The rise of literary festivals in Africa has contributed to the growing interaction between authors and their readers. The idea is to discuss, among other things, how literary works affect their lives.

As such, the role of literary festivals in Africa transcends reading a book to incorporate different aspects, especially in the creative industry across the continent. 

The purposes for these events vary and have achieved a lot for the attendees and the host countries. So, what is the role of literary festivals in Africa? Let us explore, shall we?

Boosting love for everything African

One crucial role of literary festivals in Africa is to promote love for everything African. The rise of literary festivals in the countries of Africa has seen growth in embracing the authentic African narrative and creating spaces to listen to and support African voices. Readers get a better understanding of the African literary works in these festivals as they embrace reading and publishing culture.

Enhancing Literacy levels

Another crucial role of literary festivals in Africa is to promote literacy levels. To achieve this, the industry players and readers converge and deliberate on making books available, especially in marginalized areas. Partnerships with various bookstores, publishing entities, and authors see donations made to libraries and schools to enhance Africa's literacy levels. 

For instance, Kenya is one of the African countries whose literacy levels are high. The country also hosts literary festivals, and the reading culture is taking root rapidly. 

Empowering upcoming authors and other literary creatives

A more nuanced role of literary festivals in Africa is to empower and encourage upcoming authors to venture into the global stage by telling African stories. By attending such festivals, new and upcoming writers, publishers and booksellers get to learn new things and understand the literary scene better as they seek to debut their literary works. 

Access to world literature

Literary festivals are a window to the outside world for readers, especially in Africa, can access world literature. As such, this role of literary festivals in Africa helps readers and young writers to explore what the global academic stage has to offer, even as they seek to become leaders in the industry. 

Literary festivals in Africa are a convergence of creatives and their fans, creating a sense of community and a safe space to address various issues and dissect literary text in detail.