The finalists were selected by a five-member judging panel with expertise in writing, education and other fields related to the promotion of literature.
Now in its third edition, the Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards are organised by Bridgevision in partnership with various institutions and organisations in Rwanda and internationally.
The awards recognise the contribution of writers to promoting a reading culture and advancing literature.
This year's edition is being held in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce in Rwanda (AmCham Rwanda), with support from organisations and institutions including BK Foundation, IGIHE, MoYA, UNESCO Rwanda, the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy and East African University.
The judging panel comprises five professionals with experience in writing, education and other areas related to the development of literature.
It is chaired by Prof. Dr. Calixte Kabera, a writer and Vice Chancellor of East African University. Other members are Prof. Dr. Viateur Ndikumana, a writer and Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics and Research at Kibogora Polytechnic; Thais Ruboneka, Director of American Spaces at the US Embassy in Rwanda; Jerome Kajuga, Director of Culture, Social and Human Sciences at the Rwanda National Commission for UNESCO; and Mathilde Kayitesi, Executive Director of UMUHUZA, an organisation that promotes reading and writing in Rwanda.
The awards feature several categories. The Lifetime Achievement Award has been given to Senegalese writer Boubacar Boris Diop, following a decision by Bridgevision in recognition of his outstanding contribution to literature, his immense body of work.
In the Outstanding Young Rwandan Writer category, the finalists are Fred Mfuranzima, author of Ribrika: A Move Afrika Xperience, and Patrick Nzabonimpa, author of A Thread of Silent Echoes.
The Outstanding Female Rwandan Writer category features Tete Loeper, author of Shut Up and Hide: Memoir of a Genocide Survivor, and Dimitri Sissi Mukanyirigira, author of Do Not Accept to Die.
In the Outstanding Male Rwandan Writer category, the finalists are Jean de Dieu Nsanzabera, author of Umuco mu Buvanganzo, and Valens Kabarari, author of Les Muzungus ne craignent rien.
The Outstanding African Writer category has Toni Kan, author of Riding the Storm, and Donica Merhazion, author of Born at the End of the World, as finalists.
Bridgevision CEO Joe E. Sully said the judging panel brought together experts capable of carefully assessing the shortlisted books.
'Our judging panel comprises experts representing five respected institutions in Rwanda and internationally, and we believe they have done a great job selecting books that contribute to educating, informing, teaching and comforting Rwandan and African readers across different parts of the continent,' he said.
Sully said the involvement of the experts in assessing the shortlisted books was an important achievement for the awards.
'We are fulfilling our goal of making Kigali a literary hub in Africa,' he said.
Boubacar Boris Diop has already been confirmed for the Lifetime Achievement Award, while the winners in the other four categories will be announced during the Radiate Rwanda Awards ceremony on November 6, 2026, in Kigali.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/eight-writers-selected-for-the-final-stage-of-radiate-rwanda-awards/
