The inaugural Addis Literature Festival (ALF) has just concluded, marking a significant development for publishing professionals tracking Africa’s evolving literary landscape.

Organised by Culture Club Ethiopia alongside the British Council, Hilton Addis Ababa, Addis Ababa University (AAU), and BookWorld, this event distinguished itself from Ethiopia’s existing book trade fixtures through its multi-venue, professionally-focused programming.

Hubs of Industry-Relevant Discourse.

ALF’s extended format transformed the British Council, Hyatt Regency, Hilton Addis Ababa, and AAU Culture Centre into hubs of industry-relevant discourse. Invitation-only sessions – including ‘Inspiring Future Writers’ and ‘Women in Literature’ – provided targeted networking opportunities addressing publishing challenges across the continent.

Programme highlights included panels on cultural heritage such as ‘Echoes of Freedom: The Literary and Musical Heritage of the Azmari Tradition’, and ‘Bridge of Culture: Conversation and Book’. Guest writers Goretti Kyomuhendo (Uganda) and Lemn Sissay (British-Ethiopian) headlined performances and workshops, offering practical insights into cross-cultural collaborations.

Not the Addis Ababa Book Fair

Crucially, ALF is a distinct entity from the annual Addis Ababa Book Fair, held 6–12 May this year with the motto “Books Bring Us Together!” That event primarily facilitates book sales and community access, functioning as a trade-oriented exhibition.

ALF’s differentiation lies in its immersive, interactive approach. While the Book Fair emphasises retail and broad public engagement, ALF integrates workshops, performances, and invitation-only industry sessions, delivering deeper professional value. Its partnership with the British Council and international author programming signals ambition beyond domestic markets.

The View From The Beach

For publishing houses, ALF 2025 offered invaluable exposure to Ethiopia’s literary ecosystem – bridging traditional narratives with modern global influences.

The festival’s structure enabled manuscript scouting, rights discussions, and partnership building in a market historically underrepresented internationally.

As Addis Ababa strengthens its literary infrastructure, ALF positions itself as the professional’s gateway to East African publishing – complementing, not competing with, the existing Book Fair.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.