The Safal Kiswahili Prize for African Literature has shortlisted seven manuscripts across fiction, poetry, and short story categories for its 10th anniversary celebration on July 24 in Dar es Salaam.

The prize, supported by the Safal Group through subsidiaries Mabati Rolling Mills and ALAF Tanzania, aims to recognize excellence in Kiswahili literature and promote translation between African languages.Founded in 2014 by Dr.Lizzy Attree and Dr.Mukoma wa Ngũgĩ, the award has awarded over $150,000 to more than 40 writers and published 20 manuscripts as books.

Winners will receive cash prizes ranging from $2,500 to $5,000, with additional opportunities for publication by Mkuki na Nyota Publishers and translation into English by the African Poetry Book Fund.

The shortlisted works include entries from Tanzanian authors like Salim Hussein Ng’anzi and Kenyan writers Mathew Theuri Maina and Dominic Maina Oigo.The event highlights Kiswahili's growing importance in global literature.