The Bridgevision organization has honored Rwanda’s leading writers of 2025 at the Radiate Rwanda Literacy Excellence Awards. The awards ceremony, held on November 8, recognized five writers across different categories: Best Young Writer, Best Female Writer, Best Male Writer, Best African Writer, and Lifetime Achievement in Writing.
Akimana Divine, who won Best Young Writer, said his first recognition followed the publication of his book Scars That Shape Us in 2020. “I published this book to give hope and comfort to people affected by conflicts, showing them that there is hope for the future,” he said.
Kayitesi Judence, awarded Best Female Writer, highlighted the challenges women face in pursuing writing careers. “Women have many responsibilities, including childbirth, raising children, and managing households. Finding time to write can be difficult, but women are strong, and whatever they set their minds to, they can achieve,” she said.
Mugesera Antoine was recognized for Lifetime Achievement in Writing. Over more than 20 years, he has written extensively about Rwandan history and society. “I have been consistently writing since university while working in the public service for over 15 years. Writing is like learning; it allows you to share knowledge gained from research with others,” he said.
Joe E. Sully, CEO of Bridgevision, explained that the awards aim to encourage both Rwandans and Africans to engage in writing. “Though these awards focus on Rwandans, we realized the importance of including Africa-wide recognition, which is why one category is reserved for a top African writer. The goal is to make this an international award,” he said.
Other awardees included Adut Loi Akok, recognized as Best African Writer, and Dr. Christian Ntizimira, who received Best Male Writer.
The Radiate Rwanda Literacy Excellence Awards are now in their second edition, having been launched in 2024 to promote reading and writing across Rwanda and the African continent.
