Hosted at the Confucius Institute at the University of Zambia in Lusaka on the 24th of December 2021, the event hosted 94 attendees among them Vice-Chancellor, Dr Christine Mushibwe, who was guest speaker at the ceremony.

The evening unfolded with jubilant announcements of the nominees and winners in various categories. 

Speaking after the presentation of the awards, Unicaf University in Zambia Vice-Chancellor, Dr Christine Mushibwe, encouraged the authors to continue celebrating storytelling so that the creative industry can continue to grow in the country.

The event also included a mini book expo to showcase the books by several Zambian authors most of whom were nominated at the awards ceremony. Other exhibitors at the awards included Unicaf University in Zambia which was the only university that showcased their products and services. 

Also present at the ceremony were Mr Daniel Kabani CEO of DNK Group, Mr Mwila Bwanga CEO of Be Relevant, Mr Aaron Chansa Executive Director, National Action for Quality Education Zambia (NAQEZ), Mr Dumisani L. Ncube, CEO DLN Technologies and Zambian football legend, Christopher Katongo.

Some recipients of the awards included writer Mazuba Mwiinga who won the Best Non-Fiction for his authoring of the ‘Midnight Raid – Hakainde’s Taste of Hate.’ Fr Francis Katuta was the recipient of the Best Religious Award and Keith Hamusute took home the Best Fiction Award for ‘The Ghosts Came for Dinner and Left’.

Highflying businessman and CEO of DLN enterprises Dumisani Ncube nabbed the Bestselling Author of 2021, while Raphael Mbewe was presented with the Most Outstanding Author. Other recipients at the ceremony were Samuel Zulu who won for Best Creative Writing, Sheila Siwela for Best Children, Reuben Phiri for Best Poetry, Best History Mutale Kaunda, Best Business was awarded to Brighton Mwanza, and the Most Influential Author 2021 received by Isaac Pomboloka. In total 13 authors walked away with awards.

With the growing literature industry in Zambia, many authors and writers have had to find various means of celebrating storytelling to be able to showcase their creativity. The Tell Your Own Story National Book Awards were launched with the aim of pioneering change within the writing industry in Zambia and to ensure that Zambian authors can turn this industry into an income generating sector for author’s sustainable development.

Written by Niza Salome Nayame

, Unicaf’s partner university, is a pan-African, independent, internationally recognised institution, offering high-quality academic qualifications. Unicaf University, a proud member of the Association of University Leaders for a Sustainable Future (ULSF), is well-known for its sustainable and environmentally responsible practices. The university is reshaping the future of responsible education by delivering its programmes online. Additionally, the values of ethical behaviour, sustainability, and personal contribution are promoted through its campus operations and green initiatives (awareness-raising events, reducing carbon emissions, recycling, and waste management).

±«²Ô¾±³¦²¹´Ú’sÌýResponsible and Sustainable Business Plan 2021-2025 outlines the targets of the organisation and its partner university (Unicaf University) for the next five years. The Plan is in line with six of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Africa 2063 aspirations. More specifically, it highlights the efforts to reach net-zero carbon by 2035 – setting an example for all other global higher education providers. Also to offer $200,000,000 worth of scholarships to students worldwide.

Unicaf University is committed to its sustainable development practices with the goal to positively impact its students, faculty, staff, and local communities in Africa.