Botswana's writers have been challenged to think beyond the local market and tell stories capable of reaching readers across Africa and the world, as FANFABO used its second Annual General Meeting to unveil an ambitious vision for the country's literary future.
Members reflected on FANFABO’s growth since its last AGM, including improved governance, stronger stakeholder engagement and growing recognition within the creative sector.
A key milestone highlighted was FANFABO’s expanding international presence through links with the Pan African Writers’ Association, the Network of African Authors’ National Associations and the International Authors Forum. The association said these platforms are opening doors for collaboration, advocacy, knowledge exchange and greater visibility for Botswana literature. Through these partnerships, Botswana authors now have greater opportunities to collaborate with fellow writers, participate in continental literary initiatives and showcase their work to wider international audiences.
The AGM further recognised a strengthening partnership with the Copyright Society of Botswana, a collaboration aimed at more than collection of royalties but also helping authors produce new works, improve publication quality and preserve local stories for future generations.
FANFABO encouraged writers to register their works, stressing that every novel, poem, biography, textbook, research paper and manuscript carries value and deserves protection.
FANFABO reminded writers that every manuscript is intellectual property capable of generating income, preserving culture and creating opportunities long after publication.
Looking ahead, the association pledged to grow its membership, strengthen partnerships and promote Botswana literature in schools, libraries, bookstores and international markets. Members were called upon to become ambassadors of the association by mentoring emerging writers, supporting fellow authors and publishing confidently.
Members also celebrated Phodiso Modirwa, whose poem has been selected for publication in a Pan African Writers’ Association anthology. FANFABO described the achievement as a proud moment for the country and evidence that Botswana writers can compete on the continental stage.
In her closing, the FANFABO Chaiperson, Ms Bakalanga Malikongwa, said, she believes Botswana's next generation of great writers is already among us. The challenge now is to write fearlessly; protect those stories and ensure they find readers not only in Botswana but across Africa and the world.
