The Malawi Writers Union (MAWU) marked its 30th anniversary with a national book fair and writers’ indaba held in Blantyre, bringing together authors, publishers, students, and book lovers from across the country.
Speaking at the event, MAWU President Shadrick Chakoti said the milestone represents three decades of nurturing impactful writing and shaping Malawi’s literary landscape.
“MAWU was formed in 1995, soon after the dawn of multiparty democracy,” Chakoti said. “This marks 30 years of building writers and promoting writing in the country.”
The book fair, held on Friday, October 31, at the Blantyre Museum, attracted booksellers, publishers, and printers showcasing a diverse collection of books ranging from school materials to novels, motivational titles, and works of fiction.
“It’s rare to find so many different kinds of books in one place,” Chakoti noted. “Today, readers can access almost any book they want because most of the people involved in Malawi’s book industry are here.”
Students from Chichiri Secondary School were also in attendance, exploring the wide range of books and interacting with local authors.
The event grounds were lively, with food vendors and stalls offering refreshments and snacks to visitors throughout the day. The event was sponsored by FDH Bank, The Copyright Fund among others.
On Saturday, November 1, MAWU will host an Indaba featuring paper presentations and discussions on the role of writers in national development, democracy, and literature. The event will also include music and poetry performances.
A special highlight of the Indaba will be a keynote address by Dr. Wale Okediran, President of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA). Okediran, a Ghana-based Nigerian writer and former Member of Parliament, has authored several novels, one of which was adapted into a Netflix film.
Chakoti emphasized that the celebrations are not only about reflecting on the past but also about embracing the future of writing in the digital age. “We have to adapt,” he said. “AI and digital technology are here to stay. We recently held a writing competition on AI and mental health to make writers aware of these changes.”
He added that while reading culture in Malawi is growing, it still needs to mature beyond entertainment and social media. “I see people reading posts on Facebook and Twitter — that’s still reading,” Chakoti said. “But we need to move towards reading to educate ourselves, reading as a habit, not just a hobby.”
As MAWU looks to the future, the president said the organization remains committed to supporting writers and fostering a culture of reading that informs, inspires, and builds the nation.
