The Library of Africa and The African Diaspora (LOATAD) on Saturday November 26, 2022 at the Du Bois Center in Accra hosted five distinguished writers from the African continent to brainstorm on their works and project themes that amplified the future of the African Continent.
The Writers were gathered under the AU20 Writers Residency program organised by the LOATAD as part of the African Union’s (AU) 20th celebration and would read form various publications focused on “Our Africa, Our Future.”
Ms. Sylvia Arthur, the Founder of LOATAD described the session as real privilege to host prolific African Writers adding, “It’s been our privilege at LOATAD to host writers from all corners of Africa. We believe writers are the voice of the people and they play a key role in preserving the past, documenting the present, and imagining the future.”
The founder of LOATAD was therefore grateful to the African Union, the UNDP and Africa
She said though over 400 African Writers from 35 countries applied to take part in the project, only five were selected which show the high interest of writers to showcase their works.
She added that: “It’s within this context that LOATAD exists as one of the few writing residencies on the continent and as we celebrate our fifth year, which coincides with the African Union’s 20thyear, we seek to cement our place in this rarefied space, not just for the art but for Africa.”
Reverend Reuben Kwesi Kwadzofio, the Director of the Dubois Centre noted the need to consolidate achievement in economic, social, growth, peace, secuirty and governance as a commitment to make to the people.
Mr. Sukhrob Khoshmukhamedov, the Deputy Resident Representative, said in January, 2021 UNDP partnered with the African Union Commission to launch a series of activities under the AU20 initiative that would educate, inform and engage African citizens on the mandates and policies of the African Union since its formation in 2002.
The AU20 Artists and Writers Residency Programme is aimed at using the voices of Africa’s creative talent to mark a historic moment in the AU’s leadership of the continent’s development, unity and peace through a celebration of Africa’s culture, creativity, art and innovation.
The AU20 Writers Residency Public Showcase would also present the writers’ completed works to key stakeholders from the government, diplomatic and international community, media, art and literary communities, as well as the public.
