1947–1995), born in Congo-Kinshasa
• Henri Lopes (1937– ), born in Congo-Kinshasa
• Alain Mabanckou (1966– )
• Jean Malonga
• Victor N'Gembo-Mouanda (1969– )
• Theophile Obenga
• Tchicaya U Tam'si (1931–1988)
• Jean-Baptiste Tati-Loutard (1938–2009)
• Jeannette Balou Tchichelle (1947– )
• Marie-Leontine Tsibinda
• Brigitte Yengo

Congo (Democratic Republic)– formerly Zaïre

• Léonie Abo, (1945– ), autobiographical writer.
• J’ongungu Lokolé Bolamba (1913–1990), poet.
• Raïs Neza Boneza (1979– ), poet and peace researcher.
• Amba Bongo, writer and advocate for refugees.
• Lima-Baleka Bosekilolo, poet.
• Charles Djungu-Simba Kamatenda (1953– ), journalist, teacher, publisher, and writer.
• Philibert Edme, writer
• Buabua wa Kayembe Mubadiate (1950– ), playwright.
• Christine Kalonji, French-language fiction writer.
• Kama Sywor Kamanda (1952– ), writer and poet.
• Maguy Kabamba (1960– ), writer and translator.
• Paul Lomami-Tshibamba (1914–1985), novelist born in Congo-Brazzaville.
• V. Y. Mudimbe (1941– ), philosopher, academic and author.
• Ngal Mbwil a Mpaang (1933– ), novelist.
• Kavidi Wivine N'Landu, poet.
• Clémentine Nzuji (1944– ), poet.
• Sony Labou Tansi (1947–1995), novelist and poet.
• Kabika Tshilolo, French-language writer.
• Frederick Kambemba Yamusangie, novelist, playwright and poet.
• Lye M. Yoka, playwright and short story writer.
• Batukezanga Zamenka (1933–2000), novelist and essayist.

Côte d'Ivoire

• Marguerite Abouet, born in Abidjan (1971– )
• Angèle Bassolé-Ouédraogo, also connected with Burkina Faso (1967– )
• Tanella Boni
• Micheline Coulibaly, born in Vietnam (1950–2003)
• Bernard Binlin Dadié (1916– )
• Henriette Diabate
• Richard Dogbeh, also connected with Benin, Senegal and Togo (1932–2003)
• Werewere-Liking Gnepo, also connected with Cameroon (1950– )
• Gilbert G. Groud (1956– )
• Fatou Kéita
• Adjoua Flore Kouame (1964– )
• Ahmadou Kourouma (1927–2003)
• Lauryn, also connected with Togo and Benin, born in France (1978– )
• Véronique Tadjo (1955– )

Djibouti

• Waberi Abdourahman (1965– ), novelist, poet and academic.
• Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972– ), French-language novelist.

Egypt

• Ahmed Shawki (1868–1932)
• Hafez Ibrahim (1872–1932)
• Salama Moussa (1887–1958)
• Taha Hussein (1889–1973)
• Fekry Pasha Abaza (1896–1979)
• Tawfik El Hakim (1898–1987)
• Muhammad Husayn Haykal (1909–1956)
• Abo El Seoud El Ebiary (1910–1969)
• Naguib Mahfouz, (1911–2006), awarded the 1988 Nobel Prize in Literature
• Edmond Jabès (1912–1991)
• Tatamkulu Afrika, also connected with South Africa (1920–2002)
• Andrée Chedid (1920– )
• Mustafa Mahmoud (1921–2009)
• Yusuf Idris (1927–1991)
• Alifa Rifaat (1930–1996)
• Mohammad Moustafa Haddara (1930–1997)
• Samir Amin (1931– )
• Nawâl El Saadâwi (1931– )
• Sonallah Ibrahim (1937– )
• Abdel Rahman El Abnudi (1938– )
• Leila Ahmed (1940– )
• Gamal Al-Ghitani (1945– )
• Ahdaf Soueif (1950– )

Birth date not known

• Anis Mansour
• Salama Ahmed Salama
• Muhammad Aladdin
• Hussein Bassir
• Mona Soliman
• Abaza Family

Equatorial Guinea

• María Nsué Angüe (1945– ), novelist and writer.
• Juan Balboa Boneke (1938– ), politician and writer.
• Raquel Ilonbé (1938–1992), Spanish-language writer.
• Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (1966– ), Annobonese writer.
• Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo (1950– ), writer and journalist.

Eritrea

• Alemseged Tesfai (1944– ), English-language playwright.
• Reesom Haile ( –2003), Tigrinya-language poet.

Ethiopia

• Haddis Alemayehu (1910–2003)
• Michael Daniel Ambatchew (1967– )
• Āfawarq Gabra Iyasus (1868–1947)
• Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin (1936–2006)
• Moges Kebede
• Tāddasa Lībān
• Nega Mezlekia (1958– )
• Sahle Selassie (1936– )
• Demese Tsege
• Hama Tuma (1949– )
• Mammo Wudneh
• Birhānu Zarīhun

Gabon

• Jean-Baptiste Abessolo (1932– ), educator and short story writer.
• Peggy Lucie Auleley, French-language poet.
• Bessora (born in Belgium) (1968– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Rene Maran, born near Martinique (1887–1960), poet and novelist.
• Chantal Magalie Mbazoo-Kassa, French-language poet and novelist.
• Justine Mintsa (1967– ), French-language novelist.
• Nadège Noëlle Ango Obiang, French-language short story writer.
• Maurice Okoumba-Nkoghe (1954– ), poet and teacher.
• Laurent Owondo (1948– ), playwright.
• Angèle Ntyugwetondo Rawiri (1954–2010), novelist.

The Gambia

• William Conton (1925– ), educator, historian and novelist also associated with Sierra Leone.
• Ebou Dibba (1943–2000), English-language novelist.
• Nana Grey-Johnson (1951 – ), playwright.
• Lenrie Peters (1932– ), poet and novelist also associated with Sierra Leone.
• Tijan M. Sallah (1958–), poet.

Ghana

• Joseph Wilfred Abruquah (1921– ), novelist.
• Kobina Eyi Acquah (1952– ), poet.
• Ama Ata Aidoo (1940– ), playwright, poet, fiction writer and critic.
• Lawrence Darmani (1956– ), novelist, poet, playwright, inspirational writer
• Kofi Aidoo (1950– ), short story writer.
• Mohammed Naseehu Ali, short story and non-ficton writer.
• Kofi Anyidoho (1947– ), poet and academic.
• Anthony Appiah (1954– ), philosopher, cultural theorist and novelist.
• Ayertey Isaac, Pan-Africanist and Author
• Ayi Kwei Armah (1939– ), novelist.
• T. Q. Armar (1915–2000 ), publisher and textbook writer.
• Raphael Armattoe (1913–1953), poet.
• Bediako Asare, journalist and non-fictionwriter also connected with Tanzania
• Meshack Asare (1945– ), children's writer.
• Yaw Asare (1953-2002), dramatist and director.
• Stephen Atalebe (1983– ), novelist.
• Ayesha Harruna Attah, novelist.
• Kofi Awoonor (1935– ), poet, novelist and critic.
• Mohammed Ben-Abdallah (1944 – ), playwright.
• J. Benibengor Blay (1915– ), popular novelist, playwright and poet.
• Yaw M. Boateng (1950– ), novelist and playwright.
• William Boyd (1952– ), novelist.
• Kwesi Brew (1928– ), poet.
• Nana Brew-Hammond, journalist, poet, playwright and screenwriter.
• Margaret Busby, publisher and dramatist.
• Abena Busia (1953– ), poet and academic.
• Akosua Busia (1966– ), actress, novelist and screenwriter.
• Jacobus Capitein (1717–1747), minister and writer on slavery.
• Adelaide Smith Casely-Hayford (1868–1960), short story writer and educator.
• Gladys May Casely-Hayford (1901–1950), poet.
• J.E. Casely-Hayford (1866–1930), politician and novelist.
• Quobna Ottobah Cugoano (1757?–1801?), freed slave and autobiographer.
• J. B. Danquah (1895–1965), scholar, lawyer and politician.
• Mabel Danquah (1910–1984), short story writer.
• Amma Darko (1956– ), novelist.
• Joe de Graft (1924–1978), playwright and poet.
• Michael Dei-Anang (1909–1977), poet, playwright and novelist.
• Amu Djoleto (1929– ), novelist, poet and educator.
• Cameron Duodo (1937– ), journalist, novelist and poet.
• Ferdinand Kwasi Fiawoo (1891–1969), playwright.
• Albert William Kayper-Mensah (1923– ), poet.
• Asare Konadu (1932–1994), novelist.
• B. Kojo Laing (1946– ), novelist and poet.
• Bill Okyere Marshall (1936– ), playwright and novelist.
• Kwame Nkrumah (1909–1972), politician and political theorist.
• (John) Atukwei Okai (1941– ), poet.
• Martin Owusu (1943– ), playwright.
• Frank Kobina Parkes (1932–2005 ), poet.
• Nii Ayikwei Parkes (1974– ), poet.
• Carl Christian Reindorf (1834–1917), pastor and historian.
• Kobina Sekyi (1892–1956), politician and writer.
• Francis Selormey (1927–1988), novelist.
• Efua Theodora Sutherland (1924–1996 ), playwright.
• Asiedu Yirenkyi (1946– ), playwright.
• Mary Asabea Ashun (1968 - ), novelist.
• Sylvanus Bedzrah, novelist.
• Ben Hinson,novelist, poet, playwright and screenwriter.

Guinea

• Kesso Barry (1948– ), autobiographer also associated with Senegal.
• Saïdou Bokoum (1945– ), novelist.
• Sory Camara, anthropologist.
• Ahmed Tidjani Cissé (1942– ), playwright.
• Koumanthio Zeinab Diallo (1956– ), poet and novelist.
• Boubacar Diallo, novelist, short story writer and film maker: La source enchantée, 1953
• Alioum Fantouré (1938– ), economist and novelist.
• Keïta Fodéba (1924–1969), poet and dancer.
• Lansiné Kaba, historian.
• Siré Komara (1991– ), novelist: Mes Racines.
• Camara Laye (1928–1980), novelist: The black child.
• Tierno Monénembo (1947– ), novelist: The oldest Orphan, Les écailles du Ciel, Peulorihno, Le Roi de Kahel.
• Djibril Tamsir Niane (1932– ), novelist and historian.
• Williams Sassine (1944–1997), French-language novelist.

Guinea-Bissau

• Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973), agronomist, writer and politician.
• Carlos Semedo, poet.

Kenya

• Khadambi Asalache (1934– )
• Karen Blixen aka Isak Dinesen (1885–1962)
• Rocha Chimera
• Elspeth Huxley (1907–1997)
• Jomo Kenyatta (1892?–1978)
• Marjorie Oludhe Macgoye (1928– )
• Charles Mangua (c.1940– )
• Ali A. Mazrui (1933– )
• Mwana Kupona binti Msham (died c.1865)
• Micere Mugo (1942– )
• Wahome Mutahi (−2003)
• Joseph Muthee (1928– )
• Meja Mwangi (1948– )
• Ngugi wa Mirii (1951– )
• Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (1938– )
• Chacha Nyaigotti-Chacha (1952– )
• Atieno Odhiambo (1945–)
• Margaret Ogola
• Grace Ogot (1930– )
• Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor winner Caine Prize 2003
• M. G. Vassanji (1950– )
• Koigi wa Wamwere (1949– )
• Charity Waciuma (1936– )
• Binyavanga Wainaina winner Caine Prize 2002 (1971– )
• Gakaara Wanjau
• Miriam Were (1940– )
• Emily Kwamboka Mogeni (1977-)
• Mona L. Nduilu (1976 -)
• Shailja Patel
• Ikonya Philo
• Wangui Wa Goro
• Rebecca Nandwa

Mpho Matsepo Nthunya of Lesotho

Lesotho

• Thomas Mofolo (1876–1948)

Liberia

• Edwin Barclay (1882–1955)
• Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Sierra Leone)
• Wilton G. S. Sankawulo (1937–2009)
• Bai T. Moore (1916– )

Libya

• Sadiq Al-Nayhum (1937–1994), Islamic writer, critic and journalist.
• FKhalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer.
• Ahmad Ibrahim al-Faqih (1942– ), novelist.
• Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942– ), politician and occasional novelist.
• Ibrahiem El-kouni (1948– ), novelist.

Madagascar

• Elie-Charles Abraham (1919– ), poet.
• David Jaomanoro (1953– ), poet, short story writer and playwright.
• Esther Nirina (1932– ), poet.
• Hajasoa Vololona Picard-Ravololonirina (1956– ),, academic, politician and poet.
• Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo (1903–1937), poet and novelist.
• Jacques Rabémanajara (1913– ), poet, playwright and politician.
• Raymond William Rabemananjara (1913– ), historian and writer.
• Charlotte Arisoa Rafenomanjato (1938– ), writer and translator.
• Elie Rajaonarison (1951–2010), poet.
• Régis Rajemisa-Raolison (1913– ), poet and educator.
• Jean-Luc Raharimanana (1967– ), French-language writer.
• Michèle Rakotoson (1948– ), novelist, short story writer and playwright.
• Flavien Ranaivo (1914– ), poet and writer.

Malawi

• Steven Chimombo (1945– )
• Frank Chipasula (1949– )
• Aubrey Kachingwe (1926– )
• William Kamkwamba (1987– )
• Legson Kayira (1942– )
• Stanley Onjezani Kenani (1976– )
• Ken Lipenga (1954– )
• Jack Mapanje (1944– )
• Felix Mnthali (1933– )
• D.D.Phiri (Desmond Dudwa Phiri)
• David Rubadiri (1930– )
• Paul Tiyambe Zeleza (1955– )

Mali

• Ahmad Baba al Massufi (1556–1627), writer and scholar.
• Abdoulaye Ascofaré (1949– ), poet and filmmaker.
• Ibrahima Aya (1967– )
• Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1900 or 1901–1991), historian, theologian, ethnographer, novelist and autobiographer.
• Adame Ba Konaré (1947– ), historian and writer.
• Seydou Badian Kouyaté (1928– ), novelist and politician.
• Massa Makan Diabaté (1938–1988), historian, author and playwright.
• Souéloum Diagho, poet.
• Aïda Mady Diallo, novelist and director.
• Aly Diallo, French-language novelist first published in German translation.
• Alpha Mandé Diarra (1954– )
• Oumou Diarra (1967– ), born in Yugoslavia.
• Doumbi Fakoly (1944– ), non-fiction writer.
• Aïcha Fofana (1957–2003), novelist.
• Aoua Kéita (1912–1980), independence activist and autobiographer.
• Moussa Konaté (1951– ), French-language writer.
• Yambo Ouologuem (1940– ), novelist.
• Bernadette Sanou Dao (1952– ), author and politician.
• Fanta-Taga Tembely (1946– ), French-language novelist.
• Aminata Traoré (1942– ), author, politician and political activist.
• Falaba Issa Traoré (1930–2003), writer, comedian, playwright and director.

Mauritania

• Ahmad ibn al-Amin al-Shinqiti (1872–1913), Arabic-language writer.
• Amadou Oumar Bâ (1917– ), poet.
• Ibn Razqa (died 1144 AH/1731 AD), poet and scholar.
• Moussa Diagana (1946– ), French-language writer.
• Moussa Ould Ebnou, French-language novelist.
• Mohammed al-Shankiti (1907–1973, Islamic scholar.
• Abderrahmane Sissako (1961– ), filmmaker.

Mauritius

• Richard Sedley Assonne (1961– ), Francophone journalist and poet.
• Thomi Pitot de la Beaujardière (born 1779), Francophone poet.
• Lilian Berthelot, poet.
• Jean Blaize (1860–1937), Francophone writer.
• Marcel Cabon (1912–1972), Francophone novelist.
• Charles Castellan (1812–1851), Francophone poet.
• Raymond Chasle (1930–1996), Francophone diplomat and poet.
• Malcolm de Chazal (1902–1981), writer, painter and visionary.
• François Chrestien (1767–1846), Mauritian Creole poet and singer.
• Lindsey Collen (1948– ), novelist and activist also associated with South Africa.
• Carl de Souza (1949– ), Francophone novelist.
• Ananda Devi (1957– ), Francophone novelist and poet.
• Maurice Duverge (1849–1891), Francophone poet.
• Jacques Edouard (1964– ), Francophone journalist, poet and writer.
• Jean Fanchette (1932–1992), Francophone poet and psychoanalyst.
• Charles Gueuvin (1834–1905), Francophone poet.
• Robert-Edward Hart (1891–1954), francophone poet and novelist.
• Stefan Hart De Keating (1971– ), Francophone slam poet.
• J. M. G. Le Clézio (1940– ), Francophone writer also associated with France.
• Léoville L'Homme (1857–1928), Francophone poet.
• Yusuf Kadel (1970– ), Francophone poet and playwright.
• Raymonde de Kervern (1899–1973), Francophone poet.
• Félicien Mallefille (1813–1868), Francophone novelist and playwright.
• Edouard Maunick (1931– ), Francophone poet, writer, and diplomat.
• Jean-Georges Prosper (1933– ), poet.
• Camille de Rauville (1910– ), Francophone writer.
• Pierre Renaud (1921–1976), Francophone poet.
• Amal Sewtohul (1971– ), diplomat and writer in French and Mauritian Creole.
• Khal Torabully (1956– ), Francophone poet.
• Paul-Jean Toulet (1867–1920), Francophone poet and writer in French and Mauritian Creole.
• Abhimanyu Unnuth (1937– ), Hindi writer.
• Dev Virahsawmy (1942– ), politician and playwright.

Morocco

Main article: List of Moroccan writers

Mozambique

• Paulina Chiziane (1955– ), Portugese-language novelist and short-story writer.
• Mia Couto (1955– ), novelist and short story writer.
• José Craveirinha (1922–2003), Portugese-language poet.
• Luis Bernardo Honwana (1942– ), Portugese-language short story writer.
• Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa (1957– ), Portugese-language novelist and short-story writer.
• Lina Magaia (1940s– ), Portugese-language novelist and short-story writer.
• Orlando Marques de Almeida Mendes (1916–1990), Portugese-language novelist.
• Lília Momplé (1935– ), Portugese-language fiction writer.
• Amélia Muge (1952– ), writer and singer.
• Glória de Santana (1925– ), poet.
• Noémia de Sousa (1926–2003), Portugese-language poet.

Namibia

• Joseph Diescho (1955– ), novelist.
• Dorian Haarhoff (1944– ), poet and academic.
• Giselher Werner Hoffmann (1958– ), German-language novelist.
• Anoeschka von Meck, journalist and Afrikaans language writer.

Niger

• Ide Adamou (1951– ), poet and novelist.
• Ousmane Amadou (1948– ), poet, novelist, lawyer and journalist.
• Djibo Bakary (1922–1998), politician and writer.
• Andrée Clair, born and died in France (1916–1982), ethnographer and children's writer.
• Mahamadou Halilou Sabbo (1937– ), novelist and playwright.
• Boubou Hama (1906–1982), politician and writer.
• Hawad (1950– ), poet who advocates Tuareg independence.
• Salihu Kwantagora (1929– ), songwriter and poet.
• Hélène Kaziende (1967– ), teacher, journalist and short story writer.
• Abdoulaye Mamani (1932–1993), poet, novelist and trade unionist.
• Ide Oumarou (1937–2002), politician, diplomat and writer.
• Oum Ramatou (1970– ), French-language novelist.
• Andre Salifou (1942– ), politician, diplomat and academic.

Nigeria

See: List of Nigerian writers

Rwanda

• Maggy Correa, French-language autobiographical writer.
• Edouard Gasarabwe (1938– ), novelist and folklorist.
• Jeannine Herrmann-Grisius, French-language novelist.
• Alexis Kagame (1912–1981), priest, scholar, and writer.
• Immaculée Ilibagiza (c.1970– ), autobiographical and religious writer.
• Thérèse Muamini, French-language novelist.
• Yolande Mukagasana (1954– ), French-language autobiographical writer.
• J. Savério Nayigiziki (1915–1984), educator, translator and writer.
• Cyprien Rugumba (1935–1994), scholar, poet and composer.
• Benjamin Sehene (1959– ), novelist and non-fiction writer.
• Marie-Aimable Umurerwa, French-language autobiographical writer.
• Marie Béatrice Umutesi (1959– ), French-language autobiographical writer.

São Tomé and Príncipe

• Olinda Beja (1946– ), novelist.
• Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright.
• Conceição Lima (1962– ), Portugese-language poet.
• Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portugese-language poet.
• M. Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portugese-language poet.
• Alda do Espírito Santo (1926– ), Portugese-language poet.
• Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist.
• José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poet.

Senegal

See: List of Senegalese writers

Seychelles

• Antoine Abel (1934– ), poet and fable writer.

Sierra Leone

• Ishmael Beah (1980– ), child soldier and memoirist.
• Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Liberia)
• Adelaide Casely-Hayford (1868–1960), short story writer and educator.
• Gladys Casely-Hayford (1904–1950), poet also associated with Ghana.
• Syl Cheney-Coker (1945/47– ), poet, journalist and novelist.
• William Conton (1925– ), educator, historian, and novelist also associated with The Gambia.
• R. Sarif Easmon (1913– ), doctor, playwright and novelist.
• Aminatta Forna (1964– ), memoirist and novelist.
• Africanus Horton (1835–1883), Creole African nationalist writer.
• Delia Jarrett-Macauley, academic and novelist.
• Lemuel A. Johnson (1940/41–2002), poet and academic.
• Yulisa Amadu Maddy (1936– ), playwright, novelist, and choreographer.
• Abioseh Nicol (1924–1994), doctor and short story writer.
• Lenrie Peters (1932–2009), poet also associated with The Gambia.

Somalia

• Ahmed Ismail Samatar
• Abdi Ismail Samatar
• Abdisalam Issa-Salwe
• Abdurahman H. H. Osman 'Mallay'
• Abdi Sheik Abdi
• Abdi Kusow
• Abukar Arman
• Ahmed Farah Ali 'Idaja'
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali (1969– )
• Cali Xuseen Xirsi (1949– )
• Cristina Ali Farah
• Faarax Maxamed Jaamac 'Cawl' (1937–1992)
• Jaamac Cumar Ciise
• Maxamed Daahir Afrax
• Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi
• Mohamed Haji Mukhtar
• Mohamed Ibrahim Warsame 'Hadrawi' (1941–)
• Nuruddin Farah (1945– )
• Rageh Omaar, journalist
• Said S. Samatar
• Said Salah Ahmed
• Waris Dirie (1965– )
• Yaasiin Cismaan Keenadiid
• Mohamed abdulahi ahmed 1987-
• Mohammed Ibrahim Shire

South Africa

See: List of South African writers

Sudan

See: List of Sudanese writers

Swaziland

• Modison Salayedvwa Magagula (1958– ), playwright.
• Stanley Musa N. Matsebula (1958), economist and writer.
• Elias Adam Bateng Mkhonta (1954–2001), novelist.
• Sarah Mkhonza (1957– ), novelist, short story writer and journalist.
• Gladys Lomafu Pato, short story writer.

Tanzania

• Agoro Anduru (1948–1992), short story writer.
• Mark Behr (1963– ), fiction writer also connected with South Africa.
• Chachage Seithy Chachage ( –2006), sociologist and Swahili novelist.
• Abdulrazak Gurnah (1948– ), novelist and critic.
• Ebrahim N. Hussein (1943– ), playwright, essayist, poet and translator.
• Euphrase Kezilahabi (1944– ), novelist, poet and scholar.
• Jacqueline Kibacha, poet.
• Aniceti Kitereza (1896–1981), novelist.
• Amandina Lihamba (1944– ), playwright.
• Ismael R. Mbise, novelist and academic.
• Penina Mlama, playwright.
• Sandra A. Mushi, poet.
• Elvis Musiba ( –2010), businessman and swahili novelist.
• Godfrey Mwakikagile, writer and specialist in African studies.
• Ras Nas, musician and poet.
• Julius Nyerere (1922–1999), politician and writer.
• Peter Palangyo (1939–1993), novelist.
• Prince Kagwema (1931– ), novelist.
• Hammie Rajab, Swahili novelist.
• Shaaban Robert (1909–1962), Swahili novelist and poet.
• Gabriel Ruhumbika (1938– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Edwin Semzaba, novelist, playwright, actor and director.
• Robert Bin Shaaban (1902–1962), poet, author and essayist.
• Shafi Adam Shafi, Swahili novelist.
• Neema Komba, Poet.

Togo

• Gad Ami (1958– ), French-language novelist.
• David Ananou (1917–2000), novelist.
• Félix Couchoro (1900–1968), novelist, also connected with Benin.
• Richard Dogbeh, also connected with Benin, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire (1932–2003), novelist and educator.
• Kossi Efoui (1962– ), playwright.
• Emilie Anifranie Ehah, also connected with Senegal.
• Christiane Akoua Ekue (1954– ), French-language novelist.
• Koffi Gomez (1941– ), novelist and playwright.
• Alemdjrodo Kangni (1966– ), playwright.
• Kodjo Adabra (1974– ), novelist and academic.
• Tété-Michel Kpomassie (1941– ), explorer and writer.
• Pyabelo Chaold Kouly (1943– ), autobiographical writer and novelist.
• Senouvo Agbota Zinsou (1946– ), playwright and short story writer.
• Yves-Emmanuel Dogbé (1939– ), novelist, fable writer, poet and essayist.
• Jeannette D. Ahonsou (1954– ), novelist.

Tunisia

• Mahmoud Aslan (1902–?).
• Hachemi Baccouche (1916–2008), novelist and essayist.
• Tahar Bekri (1951– ), poet in French and Arabic.
• Rafik Ben Salah (1948– ), novelist.
• Claude Bénady (1922– ), poet.
• Slaheddine Bhiri (1947– ), novelist and poet.
• Robert Blum (1901–?), French-language writer.
• Hédi Bouraoui (1932– ), poet, novelist and academic.
• Hafedh Djedidi (1953– ), poet and novelist.
• 'Ali al-Du'aji (1909–1949), novelist.
• Aboul-Qacem Echebbi (1909–1934), poet.
• Salah Garmadi (1933–1982), linguist and poet.
• Moncef Ghachem (1946– ), poet.
• Sophie el Goulli (1932– ), novelist and art historian.
• Gisèle Halimi (1927– ), lawyer, feminist activist and essayist.
• Muhammad Rachad Hamzaoui (1934– ), short story writer, playwright and novelist.
• Muhammad al-Mukhtar Jannat (1930– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Ibn Khaldoun (1332–1406), polymath.
• Bashir Khrayyef (1917–1983), writer and teacher.
• Muhyi al-Din Khrayyif (1932– ), poet.
• 'Izz al-Dīn al-Madanī (1938– ), playwright and short story writer.
• Mahmud al-Mis'adi (1911– ), novelist and playwright.
• Abdelwahab Meddeb (1946– ), novelist and poet.
• Fawzi Mellah (1946–), playwright and novelist.
• Albert Memmi (1920– ), sociologist, novelist and essayist.
• Mohamed Moncef Metoui (1943– ), playwright, director and novelist.
• Chams Nadir (1949– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Ryvel, the pseudonym of Raphael Levy (1898–1972), writer and journalist.
• Youssef Rzouga (1957– ), poet.
• Amina Saïd (1953– ), poet.
• Walid Soliman (1975– ), writer, essayist and translator.
• Ahmad al-Tifashi (?–1253), poet, writer and anthologist.
• Mustapha Tlili (1937– ), novelist and academic.

Uganda

• Moses Isegawa (1963– )
• Catherine Samali Kavuma (1960– )
• China Keitetsi (1967– )
• Henry Kyemba (1939– )
• Rajat Neogy (1938–1995)
• Julius Ocwinyo (1961– )
• Monica Arac de Nyeko (1979– )
• Doreen Baingana
• Jane Musoke-Nteyafas (c.1976 – )
• Mahmood Mamdani (1933– )
• John Nagenda (1938– )
• Glaydha Namukasa
• Peter Nazareth (1940– )
• Michael B. Nsimbi
• Okello Oculi (1942– )
• Okot p'Bitek (1931–1982)
• Timothy Wangusa (1942– )
• Elvania Namukwaya Zirimu (1938–1979)

Western Sahara

• Mohamed Fadel Ismail Ould Es-Sweyih (1958–2002), journalist and politician.
• Ahmed Baba Miské, writer, diplomat and politician.

Zambia

• Kenneth Kaunda (1924– ), nationalist and writer.
• Chibamba Kanyama, journalist and business writer.
• Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922– ), diplomat and novelist.
• Dominic Mulaisho (1933– ), novelist.
• Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer.
• Keith Nalumango (1952– ), novelist and former head of programming at the Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation.
• Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist.
• Binwell Sinyangwe (1956– )

Zimbabwe

• N. H. Brettell (1908–1991), poet.
• Patrick Chakaipa (1932–2003). novelist.
• Paul Chidyausiku (1929– ), preacher and writer.
• Bernard Chidzero (1927– 2002), economist and novelist.
• Samuel Chimsoro (1949– ), novelist and poet.
• Shimmer Chinodya (1957– ), poet, short story writer, novelist, and textbook writer.
• Edmund Chipamaunga (1938– ), novelist.
• Raymond Choto (1962– ), journalist and novelist.
• A. S. Cripps (1869–1952), priest, short story writer and poet.
• Tsitsi Dangarembga (1959– ), novelist.
• John Eppel (1947– ), novelist, poet and short story writer.
• Chenjerai Hove (1956– ), novelist, poet, critic and editor.
• Adin Kachisi, science fiction writer and poet.
• Wilson Katiyo (1947/49– ), novelist.
• Giles Kuimba (1936– ), novelist.
• Doris Lessing, born in Persia (now Iran) (1919– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Ignatius Tirivangani Mabasa (1971– ), poet and novelist.
• Nevanji Madanhire (1961– ), novelist and editor of the Zimbabwe Standard.
• Wiseman Magwa (1962– ), playwright.
• John Marangwanda (1923– ), Shona novelist.
• Dambudzo Marechera (1952–1987), novelist.
• Nozipa Maraire (1966– ), doctor and writer.
• Edmund Masundire (1966– ), novelist.
• Timothy O. McLoughlin (1937– ), novelist, poet and editor.
• Cont Mhlanga, playwright, actor and theatre director.
• S. O. Mlilo (1924–1995), Ndebele novelist.
• Aaron Chiwundura Moyo (1959– ), novelist and playwright.
• George Mujajati (1957–), playwright and novelist.
• Charles Mungoshi (1947– ), writer and editor.
• Solomon Mutswairo (1924– ) (see also Zambia), novelist and poet.
• Geoffrey Ndhlala (1949– ).
• Emmanuel Ngara (1947– ), academic.
• Mthandazo Ndema Ngwenya (1949–1992), novelist, radio playwright and poet.
• Stanley Nyamfukudza (1951– ), novelist and short story writer.
• Freedom Nyamubaya (1958– ), poet.
• Kristina Rungano (1963– ), the first published woman poet in Zimbabwe.
• Stanlake Samkange (1922–1988), historian and novelist.
• Ben Sibenke (1945– ), playwright.
• Ndabezinhle S. Sigogo (1932–2006), novelist and editor.
• Ndabaningi Sithole (1922–2000), historian, politician, and novelist.
• Alexander McCall Smith, also connected with Botswana (1948– ), lawyer and novelist.
• T. K. Tsodzo / Thompson K. Tsodzo (1947– ), novelist.
• Lawrence Vambe (1917– ).
• Yvonne Vera, also connected with Canada (1964–2005), novelist, short story writer and editor.
• Andrew Whaley (1958– ).
• Paul Tiyambe Zeleza (1955– ), historian, critic, novelist and short story writer.
• Musaemura Zimunya (1949– ), poet, critic and short story writer.

See also

• African Writers Series
• Lists of authors

External links

• Contemporary African Writers/Authors
• Africa Resource Research Data
• Lire les femmes – African women writers