The African Translation Project is a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to translating contemporary fiction from non-colonial African languages into English. Curated by award-winning South African author, editor, and publisher Zukiswa Wanner through her press Paivapo Publishing, and E.D.E. Bell, a Detroit-based author and international literary curator, this project addresses a critical gap in global literature by making authentic African storytelling accessible to English-speaking readers worldwide.

The project recognizes a stark reality: there is a near-complete absence of modern fiction translated from non-colonial African languages in the global literary marketplace. This initiative aims to change that by funding translations of carefully selected works that represent diverse African perspectives, languages, and storytelling traditions without requiring authors to originally write in English.

The African Translation Project’s mission centers on three fundamental beliefs: “Our languages are as essential to our being and our culture as are our stories,” “We are our stories. Translations help us connect,” and “In all times and especially these times, authentic global storytelling is essential.” By supporting translation work, the project raises awareness for global art forms while ensuring that new communities can access stories written from perspectives they have not previously encountered.

The Current Translation Goals

The project has identified three specific books for translation, with a tiered funding approach:

Book 1: Bengithi Lizokuna (I thought it was going to rain) by Nakanjani G. Sibiya, translated from isiZulu by acclaimed author Sifiso Mzobe.

Book 2: Zvinobvinza (The Crocodile Doesn’t Hunt) by Pauline Chirata-Mukondiwa, translated from Shona by Zukiswa Wanner herself.

Book 3: A Kiswahili work to be announced if the project reaches $5,000 by the end of August, with translation beginning if funding reaches $7,500 by the same deadline.

The books will be curated, translated, and published on the continent, ensuring that the entire process remains rooted in African literary traditions and expertise. Initially, the translated works will be made available as part of a larger collection of translated books in 2026, with e-books offered at low cost for a limited time. The project commits to providing copies to anyone who wants to read these stories but cannot afford to purchase them.

Why This Project Matters Now

The African Translation Project addresses systemic inequities in global publishing. As the curators note, “With the level of culture that have been given and taken from African art to the English-speaking, this is one small thing we can do to even start to give back.” The project ensures that human translators and writers re-selling their work receive fair compensation, addressing a gap that traditional publishing structures and continental publishers, lacking resources and grant programs, cannot currently fill.

How You Can Help

The African Translation Project operates entirely through community support and donations. Every contribution directly supports translator compensation, publication costs, and the broader mission of making African literature accessible across linguistic boundaries.

Donate through Ko-fi: Visit https://ko-fi.com/africantranslationproject to make secure donations of any amount. Ko-fi allows both one-time contributions and recurring monthly support.

Additional Support: If you can help by offering updates, endorsements, or donated digital items for fundraising, contact [email protected].

Get Involved: Follow the project’s progress and help spread awareness about this vital work to preserve and share African literary heritage.

This project represents more than translation, it’s an act of cultural preservation, literary justice, and global connection. Your support helps ensure that African literature transcends linguistic boundaries and reaches readers who have long been denied access to these essential stories.

Support authentic storytelling. Fund literary translations. Connect communities through the power of African literature.