BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI— What happens when faith, storytelling and African creativity come together under one roof? Eswatini is set to answer that question when the inaugural Eswatini Christian Authors Bookfest 2026 brings together writers, publishers, readers and other Christian literature stakeholders for an afternoon dedicated to celebrating the power of the written word.
The Bookfest will be held on October 17, 2026, at Bethel Court in Ezulwini, creating a platform for authors to showcase their work, connect with industry players and explore opportunities that could take their stories beyond Eswatini.
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), the event will bring together authors, publishers, exhibitors, bookshops, printing houses, ministries, sponsors and readers.
The gathering will feature Christian literature covering a broad range of subjects, including Christian living, leadership, devotionals, family, business, education and inspiration.
But beyond the books on display, the Bookfest is expected to create opportunities for meaningful connections within the African Christian literary industry.
CLC Kenya will be present to share publishing and partnership opportunities available to authors across Africa and beyond, giving local writers an opportunity to learn more about taking their work into wider markets.
Participating authors may also become eligible for nomination for the 2027 African Christian Authors Book Award, potentially opening doors to greater visibility, international partnerships 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 was recognised at the 2025 ACABA awards.
Mkhwanazi won the Christian Living category and was named runner-up for Book of the Year. His achievement sparked a collaboration between him, MFSO and CLC Kenya that subsequently contributed to the establishment of a Writing Class in Eswatini and has now grown into the country’s first 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.”
For MFSO founder Nelton Mondlane, the gathering is part of a broader effort to strengthen African Christian literature and give authors opportunities to reach audiences beyond their immediate communities.
“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.
The organisers are inviting exhibitors, publishers, bookstores, ministries, organisations, sponsors and Christian literature partners to be part of the event.
Exhibition stalls will be available at E300, while public admission will cost E150.
The Eswatini Christian Authors Bookfest also forms part of a wider series of Bookfests taking place across the region between October and November 2026, including the SADC Christian Authors Bookfest in South Africa and another Bookfest in Kenya.
Together, the gatherings are expected to strengthen connections among African authors, publishers and readers while creating new pathways for Christian literature produced on the continent to reach audiences across Africa and beyond.
For Eswatini’s Christian writers, the October gathering offers more than an opportunity to display their books. It presents a chance to connect, learn, collaborate and take their stories a step closer to a wider audience.
#EswatiniChristianAuthorsBookfest #AfricanChristianAuthors #ChristianLiterature #EswatiniAuthors #ACABA #MFSO #CLCKenya #AfricanVoices #Ezulwini #Books
(Courtesy Pic)
