EZULWINI – Eswatini is set to host its inaugural Eswatini Christian Authors Bookfest 2026 on 17 October, bringing together authors, publishers, bookshops, ministries and Christian literature enthusiasts to celebrate African Christian voices and their contribution to the literary landscape.
The event, organised by Mind Food and Soul Organisation (MFSO) in partnership with the African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA) and Christian Literature Communications Kenya (CLC Kenya), will take place at Bethel Court in Ezulwini from 12:30pm to 4:00pm.
The Bookfest is expected to provide a platform for Christian writers and other stakeholders to showcase literature covering areas such as Christian living, leadership, devotionals, family, business, education and inspiration.
Beyond the exhibition, the event will create opportunities for networking, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among writers, publishers, exhibitors, printing houses, ministries, sponsors and readers. CLC Kenya will also participate, offering information on publishing and partnership opportunities available to authors across Africa and beyond.
Participating authors could further benefit from increased exposure, with eligible writers potentially considered for nomination for the 2027 African Christian Authors Book Award. Such opportunities could open doors to international partnerships, wider readership and future translation opportunities.
The Eswatini Bookfest has its roots in the success of local author Stanley Mkhwanazi, whose book Redefine Your Worth: How to Overcome Hopeless Thoughts and Enjoy God’s Unfailing Love won the Christian Living category and emerged as runner-up for Book of the Year at the 2025 ACABA awards.
Mkhwanazi’s achievement sparked a partnership between himself, MFSO and CLC Kenya, which subsequently led to Eswatini’s first Writing Class and has now developed into the Christian Authors Bookfest.
“Winning the ACABA award opened a door I never expected, not just for my own book, but for a whole community of writers here in Eswatini,” said Mkhwanazi. “Seeing that recognition grow into a writing programme and now this Bookfest is a testament to what’s possible when African Christian voices are given a platform.”
MFSO founder Nelton Mondlane described the initiative as more than a one-day gathering, saying it represents a broader movement to strengthen African Christian literature.
“This Bookfest is more than an event, it is a movement to elevate African Christian literature and give our authors a platform to reach readers across the continent and beyond,” said Mondlane.
Exhibition stalls are available at E300, while public admission is E150. Organisers are encouraging publishers, bookstores, ministries, organisations, sponsors and Christian literature partners to participate in the growing initiative.
The Eswatini edition forms part of a wider regional series of Christian Authors Bookfests, with gatherings also planned in South Africa and Kenya between October and November 2026.
Together, the events aim to strengthen connections among African Christian authors, publishers and readers while creating platforms through which African stories, faith perspectives and literary works can reach audiences beyond the continent.
For enquiries, attendance, exhibition or stall bookings, contact Stanley Mkhwanazi on 76954899 or stanley@theworthcoaching.com, or Nelton Mondlane on 76154355 or mondlanenelton@gmail.com.
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