List of African writers by country

Main article: Lists of writers

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

This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.

Algeria

See: List of Algerian writers

Angola

See: List of Angolan writers

Benin

• Christine Adjahi Gnimagnon, also connected with Senegal
• Stanislas Adotevi (1934–2024), French-language academic and philosopher^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Berte-Evelyne Agbo, French-language poet also connected with Senegal
• Colette Senami Agossou Houeto (1939– )
• Julien Alapini (1906–1971), ethnographer and playwright^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Ryad Assani-Razaki (1981– )
• Francis Aupiais (1877–1945), French-born missionary and anthropologist
• Olympe Bhêly-Quenum (1928– ), writer and journalist^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Florent Couao-Zotti (1964– ), novelist, writer of comics, plays and short stories
• Félix Couchoro (1900–1968), novelist, also connected with Togo^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Richard Dogbeh (1932–2003), also connected with Togo, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire^[Jahn]
• Adelaide Fassinou (1955– ), novelist
• Dieudonné Gnammankou, writer and historian
• Paul Hazoumé (1890–1980), novelist^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Gisèle Hountondji (1954– ), French-language novelist
• Paulin J. Hountondji (1942–2024), philosopher and politician
• Béatrice Lalinon Gbado, children's writer
• Paulin Joachim (1931–2012), poet, journalist and editor^[Jahn]
• Lauryn, also connected with Côte d'Ivoire and Togo, born in France (1978–)
• Jean Pliya (1931–2015), playwright and short story writer^[Jahn]
• José Pliva (1966– ), actor and playwright

Botswana

• Unity Dow (1959–), judge, human rights activist, writer and minister of basic education
• Bessie Head (1937–1986), novelist and short-story writer born in South Africa^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Leetile Disang Raditladi (1910–1971), playwright and poet^[Jahn]
• Barolong Seboni (1957–), poet and academic^[Jahn]

Burkina Faso

See: List of Burkinabe writers

Burundi

• Esther Kamatari (1951–)
• Ketty Nivyabandi (1978–)
• Gaël Faye (1982–)

Cameroon

See: List of Cameroonian writers

Central African Republic

• Pierre Makombo Bamboté (1932–), novelist and poet^[Gikandi]
• Etienne Goyémidé (1942–1997), novelist, poet and short story writer: Le Silence de la Foret^[Gikandi]
• Blaise N'Djehoya (1953–), novelist^{[Killam & Rowe]}
• Cyriaque Robert Yavoucko (1953–), novelist^[Gikandi]
• Adrienne Yabouza (1965–), novelist

Chad

• Salma Khalil Alio (1982–), poet, short story writer and artist.
• Khayar Oumar Deffalah (c. 1944–), politician and autobiographical writer
• Ali Abdel-Rhamane Haggar (1960–), economist and writer
• Marie-Christine Koundja (1957–), novelist and diplomat
• Koulsy Lamko (1959–), playwright, poet, novelist and university lecturer
• Joseph Brahim Seid (1927–1980), writer and politician^[Jahn]
• Ahmat Taboye, literary critic

Congo (Brazzaville)

• André-Patient Bokiba, academic
• Adèle Caby-Livannah (1957– )
• Emmanuel Dongala (1941– )
• Mambou Aimée Gnali (1935– )
• Bill Kouélany (1965– )
• Sony Lab'ou Tansi (1947–1995), born in Congo-Kinshasa
• Henri Lopes (1937–2023), born in Congo-Kinshasa
• Alain Mabanckou (1966– )
• Jadelin Mabiala Gangbo (1976– )
• Jean-Pierre Makouta-Mboukou (1929–2012)^[Jahn]
• Martial Malinda, also known as Sylvain Bemba / Michel Belabin (1934–1995)^[Jahn]
• Jean Malonga (1907–1985)^[Jahn]
• Guy Menga (1935– )^[Jahn]
• Florence Lina Mouissou (1972– ), novelist
• Maxime n'Debeka (1944– )^[Jahn]
• Victor N'Gembo-Mouanda (1969– )
• Dieudonné Niangouna (1976– ), playwright, novelist, and poet
• Theophile Obenga (1936– )
• Martial Sinda (c.1930– )^[Jahn]
• Tchicaya U Tam'si (1931–1988)^[Jahn]
• Jean-Baptiste Tati-Loutard (1938–2009)^[Jahn]
• Jeannette Balou Tchichelle (1947–2005)
• Marie-Leontine Tsibinda (1936–1958)
• Brigitte Yengo

Congo (Democratic Republic) – formerly Zaïre

• Léonie Abo (1945– ), autobiographical writer
• J'ongungu Lokolé Bolamba (1913–1990), poet^[Gikandi]
• Raïs Neza Boneza (1979– ), poet and peace researcher
• Amba Bongo, writer and advocate for refugees
• Maguy Kabamba (1960– ), writer and translator
• Kama Sywor Kamanda (1952– ), writer and poet^{[Killam & Rowe]}
• Charles Djungu-Simba Kamatenda (1953– ), journalist, teacher, publisher, and writer^[Gikandi]
• Paul Lomami-Tshibamba (1914–1985), novelist, born in Congo-Brazzaville^[Gikandi]
• Alain Mabanckou (1966 - ), novelist
• Ngal Mbwil a Mpaang (1933– ), novelist^[Gikandi]
• Buabua wa Kayembe Mubadiate (1950– ), playwright^[Gikandi]
• V. Y. Mudimbe (1941–2025), philosopher, academic and author^[Gikandi]
• Fiston Mwanza Mujila (1981– ), novelist ^[Métailié]
• Jimi Yuma (1953-), short story writer and graphic novel script writer
• Kavidi Wivine N'Landu, poet
• Clémentine Nzuji (1944– ), poet^[Gikandi]
• Sony Labou Tansi (1947–1995), novelist and poet^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Samy Tshileu (1998–present), theologian, apologist, philosopher and author
• Frederick Kambemba Yamusangie, novelist, playwright and poet
• Lye M. Yoka, playwright and short story writer ^[Gikandi]
• Batukezanga Zamenga (1933–2000), novelist and essayist^[Gikandi]
• Sandra Uwiringiyimana (1994– ), human rights activist, author of How Dare The Sun Rise

Côte d'Ivoire

• Josette Abondio (b. 1949), novelist, children's writer, playwright
• Marguerite Abouet, born in Abidjan (b. 1971), writer of graphic novels
• Francois-Joseph Amon d'Aby (1913–2007)^[Jahn]
• Raphael Atta Koffi (b. 1942), writer and playwright^[Jahn]
• Séry Bailly (1948–2018), academic, politician and short-story writer
• Angèle Bassorá-Ouédraogo, also connected with Burkina Faso (b. 1967), poet and journalist
• Joseph Miezan Bognini (1936–2017), poet^[Jahn]
• Fatou Bolli (b. 1952), novelist
• Tanella Boni (b. 1954), poet and novelist
• Micheline Coulibaly, born in Vietnam (1950–2003), short story writer and writer for children
• Bernard Binlin Dadié (1916–2019), novelist, playwright, poet and politician^{[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Jeanne de Cavally (1926–1992), children's book writer
• Gaston Demand Goh (b. 1940), playwright and accountant^[Jahn]
• Henriette Diabate (b. 1935), politician and writer
• Mamadou Diallo (1920–1980), poet^[Jahn]
• Richard Dogbeh, also connected with Benin, Senegal and Togo (1932–2003), novelist and educator
• Bertin B. Doutéo (1927–1990), poet^[Jahn]
• Fatou Fanny-Cissé (1971–2018), novelist, short story writer, journalist and editor
• Germain Coffi Gadeau (1913–2000), playwright^[Jahn]
• Gauz (author name of Patrick Armand-Gbaka Brede, b. 1971)
• Werewere-Liking Gnepo (b. 1950), also connected with Cameroon, writer, playwright and performer
• Gilbert G. Groud (b. 1956), painter, illustrator and author
• Josué Guébo (b. 1972), poet and short-story writer
• Flore Hazoumé (b. 1959), writer known for short stories
• Simone Kaya (1937–2007), considered the first Ivorian woman writer
• Fatou Kéita (b. 1965)
• Venance Konan (b. 1958), journalist and writer
• Maurice Koné (1932–1980), poet^[Jahn]
• Adjoua Flore Kouame (b. 1964), novelist
• Ahmadou Kourouma (1927–2003), novelist^{[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Aké Loba (1927–2012), novelist^[Jahn]
• Michelle Lora (b. 1968), children's writer, academic
• Charles Nokan (1936–2022), novelist and playwright^[Jahn]
• Véronique Tadjo (b. 1955), poet, novelist and artist
• Regina Yaou (1955–2017), novelist
• Zaourou Zadi (1938–2012), playwright^[Jahn]

Djibouti

• Waberi Abdourahman (1965–), novelist, poet and academic^[Gikandi]
• Mouna-Hodan Ahmed (1972–), French-language novelist

Egypt

See: List of Egyptian writers

Equatorial Guinea

• María Nsué Angüe (1945–2017), novelist and writer
• Justo Bolekia Boleká (1954–), professor and Bubi writer
• Juan Balboa Boneke (1938–2014), politician and writer^[Gikandi]
• Raquel Ilombé (1938–1992), Spanish-language writer
• Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel (1966–), Annobonese writer^[Gikandi]
• Donato Ndongo-Bidyogo (1950–), writer and journalist^[Gikandi]

Eritrea

• Hamid Barole Abdu (1953–), non-fiction
• Beyene Haile (1941–2012), Tigrinya-language writer, novelist, playwright and public administrator
• Reesom Haile (2003–), Tigrinya-language poet
• Saba Kidane (1978–), Tigrinya poet
• Hannah Pool (1974–), journalist
• Alemseged Tesfai (1944–), English-language playwright

Ethiopia

See also: List of Amharic writers

• Sahle Selassie (c. 1795–1847)
• Haddis Alemayehu (1910–2003)
• Michael Daniel Ambatchew (1967–2012)
• Āfawarq Gabra Iyasus (1868–1947)
• Tsegaye Gabre-Medhin (1936–2006)
• Moges Kebede
• Tāddasa Lībān
• Tsehay Melaku
• Dinaw Mengestu (1978–)
• Maaza Mengiste (1974–)
• Nega Mezlekia (1958–)
• Martha Nasibù (1931–2020)
• Lemn Sissay (1967–)
• Hama Tuma (1949–)
• Mammo Wudneh (1931–2012)
• Birhānu Zarīhun (1933/4–1987)
• Nega Mezlekia (1958–)
• Etalem Eshete (1968–)

Gabon

• Jean-Baptiste Abessolo (1932–), educator and short story writer
• Peggy Lucie Auleley, French-language poet and novelist
• Bessora (1968–, in Belgium), novelist and short story writer^[Gikandi]
• Charline Effah (1977–), French-language novelist and educator
• 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 (1973–), French-language short story writer
• Nadia Origo (1977–), novelist and publisher
• Honorine Ngou (1957–), novelist and academic
• Vincent de Paul Nyonda (1918–1995), playwright
• Maurice Okoumba-Nkoghe (1954–), poet and teacher^[Gikandi]
• Laurent Owondo (1948–2019), playwright^[Gikandi]
• Angèle Ntyugwetondo Rawiri (1954–2010), novelist^[Gikandi]

Gambia

• Janet Badjan-Young (1937–), playwright

• William Conton (1925–2003), educator, historian and novelist, also associated with Sierra Leone
• Hassoum Ceesay (1971 -), historian, curator, educator, scholar and novelist

• Ebrima Ceesay (1966-), academic, author, scholar and former editor

• Lamin Ceesay (1990–), writer and translator.

• Ebou Dibba (1943–2000), novelist

• Dayo Forster (fl. 2007), novelist

• Hassan Bubacar Jallow (1950–), law books, politician and barrister
• Augusta Jawara (1924–1981), playwright
• Joseph Henry Joof (1960–)
• Alhaji Alieu Ebrima Cham Joof (1924–2011), historian, politician and Pan-Africanist
• Tamsier Joof (1973–)

• Augusta Mahoney (1924–1981), playwright and activist for women's rights
• Florence Mahoney (1929–), author and historian

• Sulayman S. Nyang (1944–2018), historian and lecturer

• Lenrie Peters (1932−2009), poet and novelist, also associated with Sierra Leone

• Tijan Sallah (1958–), poet, publisher
• Sally Singhateh (1977–), poet and novelist
• Lamin Sanneh (1942–2019), scholar, novelist, historian, and poet
• Modou Lamin Age-Almusaf Sowe (1990–), novelist, scholar, playwright, poet, and event organizer

• Phillis Wheatley (1753–1784), poet

Ghana

See: List of Ghanaian writers

Guinea

• Kesso Barry (born 1948), autobiographer also associated with Senegal^[Gikandi]
• Saïdou Bokoum (born 1945), novelist^[Gikandi]
• Sory Camara, anthropologist^[Gikandi]
• Ahmed Tidjani Cissé (born 1942), playwright^[Gikandi]
• Koumanthio Zeinab Diallo (born 1956), poet and novelist^[Gikandi]
• Alioum Fantouré (born 1938), economist and novelist^[Gikandi]
• Keita Fodeba (1921–1969), actor, politician and writer^[Jahn]
• Lansiné Kaba (1941–2023), historian
• Fodéba Keïta (1921–1969), poet and dancer^[Gikandi]
• Siré Komara (born 1991), novelist: Mes Racines
• Camara Laye (1928–1980), novelist: The Black Child^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Tierno Monénembo (born 1947), novelist: The Oldest Orphan, Les écailles du Ciel, Peulorihno, Le Roi de Kahel^[Gikandi]
• Condetto Nénékhaly-Camera (1930–1972), poet and playwright^[Jahn]
• Djibril Tamsir Niane (1932–2021), novelist and historian^[Gikandi]
• Williams Sassine (1944–1997), French-language novelist^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Sékou Touré (1922–1984), politician, political writer and occasional poet^[Jahn]
• Mamadou Traoré, also known as Ray Autra (1916–1991), teacher and poet^[Jahn]

Guinea-Bissau

• Amílcar Cabral (1924–1973), agronomist, writer and politician
• Vasco Cabral (1926–2005)
• José Carlos Schwarz (1949–1977), poet and musician
• Fausto Duarte (1903–1953), from Cape Verde
• Carlos Lopes (1960–)
• Hélder Proença (died 2009)
• Carlos Semedo, poet
• Abdulai Silla (1958–)

Kenya

See: List of Kenyan writers

Lesotho

• David Cranmer Theko Bereng (1900–1974), Sotho poet^[Jahn]
• Caroline Ntseliseng Khaketla (1918–2012) ^[Jahn]
• Simon Majara (1924–), Sotho novelist^[Jahn]
• Zakea D. Mangoaela (1883–1963), folklorist^[Jahn]
• Thomas Mofolo (1876–1948), novelist^[Jahn]
• A. S. Mopeli-Paulus (1913–1960), novelist
• Edward Motsamai (1870–1959), politician and writer^[Jahn]
• Kemuel Edward Ntsane (1920–1983), Sotho poet and novelist^[Jahn]
• Basildon Peta (1972–), journalist
• Everitt Lechesa Segoete (1858–1923), religious and social writer^[Jahn]
• Azariele M. Sekese (1849–1930), Basotho author and historian^[Jahn]
• Joseph I. F. Tjokosela (c. 1911–?), Catholic writer and teacher^[Jahn]

Liberia

• Edwin Barclay (1882–1955), politician and writer
• Thomas E. Besolow (c.1867–?), autobiographical writer^[Jahn]
• Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), born in the Virgin Islands (see also Sierra Leone), educator, writer, diplomat and politician
• Roland Tombekai Dempster (1910–1965), poet^[Jahn]
• Hawa Jande Golakai (1979–)
• Bai T. Moore (1916–1988), poet, novelist, folklorist and essayist^{[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Wilton G. S. Sankawulo (1937–2009), politician and author
• Vamba Sherif (1973–)

Libya

• Wafa Albueise (1973–), lawyer and writer
• Sadiq Al-Nayhum (1937–1994), Islamic writer, critic and journalist
• Khalifa al-Fakhri, short story writer
• Ahmed Fagih (1942–2019), novelist^[Gikandi]
• Muammar al-Gaddafi (1942–2011), politician and occasional novelist
• Ibrahiem El-kouni (1948–), novelist^[Gikandi]
• Latifa al-Zayyat (1923–1996), activist and novelist

Madagascar

• Ny Avana Ramanantoanina
• Dox
• Elie-Charles Abraham (1919–1989), poet^[Gikandi]
• Victor Georges Andriananjason (1940– ), musician and non-fiction writer^[Jahn]
• Lucile Allorge (1937– ), botanist
• David Jaomanoro (1953–2014), poet, short story writer and playwright
• Lucien Xavier Michel Andrianarahinjaka (1929–1997), politician, writer, and poet
• Esther Nirina (1932–2004), poet^[Gikandi]
• Hajasoa Vololona Picard-Ravololonirina (1956– ), academic, politician and poet^[Gikandi]
• Jean-Joseph Rabearivelo (1903–1937), poet and novelist^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Jacques Rabemananjara (1913–2005), poet, playwright and politician^{[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Raymond William Rabemananjara (1913–?), historian and writer^[Gikandi]
• Fidelis Justin Rabetsimandranto (1907–1966), novelist and playwright^[Jahn]
• Charlotte Arisoa Rafenomanjato (1936–2008), writer and translator^[Gikandi]
• Jean-Luc Raharimanana (1967– ), French-language writer
• Elie Rajaonarison (1951–2010), poet
• Régis Rajemisa-Raolison (1913–1990), poet and educator^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Michèle Rakotoson (1948– ), novelist, short story writer and playwright^[Gikandi]
• Flavien Ranaivo (1914–1999), poet and writer^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Esther Razanadrasoa (1892–1931), poet, novelist and journal editor
• Edmond Randriamananjara aka Randja Zanamihoatra (1925 - 1997), poet

Malawi

See: List of Malawian writers

Mali

• Ahmad Baba al Massufi (1556–1627), writer and scholar.
• Abdoulaye Ascofaré (1949– ), poet and filmmaker.
• Ibrahima Aya (1967– )
• Amadou Hampâté Bâ (1900/1901–1991), historian, theologian, ethnographer, novelist and autobiographer.^{[Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Adame Ba Konaré (1947– ), historian and writer.
• Seydou Badian Kouyaté (1928–2018), novelist and politician.^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Siriman Cissoko (1934–2005), poet.^[Jahn]
• Sidiki Dembele (1921–1983), novelist and playwright.^[Jahn]
• Massa Makan Diabaté (1938–1988), historian, author and playwright.^[Jahn]
• Souéloum Diagho, poet.
• Aïda Mady Diallo, novelist and director.
• Aly Diallo, French-language novelist first published in German translation.
• Alpha Mandé Diarra (1954– )
• Oumou Armand Diarra (1967– ), born in Yugoslavia.
• Doumbi Fakoly (1944–2024), non-fiction writer
• Aïcha Fofana (1957–2003), first female Malian novelist
• Mamadou Gologo (1924–2009), autobiographical novelist and poet.^[Jahn]
• Aoua Kéita (1912–1980), independence activist and autobiographer.
• Fatoumata Keïta (1977– ), poet, novelist, essayist.
• Moussa Konaté (1951–2013), French-language writer.
• Ibrahima Mamadou Ouane (1908–?), writer.^[Jahn]
• Yambo Ouologuem (1940–2017), novelist.^[Jahn]
• Bernadette Sanou Dao (1952– ), author and politician.
• Fily Dabo Sissoko (1900–1964), poet.^[Jahn]
• 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
• Ibn Razqa (died 1144 AH/1731 AD), poet and scholar
• Moussa Diagana (1946–2018), French-language writer
• Moussa Ould Ebnou (1956–), French-language novelist
• Abderrahmane Sissako (1961–), filmmaker

Mauritius

See: List of Mauritian writers

Morocco

See: List of Moroccan writers

Mozambique

• Paulina Chiziane (1955– ), Portuguese-language novelist and short-story writer
• Mia Couto (1955– ), novelist and short story writer^{[Killam & Rowe] [Gikandi]}
• José Craveirinha (1922–2003), Portuguese-language poet^[Jahn]
• Luis Bernardo Honwana (1942– ), Portuguese-language short story writer^[Gikandi]
• Ungulani Ba Ka Khosa (1957– ), Portuguese-language novelist and short-story writer
• Fátima Langa (1953–2017), children's book author in Portuguese and various Bantu languages
• Virgílio de Lemos (1929-2013), Portuguese-language journalist and poet^[Williams]
• Lina Magaia (1940s–2011), Portuguese-language novelist and short-story writer^{[Killam & Rowe]}
• Malangatana Ngwenya (1936–2011), poet and autobiographical writer^[Jahn]
• Orlando Marques de Almeida Mendes (1916–1990), Portuguese-language novelist^[Gikandi]
• Lília Momplé (1935– ), Portuguese-language fiction writer
• Eduardo Mondlane (1924–1969), politician and autobiographical writer^[Jahn]
• Amélia Muge (1952– ), writer and singer
• Rui de Noronha (1909–1943), poet^[Jahn]
• Glória de Santana (1925–2009), poet
• Marcelino dos Santos (1929–2020), poet^[Jahn]
• Castro Soromenho (1910–1968), journalist, novelist and short story writer^[Jahn]
• Noémia de Sousa (1926–2003), Portuguese-language poet^[Jahn]

Namibia

• Neshani Andreas (1964–2011), novelist
• Ndeutala Angolo (1952–), novelist and nonfiction writer
• Joseph Diescho (1955–), novelist
• Dorian Haarhoff (1944–), poet and academic
• Giselher Werner Hoffmann (1958–), German-language novelist
• Anoeschka von Meck (1967–), journalist and Afrikaans-language writer
• Hans Daniel Namuhuja (1924–1998), poet
• Cosmo Pieterse (1930–), playwright and poet
• Sylvia Schlettwein (1975–), writer, translator and critic
• Mvula ya Nangolo (1943–2019), poet and journalist

Niger

• Idé Adamou (1951– ), poet and novelist^[Gikandi]
• Ousmane Amadou (1948–2018), poet, novelist, lawyer and journalist^[Gikandi]
• Djibo Bakary (1922–1998), politician and writer
• Ada Boureïma, writer
• Andrée Clair, born and died in France (1916–1982), ethnographer and children's writer
• Mahamadou Halilou Sabbo (1937–2006), novelist and playwright^[Gikandi]
• Boubacar Hama Beidi (born 1951), educator, author, and politician
• Boubou Hama (1906–1982), politician and writer^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• Hawad (1950– ), Tuareg poet currently living in France^[Gikandi]
• Hélène Kaziende (1967– ), teacher, journalist and short story writer
• Salihu Kwantagora (1929– ), songwriter and poet^[Gikandi]
• Abdoulaye Mamani (1932–1993), poet, novelist and trade unionist^[Gikandi]
• Ide Oumarou (1937–2002), politician, diplomat and writer
• Samira Sabou (born 1981), journalist and blogger
• Andre Salifou (1942– 2022), politician, diplomat and academic^[Jahn]

Nigeria

See: List of Nigerian writers

Rwanda

See: List of Rwandan writers

São Tomé and Príncipe

• Olinda Beja (1946–), novelist
• Sara Pinto Coelho (1913–1990), fiction writer and playwright
• Caetano da Costa Alegre (1864–1890), Portuguese-language poet^[Jahn]
• Mário Domingues (1899–1977), novelist
• Conceição Lima (1962–), Portuguese-language poet
• Manuela Margarido (1925–2007), Portuguese-language poet
• Alda do Espírito Santo (1926–2010), Portuguese-language poet^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}
• José Francisco Tenreiro (1921–1963), literary critic and poet^{[Gikandi] [Jahn]}

Senegal

See: List of Senegalese writers

Seychelles

• Antoine Abel (1934–2004), poet and fable writer^[Gikandi]

Sierra Leone

• John Akar (1927–1975), broadcaster, playwright and diplomat^[Jahn]
• Gaston Bart-Williams (1938–1990), exiled writer and journalist^[Jahn]
• Ishmael Beah (born 1980), child soldier and memoirist
• Edward Wilmot Blyden (1832–1912), pan-Africanist, born in the Virgin Islands (see also Liberia)
• Adelaide Casely-Hayford (1868–1960), short story writer and educator^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Gladys Casely-Hayford (1904–1950), poet also associated with Ghana^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Syl Cheney-Coker (born 1945/47), poet, journalist and novelist^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Robert Wellesley-Cole (1907–1995), surgeon and autobiographical writer^[Jahn]
• William Conton (1925–2003), educator, historian, and novelist also associated with The Gambia^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• R. Sarif Easmon (1913–1997), doctor, playwright and novelist^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Aminatta Forna (born 1964), memoirist and novelist
• Namina Forna (born 1987), novelist and screen writer
• Wilfred Freddy Will Kanu Jr. (born 1977) author, poet, lyricist, hip-hop emcee and blogger.
• Africanus Horton (1835–1883), Creole African nationalist writer^[Jahn]
• Delia Jarrett-Macauley (living), academic and novelist
• Lemuel A. Johnson (1940/41–2002), poet and academic^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Eldred Durosimi Jones (1925–2020), academic and literary critic^[Jahn]
• Joseph Ben Kaifala (living), historian, memoirist and human rights activist
• Yulisa Amadu Maddy (1936–2014), playwright, novelist, and choreographer^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Ambrose Massaquoi (born 1964), poet, musician and educationist^[Brown]
• Augustus Merriman-Labor (1877–1919), later took the name Ohlohr Maigi, barrister, writer and munitions worker
• Abioseh Nicol (1924–1994), doctor and short story writer^{[Gikandi] [Jahn] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Lenrie Peters (1932–2009), poet also associated with The Gambia^[Gikandi]
• Ekundayo Rowe (born 1937), journalist and short-story writer^[Jahn]

Somalia

• Abdi Sheik Abdi (1942–), U.S.-based writer
• Mohamed Diriye Abdullahi, linguist and translator
• Maxamed Daahir Afrax, novelist, playwright and critic
• Elmi Boodhari (1908–1940), poet
• Ayaan Hirsi Ali (1969–), feminist and anti-Islam activist
• Ahmed Ibrahim Artan, diplomat, author and politician
• Jaamac Cumar Ciise (c.1922–2014), historian of Somali oral literature
• Waris Dirie (1965–), model and autobiographical writer
• Salaan Carrabey (1864–1943), poet
• Cristina Ali Farah (1973–), poet and novelist
• Farah Nur (1862–1932), poet and warrior
• Hussein Hasan (d. 1910s), warrior and poet
• Nuruddin Farah (1945–), novelist^{[Killam & Rowe]}
• Hadrawi (1943–2022), poet
• Yaasiin Cismaan Keenadiid (1919–1988), literary scholar
• Abdi Kusow, scholar and writer
• Abdillahi Suldaan Mohammed Timacade (1920–1973), poet
• Nadifa Mohamed (1981–), novelist
• Gaariye (d. 2012), poet
• Mohamed Haji Mukhtar (1947–), historian and scholar
• Rageh Omaar (1967–), journalist
• Abdi Ismail Samatar (1950–), geographer
• Ahmed Ismail Samatar (1950–), writer and academic
• Dada Masiti, Ashraf poet, mystic and Islamic scholar
• Said S. Samatar (1943–2015), scholar and writer
• Cali Xuseen Xirsi (1946–2005), poet
• Shadya Yasin (1983/4–), poet

South Africa

See: List of South African writers

Sudan

See: List of Sudanese writers

Swaziland

• Modison Salayedvwa Magagula (1958–), playwright^[Gikandi]
• Stanley Musa N. Matsebula (1958–), economist and writer^[Gikandi]
• Elias Adam Bateng Mkhonta (1954–2001), novelist^[Gikandi]
• Sarah Mkhonza (1957–), novelist, short story writer and journalist^[Gikandi]
• Gladys Lomafu Pato (1930–), short story writer^[Gikandi]

Tanzania

See: List of Tanzanian writers

Togo

• Jeannette D. Ahonsou (1954–2022), novelist
• Gad Ami (born 1958), novelist
• David Ananou (1917–2000), novelist
• Félix Couchoro (1900–1968), novelist, also connected with Benin^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Yves-Emmanuel Dogbé (1939-2004), writer, philosopher, sociologist, and educator.
• Richard Dogbeh, also connected with Benin, Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire (1932–2003), novelist and educator
• Kossi Efoui (born 1962), playwright^[Gikandi]
• Christiane Akoua Ekue (born 1954), French-language novelist
• Pyabelo Chaold Kouly (born 1943), autobiographical writer and novelist
• Tété-Michel Kpomassie (born 1941), explorer and writer
• Farida Nabourema (born 1990), human rights activist, writer and blogger
• Stanislas Ocloo (died 2010), journalist
• Senouvo Agbota Zinsou (born 1946), playwright and short story writer^[Gikandi]

Tunisia

See: List of Tunisian writers

Uganda

See: List of Ugandan writers

Western Sahara

• Mohamed Fadel Ismail Ould Es-Sweyih (1958–2002), journalist and politician
• Ahmed Baba Miské (1935–2016), writer, diplomat and politician

Zambia

• Ellen Banda-Aaku (1965–), fiction, children's books
• Jack Avon (1967–), non-fiction, business books
• Kenneth Kaunda (1924–2021), nationalist and writer^[Gikandi]
• Chibamba Kanyama (1965–), journalist and business writer
• Andreya Sylvester Masiye (1922–?), diplomat and novelist
• Dominic Mulaisho (1933–2014), novelist^{[Gikandi] [Killam & Rowe]}
• Charles Mwewa, poet and non-fiction writer
• Princess Zindaba Nyirenda, novelist
• Field Ruwe (1955–), educator, historian, media practitioner, author (fiction and non-fiction)
• Namwali Serpell (1980–), fiction
• Monde Sifuniso (1944–), editor, publisher, author (fiction and non-fiction)
• Binwell Sinyangwe (1956–)

Zimbabwe

See: List of Zimbabwean writers

See also

• African Writers Series
• Lists of authors
• International Research Confederacy on African Literature and Culture
• List of Latin American writers

References

External links

• 25 African Women Writers
• Contemporary African writers/authors Archived 2008-12-24 at the Wayback Machine
• Africa Resource research data
• Lire les femmes – African women writers