By Chisomo Phiri
The General Secretary (GS ) of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA),Wale Okediran, has applauded the Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) for its continued efforts in promoting literature and nurturing young writers in the country.
Speaking during the conclusion of the MAWU’s 30th anniversary celebrations at Golden Peacock Hotel in Blantyre on Saturday,Okediran, who is a Nigerian writer and literary administrator, expressed his excitement and pride over Malawi’s vibrant literary culture.
“As the GS of the PAWA, my role is to promote literary writing across Africa. When I see an association in an African country that wholeheartedly embraces literature, writing, and advocacy like MAU,I am always very happy. I congratulate the President and members of MAWU for celebrating their 30th anniversary,” he said.
Okediran noted that Malawi has a long and rich literary tradition, having produced several internationally acclaimed writers.
He commended the union for ensuring that the younger generation is actively involved in literary activities.
“I am pleased that the tradition is continuing and that young people are being carried along so that this practice will be passed on to them,” he said.
During his lecture at the event,Okediran emphasized the need for African writers to adapt to digital trends in publishing.
He encouraged young writers to explore various modern platforms and formats for their works.
“It is important for young writers to embrace digital publishing. They should explore e-books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and even the adaptation of books into films. Technology is being embraced worldwide, and African writers cannot afford to be left behind,” he said.
He also highlighted the growing role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the literary space, urging writers to focus on its positive potential.
“AI has come to stay. While it has its challenges, writers should take advantage of its positive aspects,” he said.
Okediran further commended the continued organization of writers’ gatherings such as conferences and book fairs, saying such events foster creativity and the exchange of ideas.
“A gathering of writers is always valuable for sharing knowledge and strengthening the literary community. I am glad to see young writers participating, and I’m confident they will carry this tradition forward,” he said.
On his part, MAU president,Shadreck Chikoti,said Malawi can only develop intellectually and socially if reading becomes a consistent part of everyday life.
He said:“We need to move from reading for gossip and entertainment to reading for knowledge and self-improvement.Reading should not just be a hobby,it should be a habit that feeds the mind and helps us grow as individuals and as a nation.”
Chikoti said formed in 1995, shortly after the dawn of multiparty democracy, MAWU has spent three decades empowering writers and encouraging a culture of reading through workshops, book fairs, and competitions.
He hailed the organization’s founding members including Roy Sagonja, Steve Chimombo and Edison Mpina for laying a strong foundation for literary growth in Malawi.
“These are the architects of Malawi’s literary movement.They built the foundation that today’s writers continue to build upon,” said Chikoti.
The MAWU president also encouraged writers in the country to embrace the digital era and explore how technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance creativity.
“AI is here to stay.We recently held a writing competition on AI and Mental Health to help writers understand and engage with emerging technologies in a meaningful way,” he said.
Despite the rise of digital platforms, Chikoti said he believes that social media has played a surprising role in promoting reading, even in rural communities.
“People are reading more than before, even if it is through Facebook or X (Twitter).But we must go further using reading not just for fun, but as a tool for education and self-development,” he said.
He added that as MAWU looks to the next 30 years,its mission remains to build a nation of readers and writers who use words to educate, inspire, and transform society.
“We have made great strides.Now it is time to take Malawi’s reading culture to the next level,” said Chikoti.
