FORMER Information and Broadcasting Services minister Dr Dora Siliya’s passion for writing and reading has inspired her to launch an award that will see a writer walk away with K20,000 in recognition of outstanding literary work.
The Platinum Zambia Book Award was launched yesterday in Lusaka and the award winning book will be announced in March next year during the third Platinum Authors’ Conference where a single outstanding publication will be selected by a panel of respected judges drawn from Zambia’s literary and academic circles.
Dr Siliya, who is the founder of Platinum Communications Limited said the initiative is aimed at unlocking the economic potential of the writing industry which she described as an untapped sector capable of creating jobs and preserving African stories.
She noted that the publishing industry in Africa is worth billions, yet remains heavily dominated by imported literature, a situation she said contributes to lost opportunities for local writers and creatives.
“The writing space has so much potential for jobs. It is not just about reading. If we don’t tell our stories, someone else will tell them and they might misrepresent us. Writing is an extension of critical thinking,” she said.
Dr Siliya noted the importance of improving literacy levels in Zambia, noting that only 45 percent of Grade Five pupils are able to read and write.
She said the Platinum Zambia Book Award seeks to recognise creativity, encourage innovation in storytelling and promote books that reflect local experiences and realities.
Dr Siliya called on potential sponsors to beef up the prize to encourage creativing and reading culture in the country.
Eligible books whether written in English or local language must demonstrate strong readership, media visibility, availability in libraries and bookshops and meaningful engagement within communities across the country.
The conference is being organised by Stu Neta of Zambia Women Writers Association, Sumili Kipenda of the National Writers Association of Zambia, Zelipa Chalibonena of Open Window University, Doreen Mwenda from the Journal of African Youth Literature, Neta Joseph Mulikelela of Eden University, Mukandi Siame of cGrate Zambia and Sharon Munshya of the Zambia Library Service.
The board chair of the Platinum Authors Conference is Anna Zgambo, a PhD Candidate in Literature at the University of Zambia.
“K20,000 is just the minimum that Platinum is offering. Through partnerships, we intend to raise an amount of money that will be meaningful and life changing,” said Zgambo.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, April 11, 2026
