Hi, my name is Troy Onyango , founder and publisher of Lolwe, a Pan-African literary arts platform .

In January 2020, Lolwe was born out of a vision: to centre African and Black literary voices and provide a vibrant, accessible platform for bold and impactful fiction, nonfiction, poetry, photography, and visual art. Since then, Lolwe has grown into a widely respected and beloved literary magazine, publishing writers and artists from across the continent and diaspora, many of whom have gone on to win and get nominated for major prizes such as the Caine Prize.

We have published TEN issues and about 400 writers so far, all of them brilliant writers from Africa, the Caribbean and Diaspora.

Now, as we celebrate our fifth year, we want to commemorate this milestone with a beautiful anniversary issue, our first-ever special print issue!!! This issue will honour our contributors, readers, and community with the kind of care and permanence their work deserves. It will be a keepsake that celebrates Lolwe’s journey so far and signals the future we’re building.

However, printing and distributing a high quality literary magazine is expensive and as an independent, community-driven platform with no funding, we need your help to make this happen. Funds raised will go towards printing, design, contributor fees, and shipping. Every donation, no matter the size, helps us continue championing African literature and ensures Lolwe remains sustainable and independent.

If you love reading Lolwe and the magazine has ever moved you, inspired you, or introduced you to new voices, please consider supporting this campaign. Share widely, donate generously, and be part of our story.

Thank you for helping us bring Lolwe Issue 10 into the world!