Fifty African Writers You Must Read

Authors are listed, alphabetically, by first name. Also check out a beautiful collage of all 50 African Writers’s photos. You may also view just the male writers or just the female writers.

Help readers discover more great writers by casting your vote for “Your Favorite Black Author of the 21st Century.”

A. Igoni Barrett

Abubakar Adam Ibrahim

Ahdaf Soueif

Alain Mabanckou

Aminatta Forna

Binyavanga Wainaina

Boubacar Boris Diop

Chibundu Onuzo

Chigozie Obioma

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Chris Abani

Dinaw Mengestu

E. C. Osondu

Elnathan John

Fiston Mwanza Mujila

Helen Oyeyemi

Imbolo Mbue

Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi

Jowhor Ile

Juan Tomás Ávila Laurel

K. Sello Duiker

Kopano Matlwa

Kwei Quartey

Laila Lalami

Leila Aboulela

Lemn Sissay

Leye Adenle

Lola Shoneyin

Mũkoma wa Ngũgĩ

Maaza Mengiste

Marguerite Abouet

Marie NDiaye

Masande Ntshanga

Nnedi Okorafor

Noo Saro-Wiwa

Panashe Chigumadzi

Petina Gappah

Roland Rugero

Sarah Ladipo Manyika

Sefi Atta

Tahar Ben Jelloun

Taiye Selasi

Teju Cole

Tendai Huchu

Toni Kan

Yaa Gyasi

Yewande Omotoso

Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor

Zakes Mda

Zuksiwa Wanner

There are so many great writers from Africa, and the African Diaspora, that we can not possibly list them all. Please list any you’d like to share in the comments section below.