Nyerere Creative Writing Award expands to four categories

DAR ES SALAAM: THE Chairperson of the Mwalimu Nyerere National Award Committee, Prof Penina Mlama, has said the Mwalimu Nyerere National Creative Writing Award has been expanded from two categories to four in a move aimed at widening participation among writers.

Prof Mlama said the award, which initially covered only novels and poetry, has now been extended to include children’s books and drama, bringing the total categories to four: novels, poetry, children’s literature and drama.

She said the expansion was prompted by the growing interest among creative writers, noting that the response has been encouraging, making it necessary to widen the scope of the award.

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Prof Mlama was speaking in Dar es Salaam today during the launch of books that won the award.

She said during the 2024/2025 edition, a total of 31 participants took part from all regions of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar, including Tanzanians living abroad in countries such as Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic.

She also noted that gender balance has continued to improve, with women accounting for 33.3 per cent of participants in 2025.

Explaining the prize structure, Prof Mlama said winners receive cash prizes, with the first winner awarded 10m/-, second 7m/- and third 5m/-.

In addition to the cash award, she said the first-place winner in each category gets their manuscript published and distributed to schools and national libraries.

Prof Mlama said the award aims to recognise and reward creative writing at the national level, promote the Kiswahili language, strengthen Tanzania’s pool of writers and enhance the culture of reading.

She added that the initiative also contributes to preserving the country’s history and national perspectives while supporting the growth of the local publishing industry.