BookFest Experience
Celebrate Excellence
A
SADC Christian Authors BookFest
Durban 2026
Adults
R450
Children
R230
SADC Christian Authors BookFest 2026
01 02 03
Come for the BookFest.
Leave with continental connections that matter.
Join Christian authors, publishers, readers, creatives and book-industry professionals for an inspiring day of meaningful conversations, networking, exhibitions and literary celebration.
Continental Community
Build Networks
Literary Ministry
Inspire Impact
Event Invitation
SADC Christian Authors BookFest
2026
Authors · Books · Connections
Durban
Date
24 October 2026
Time
8:00 am - 12.15pm
Venue
305 Guesthouse, 305 Ipahla Rd, Athlone Park, Durban, 4126, South Africa
Registration Fees
Reserve Your Place
ACABA
Secure Your Place
Payment Details
Register securely through Quicket and retain your booking confirmation for registration and verification.
Q
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SADC Christian Authors Book Fest
SADC Christian Authors BookFest Program
Arrival, Photos and Registration
Arrival of authors, graduates, invited guests and partners, followed by photographs, a welcome drink and registration.
National Anthem and Opening Prayer
The programme officially begins with the National Anthem, followed by the opening prayer led by Apostle Khwela.
Opening Speech
Official opening address by the Mayor of Durban, welcoming authors, graduates, partners and guests to the SADC Christian Authors Book Fest.
AASH and CLC Partnership
Ms Buthelezi presents the partnership between AASH and CLC, highlighting the shared vision, opportunities and expected impact of the collaboration.
Keynote Address
Keynote address by Dr Muthoni Omukhango on Christian authorship, publishing, collaboration and the role of literature in impacting Africa.
Writers’ Graduation
Graduation of the 2026 writing cohort from Botswana, South Africa and Eswatini, including the awarding of certificates and brief reflections from selected graduates.
The session will also include a special graduate book reading, where one or two graduates will read excerpts from their first manuscripts.
Panel Discussion
A moderated conversation on Christian writing, publishing, leadership, collaboration and literary impact across Southern Africa.
- Dr Ngcungama
- Apostle Khwela
- Dr Daniel Matematema
- Dr Muthoni Omukhango, Convener
Prayer of Commissioning for Authors and Graduates
A prophetic blessing, prayer and charge for authors and graduates as they continue their writing, publishing and ministry journeys.
Author Parade and Book Showcase
Participating authors introduce themselves and their books through focused one-minute presentations, giving guests an opportunity to discover new authors, messages and literary ministries.
Closing Remarks and Prayer
Final reflections, acknowledgements and appreciation to the authors, graduates, guests, partners, speakers and organising teams, followed by the closing prayer.
Group Photographs and Interviews
Official group photographs, graduate photographs, author interviews, partner interviews and selected media conversations.
Finger Lunch and Informal Networking
Guests, authors, graduates, speakers and partners share a light finger lunch while exchanging contacts, discussing partnerships and building continental connections that matter.
Come with your books. Leave with relationships that matter.
The greatest benefit of exhibiting at ACABA BookFest is not limited to the books you sell during the event. It is the opportunity to meet like-minded authors, connect with the ACABA team, engage author-focused organisations and begin partnerships that may strengthen your authorship for years to come.
01
Major Exhibitor Benefit
Networking and Partnerships
ACABA BookFest creates a meeting place for Christian authors, publishers, trainers, ministry leaders, booksellers, literary professionals and organisations that serve authors.
Exhibiting gives you room to begin conversations, exchange contacts, explore shared interests and develop relationships that may lead to collaboration, referrals, visibility, training, distribution or ministry opportunities.
Your exhibition table is not only a place to display books. It is a doorway into conversations, relationships and new possibilities.
01
Meet Like-Minded Authors
Connect with Christian authors who understand the joys, responsibilities and challenges of communicating biblical messages through books.
These relationships may develop into encouragement, accountability, referrals, joint promotions, continental friendships and collaborative projects.
02
Meet the ACABA Team
Engage directly with the ACABA team and learn about programmes designed to strengthen African Christian authors throughout the year.
Ask questions, understand the available pathways and identify the opportunities that best match your next stage of growth.
03
Meet Author-Centric Organisations
Connect with publishers, ministries, booksellers, literary organisations and professionals whose work supports authors, books, training, publishing and distribution.
These conversations may open doors for professional services, partnerships, wider visibility and ministry impact.
04
Present Your Books Personally
Allow readers and industry professionals to see, hold and discuss your books while hearing directly from the person who wrote them.
Personal interaction helps people understand your message, remember your work and connect more deeply with your journey.
05
Build Continental Connections
Meet authors and book-industry professionals from other African countries and broaden your relationships beyond your immediate city or national market.
Continental connections may lead to shared learning, referrals, regional visibility and opportunities to take your message into new communities.
06
Discover Your Next Step
Learn what may come next after publishing. This may include professional feedback, training, interviews, authors’ panels, platform development and deeper participation in the ACABA community.
Beyond BookFest
Meet the ACABA team and prepare for the following year.
BookFest gives authors an opportunity to learn about ACABA’s author-development pathways and express interest in opportunities planned for the following year.
Participation remains subject to each programme’s requirements, availability and schedule, but BookFest is a valuable place to begin the conversation.
Professional Feedback
RefineBook Reviews
Receive information about ACABA book reviews and professional feedback that can help you strengthen your book for wider readership.
Author Visibility
EngageAuthors’ Panels
Express interest in future authors’ panels where writers discuss their books, journeys, themes and areas of expertise.
Continuous Development
GrowTraining and Empowerment
Learn about opportunities that strengthen writing, publishing, marketing, ministry and author-platform development.
Celebrating New Writers
Witness the graduation of writers from the Writing Mentorship Classes and the launch of new books.
ACABA BookFest celebrates writers who have completed structured mentorship journeys. Their graduation marks discipline, courage, growth and the development of new African voices.
Exhibiting authors become part of an intergenerational literary community where experienced writers, emerging authors and young creatives meet and celebrate progress.
Legacy in Motion
Every new writer represents another voice being strengthened and another message being prepared for future readers.
01
Young Storytellers
Kids’ Writing Mentorship
Celebrating children who are developing ideas, expressing themselves creatively and building confidence through writing.
02
Emerging Voices
Teens’ Writing Mentorship
Recognising teenagers who are discovering their voices, developing discipline and learning how writing can become a tool for purpose and influence.
03
Authors in Development
Adults’ Writing Mentorship
Honouring adult writers who have committed themselves to developing their manuscripts, strengthening their messages and moving towards publication.
04
New Titles
Book Launches
Celebrating authors as they introduce newly published books, share the messages behind them and present their work to readers and the wider literary community.
What an exhibiting author can do at BookFest
Display
Present your books and introduce your message to readers.
Connect
Meet authors, the ACABA team and organisations serving writers.
Explore
Discover reviews, panels, training and empowerment opportunities.
Partner
Begin relationships that may lead to collaboration and referrals.
Celebrate
Honour graduating writers and the growth of African literature.
Exhibitor Registration · E300
Do not only bring books. Come ready to build relationships.
Reserve your exhibition space and join a gathering designed to connect authors, strengthen partnerships and develop African Christian literature.
Register as an Exhibitor
17 October 2026 · Bethel Court, Ezulwini
#ACABA SADC Christian Authors BookFest, 2026
Celebrating SADC Christian Authors
The African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA) programme recognises, celebrates and promotes quality in Christian authorship in Africa.
ACABA
Raising the standard of Christian literature while strengthening African authors, books and publishing communities.
01
Awards for Excellence
We honour top books in Africa, elevating awareness and setting benchmarks for good publishing practices.
02
Comprehensive Book Reviews
A distinguished panel of over 30 judges meticulously reviews submissions to ensure high standards of quality and content.
03
Training & Empowerment
Get robust training towards succeeding in your book projects and enhancing your skills and reach.
04
Networking and Collaboration
Join a dynamic platform for authors to network and collaborate across borders, fostering a vibrant continental literary community.
Past BookFests. Growing relationships. A stronger literary community.
ACABA BookFests create spaces where authors are celebrated, books are discovered and relationships are formed across the African Christian publishing community.
Authors
Celebrated
Books
Discovered
Relationships
Strengthened
African Voices
Amplified
Why ACABA Exists
Our Mission
African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA) is a non-monetary programme that recognises, celebrates and promotes quality in Christian authorship in Africa.
01
Our Continental Assignment
To strengthen African Christian literature by encouraging excellence, developing authors and creating opportunities for books and biblical messages to reach wider audiences.
Recognise
Identify and honour quality Christian books.
Celebrate
Affirm African authors and their literary work.
Promote
Increase awareness of Christian literature in Africa.
Watch the ACABA Story
Discover the heart behind the mission.
ACABA
Let’s Stand Together
Explore Partnership
Are you a stakeholder in the Christian book industry in Africa? Partner with ACABA.
Our Achievements
Since 2021, ACABA has continued to grow in participation, continental representation and author development. Alongside the annual ACABA Awards Gala, regional BookFests and the Mama Africa Book Box Kids BookFest have created more opportunities to celebrate authors, develop writers and build relationships across Africa.
2021
01ACABA Awards Gala
International Leadership University
Nairobi, Kenya
74
Authors
2
African Countries
2022
02ACABA Awards Gala
Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Woodley
Nairobi, Kenya
78
Authors
6
African Countries
2023
03ACABA Awards Gala
Daystar University
Nairobi, Kenya
87
Authors
13
African Countries
2023
Kids BookFest
04Mama Africa Book Box
Mama Africa Book Box Kids BookFest
Daystar University · Nairobi, Kenya
A children-focused literary gathering celebrating reading, writing, storytelling and the development of young African voices.
2024
Regional BookFest
05Kenya Regional BookFest
Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College
Nairobi, Kenya
A regional gathering connecting Christian authors, readers, publishers and author-focused organisations through exhibitions, conversations and partnerships.
2024
06ACABA Awards Gala
Hotel Africana
Kampala, Uganda
107
Authors
19
African Countries
2025
SADC BookFest
07SADC Regional BookFest
Kempton Park
Johannesburg, South Africa
A regional BookFest bringing together authors and literary professionals from Southern Africa to exhibit books, exchange ideas and build continental relationships.
2025
Latest Gala
08ACABA Awards Gala
Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College
Nairobi, Kenya
134
Authors
23
African Countries
Five Years of Continental Growth
From one Awards Gala to a growing continental movement.
The ACABA journey now includes five Awards Galas, regional BookFests in Kenya and Southern Africa, and a dedicated Mama Africa Book Box Kids BookFest. Together, these gatherings have celebrated authors, developed writers and strengthened relationships across the African Christian publishing community.
5
ACABA Awards Galas
3
BookFest Gatherings
23
African Countries
Recognition
ACABA Awards Galas
Recognising, celebrating and promoting quality in Christian authorship across Africa.
Regional Connections
Regional BookFests
Creating accessible spaces where authors exhibit books, meet readers and build meaningful partnerships.
Reading Culture
Kids BookFests
Helping children discover books, develop confidence and grow as readers and young writers.
ACABA Through the Years
Explore Our Past Events Gallery
Step into the ACABA journey through photographs from our awards galas, regional BookFests, writers’ graduations and children’s programs held across Africa.
2021
Photo Gallery
ACABA Awards Gala
View Gallery
2021 ACABA 1st Awards Gala
2022
Blue Carpet
Blue Carpet
View Gallery
2022 ACABA 2nd Awards Gala - Blue Carpet
2022
Awards Gala
Speeches, Awards and Delegates
View Gallery
2022 ACABA 2nd Awards Gala - Awarding
2023
Kids Program
Children’s Program
View Gallery
2023 ACABA 3rd Awards Gala - MABB Kids BookFest
2023
BookFest
Third ACABA
View Gallery
2023 ACABA 3rd Awards Gala - BookFest
2023
Awards Gala
Third ACABA
View Gallery
2023 ACABA 3rd Awards Gala - Awarding
2024
Nairobi
CLC Kenya
View Gallery
2024 ACABA 4th Awards Gala - Nairobi BookFest
2024
Kampala
Kampala, Uganda
View Gallery
2024 ACABA 4th Awards Gala - Kampala BookFest
2024
Fourth ACABA
Fourth ACABA
View Gallery
2024 ACABA 4th Awards Gala - Awarding
2025
South Africa
SADC BookFest
View Gallery
2025 ACABA 5th Awards Gala - South Africa BookFest and Writers’ Graduation
2025
Graduation
Fifth ACABA, Nairobi
View Gallery
ACABA 5th Awards Gala - Writing Class Graduation
2025
MABB
Mama Africa Book Box
View Gallery
ACABA 5th Awards Gala - MABB Kids BookFest
2025
BookFest
Fifth ACABA, Nairobi
View Gallery
2025 ACABA 5th Awards Gala - BookFest
2025
Fifth ACABA
Fifth ACABA
View Gallery
2025 ACABA 5th Awards Gala - Awarding
All Awards Galas Replays
Revisit the ACABA Awards Galas and experience the celebration of African Christian authors, books, partnerships and literary excellence across the continent.
01Full Awards Gala
ACABA Awards Gala 2021
International Leadership University, Nairobi, Kenya
Watch on YouTube02Full Awards Gala
ACABA Awards Gala 2022
Nairobi Pentecostal Church, Woodley, Nairobi, Kenya
Watch on YouTube05Video to Be Replaced
ACABA Awards Gala 2025
Nairobi Pentecostal Bible College, Nairobi, Kenya
Bringing Anglophone Africa together to impact lives with Christian literature!
Watch on YouTube
Awardee Testimony
Hear from an ACABA Awardee
Discover how participation in the African Christian Authors Book Award has contributed to an author’s journey, visibility, growth and connection with the wider African Christian literary community.
RM
ACABA Awardee
Richard Mwebesa
Uganda
Every awardee carries a story of commitment, growth and the courage to share a message through Christian literature.
Watch the Testimony
Richard Mwebesa, Uganda
ACABA
Let’s Stand Together
Join Us Today
Become a Volunteer and help African authors preach the Gospel through books.
Every year, ACABA by CLC Kenya receives over 60 volunteers to support the programme. Give a few hours every week or month and share your expertise to strengthen Christian authors across Africa.
Meet the South Africa Team
Men and women advancing authorship in South Africa through leadership, administration, outreach, partnerships, author support and continental collaboration.
Kenya
01
ACABA ConvenerDr. Muthoni Omukhango
Providing continental leadership and strategic direction for ACABA’s mission to recognise, celebrate, promote, develop and connect African Christian authors.
Kenya
02
ACABA Secretary GeneralJackline Ingasian
Supporting program coordination, communication and the administration of ACABA activities across its growing continental network.
South Africa
03
AdministratorZinhle Buthelezi
Supporting administration, program coordination and the organisation of ACABA activities in South Africa.
South Africa
04
Secretary GeneralColleen Mapatwana
Supporting author engagement, local coordination and the growth of ACABA’s literary community in South Africa.
South Africa
05
South Africa SecretariatSipokazi Somzana
Supporting local coordination, author engagement and the delivery of ACABA programmes and activities in South Africa.
South Africa
06
South Africa SecretariatFaith Ndlela
Supporting local coordination, author engagement and the growth of ACABA’s Christian literary community in South Africa.
Outreach
07
Head of OutreachChrystal Hera
Leading outreach through Mama Africa Book Box and supporting initiatives that connect books, authors and literary programs with readers and communities.
Mama Africa Book Box
Regional
08
Social Media Administrative AssistantMilkah Mwangi
Supporting ACABA’s digital communication and social media administration across Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana and Zimbabwe.
Kenya
Uganda
South Africa
Eswatini
Botswana
Zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the African Christian Authors Book Award programme, its purpose, review process, training opportunities, networking platform and commitment to excellence in African Christian literature.
01 What is the Award about?
The African Christian Authors Book Award (ACABA) by CLC Kenya is dedicated to recognising, celebrating and promoting excellence in Christian literature across Africa.
The programme began in 2018 as Authors Collaboration, an initiative founded by Dr. Muthoni Omukhango under CLC Kenya. Since then, ACABA has supported over 1,000 authors from 13 African countries.
ACABA by CLC Kenya fulfils its mission through five key initiatives:
Comprehensive Book Reviews
A distinguished panel of over 30 judges reviews submissions to promote high standards of quality and content.
Author Training Programmes
Authors receive practical training to help them navigate their literary journeys from concept to publication and beyond.
Empowerment Initiatives
Book-centred initiatives help authors strengthen their skills, confidence, platforms and reach.
Networking and Collaboration
ACABA provides a platform for authors to connect and collaborate across borders, strengthening Africa’s Christian literary community.
Awards for Excellence
Outstanding books are honoured to raise awareness and establish benchmarks for good publishing practices.
Through these initiatives, ACABA by CLC Kenya is committed to nurturing and elevating Christian authorship in Africa so that African voices can be heard and celebrated globally.
02 Why an Award of Excellence?
At ACABA by CLC Kenya, we believe in recognising and celebrating outstanding literary achievement. Our Awards for Excellence honour some of Africa’s finest Christian books, increase awareness and set benchmarks for exemplary publishing practices.
These awards matter because they provide:
Recognition of Talent
We spotlight outstanding books and acknowledge the discipline, creativity and commitment of African authors.
Elevated Standards
Recognising strong books encourages authors and publishers to pursue high standards in writing, editing, design and production.
Increased Visibility
Award-recognised books may attract greater attention from readers, partners, literary organisations and book-industry professionals.
Industry Influence
The awards showcase examples of successful publishing practices and contribute to the growth of quality literature in Africa.
Inspiration for Future Writers
Celebrating excellent work encourages emerging writers to pursue their literary calling and contribute to African literature.
Excellence Matters
The Awards for Excellence are more than accolades. They demonstrate the value of strong storytelling and the importance of raising the standard of Christian publishing.
03 Why are comprehensive book reviews essential for authors?
At ACABA by CLC Kenya, we understand the value of a careful and professional review process. Our panel of over 30 judges assesses submitted books to help promote strong standards of quality and content.
Comprehensive book reviews can help authors:
Enhance Credibility
A thoughtful review from experienced judges helps position a book as work that has received serious professional attention.
Refine Quality
Constructive feedback helps authors identify strengths, weaknesses and areas that require improvement.
Increase Visibility
A strong review may help readers, publishers and literary stakeholders understand the value and message of a book.
Build Reader Trust
Books that have undergone a rigorous review process may give readers greater confidence in their content and presentation.
Pursue Excellence
Professional assessment encourages authors to maintain high standards in writing, publishing and future book projects.
Professional Feedback
Your work deserves to be carefully assessed, constructively strengthened and held to a high standard.
04 Why are Training and Empowerment essential for authors?
At ACABA by CLC Kenya, we believe in supporting authors from their present stage of development and helping them move confidently towards their next step.
Authors Training and Empowerment (ATE) supports writers through:
Expert Guidance
Learn from experienced professionals who provide practical insights, direction and industry knowledge.
Comprehensive Support
Receive guidance on publishing, professional development, industry trends and the wider author journey.
Skill Enhancement
Develop and refine writing, publishing, communication and authorship skills so that your work is polished and professional.
Innovative Workshops
Participate in practical sessions covering essential topics such as book marketing, reader engagement, author branding and literary ministry.
Grow Beyond Publication
Publishing a book is an important milestone, but continuous learning helps an author steward the message, reach readers and build a sustainable literary journey.
05 Why are Networking and Collaboration essential for authors?
At ACABA by CLC Kenya, we understand that success in the literary world goes beyond writing alone. Our networking and collaboration platform connects authors across borders and helps build a vibrant, supportive literary community.
Authors can benefit from networking and collaboration through:
Continental and Global Connections
Meet fellow authors, publishers, industry experts, ministry leaders and literary enthusiasts from different countries.
Collaborative Projects
Explore joint writing projects, cross-border initiatives, co-authored books, panel discussions and shared promotions.
Industry Insights
Learn from professionals in publishing and gain access to information about trends, opportunities and good practices.
A Supportive Community
Exchange feedback, share experiences, participate in conversations and build relationships that encourage mutual growth.
Increased Visibility
Meaningful participation in a literary community helps authors introduce their books, messages and expertise to wider audiences.
Connect. Collaborate. Create.
Relationships formed through ACABA can lead to encouragement, partnerships, referrals, learning opportunities and wider literary impact.
Blog Articles
Explore articles, author stories, publishing insights, event updates and resources designed to strengthen Christian authorship across Africa.