The Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) has announced that Dr. Wale Okediran of Nigeria will be the guest of honor at its landmark 30th-anniversary celebrations. The distinguished author, medical doctor, and former Member of Parliament will bring his immense expertise to the event, themed “Celebrating Malawi’s Literary Journey: Reflections on Democracy and Literature.”
The MAWU@30 celebration is scheduled for October 31 and November 1, 2025, in Blantyre. Dr. Okediran’s presence highlights the continental significance of this jubilee. He is the Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) and the founder of the Ebedi International Writers Residency.
His acclaimed novel, “Tenants of the House,” has been adapted into a motion picture currently streaming on Netflix. This makes him a fitting figure to inspire discussions on the intersection of literature, democracy, and cultural expression.
The festivities will begin with a Book Fair on Friday, October 31, at the Chichiri Museum. This public event will feature exhibitions of books, artworks, and cultural products, allowing the public to interact with local writers.
The main event, the Indaba, will take place on Saturday, November 1, at the Golden Peacock Hotel. It will gather writers, poets, and literature enthusiasts for keynote addresses, panel discussions, book readings, and poetry performances.
In line with the theme, MAWU invites scholars and researchers to submit abstracts for consideration. The union is also calling upon the corporate community and development partners to support the event through sponsorship or partnerships.
Several subcommittees have been established to ensure the smooth operation of the celebrations. MAWU, formed in 1995, continues to be the premier organization promoting creative writing and literary excellence in #Malawi. The media is cordially invited to cover this historic celebration of three decades of Malawian literature.
