Pfumo Collective has revealed its selected writers for its inaugural CITIZEN project, which will take the form of in-person workshops, mentoring and an anthology of the same name.

The collective received over 130 submissions across 37 African countries responding broadly to the question “What does it mean to be a citizen on the African continent today?” Getting to the final selection with such a range of strong submissions saw the collective increase its initial cohort number from 10 to 12 in order to accommodate the breadth of brilliance offered.

On the selection process, Dr. Billy Kahora, Project Partner and Editorial Consultant shares in a press release how energized he felt reading the submissions: “African creative non-fiction is in rude health and I just can’t wait to collaborate with these amazing writers – what was so pleasing was the variety of style and theme as warrants the idea of Citizenship on the continent.”

Over the course of a 10-day intensive, fully-funded residential workshop in Accra, Ghana, the selected cohort of writers will benefit from the expertise of tutors and mentors who will support each writer in developing their proposal into full length non-fiction pieces to be published in the Citizen anthology.

For Ellah P. Wakatama, OBE, Hon, FRSL Founder and Project Lead, sharing in a press release, the selected writers

fulfilled my hopes for imaginative ways of interrogating African experiences of citizenship: what makes us a people united; what happens if we focus on the voices of women; how does urban planning impact social cohesion? I can’t wait to work with these brilliant writers in developing their work and bringing their ideas, observations and solutions to a wide, international reading public.

The inaugural cohort represents eight countries from across the African continent. In a press release, they share their excitement at being selected for this project:

Adeowu Azeeza, Nigeria: “Being selected for the Pfumo Collective workshop is honestly a dream. Creative nonfiction is still emerging in Nigeria, and I’m really grateful for opportunities like this that offer space to grow and learn as a writer. This year’s theme feels especially personal, and I’m honored to finally tell a story that’s been waiting to be heard.”

Iweka Kingsley, Nigeria: “I am honored to join the Pfumo Collective, where our voices unite to shape a brighter future for Africa. This selection is a call to transform narratives, empower communities, and inspire global change through our collective storytelling.”

Kareem Widad, Ghana: “This project is an opportunity to explore the complexities of identity within the Zongo community, and how lives are shaped across generations by trade and migration.”

Kona Bongani, Zimbabwe: “The theme of this anthology is very timely. We live in a moment ‘where’, as Toni Morrison writes, ‘the concept of home is seen as being menaced by foreigners’ and so many people’s sense of belonging hangs in the balance. To be part of a project that attempts to use creative non-fiction writing to shed light on this subject is hugely exciting, but I also feel its urgency.”

Mahamoud Ali Faduma, Somalia: “I’m thrilled to embark on this great endeavor with Pfumo team, to reflect on citizenhood in the continent and look forward to contributing my perspective on this discourse.”

Mudzonga Tawanda, Zimbabwe: “The chance to learn and work with other African writers is an important communing and I look forward to seeing how these interactions will show up in and and affect the work. This is a life-changing opportunity to develop my craft. I’m very excited for the journey  ahead.”

Mugaa Dennis, Kenya: “Being selected for this Pfumo project means that I’ll have the requisite support and technical knowledge imparted on me to enable me to complete my writing project. It is such a wonderful opportunity that I hope to utilize to the fullest.”

Pius Ekemini, Nigeria: “I feel blessed and highly privileged to be a part of this cohort of African writers who will embark on this timely project to discover what it really means to be an African citizen at this present time. I look forward to working with the distinguished mentors, and I cannot wait to get started!!”

Sinivasan Santhea, South Africa: “Being selected for this collective affirms that active citizenship includes reflection, questioning, and care. For me, storytelling is a civic act — one that can use nostalgia not to retreat into the past, but to remember, honor, and reimagine. It’s a way of asking: how did we get here, what binds us, and where might we go from here, together?”

Wolde Yordanos Tekleab, Ethiopia: “Opportunities take on many forms. When it comes in the form of fellow Africans, coming together to write, learn and grow as we tell our stories, then that is too great a deal to miss. I am truly honored to be a part of this cohort.”

Zabu Yvonne, Uganda: “I’m deeply honored to join the Pfumo Collective — a space that brings together bold, thoughtful storytellers. Creative nonfiction, for me, is where truth meets imagination; it allows us to illuminate difficult histories and lived realities in ways that resonate. Being part of CITIZEN: A Manifesto means I can finally shape and share a story rooted in personal history and movement — one I’ve carried for years. We are at the beginning of a beautiful thing.”

Congratulations to the cohort! We look forward to seeing the anthology!