By Omar Ryan
Writers, scholars, publishers, and readers from across Africa and the Caribbean gathered at the University of the West Indies’ Mona campus in Kingston, Jamaica, for the Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange, held February 25–28, 2026.
An initiative of the Jamaica Book Festival, the event explored the literary and cultural ties linking the two regions through readings, discussions, and workshops.
The Festival was supported by the African Export-Import Bank, whose sponsorship reflects growing recognition of the role culture and creative industries can play in strengthening Africa Caribbean relations. The event was also organized in collaboration with the PJ Patterson Institute for Africa Caribbean Advocacy, an institution dedicated to fostering engagement, cooperation, and shared development between the regions.
Throughout the Festival, audiences encountered a range of literary perspectives. Author readings, panel discussions, workshops, and smaller conversations gave writers the opportunity to discuss their work and the histories and cultural influences that shaped them.
Beyond the Festival Grounds
The Festival’s activities extended beyond the University Campus. As part of its outreach programme, organisers and participating writers visited Green Island High School in the parish of Hanover, where they led a literary session organised in partnership with a local literary group, The Hanover Writers Guild.
The visit brought the excitement of the Festival directly to young readers. Students met with authors, listened to readings, and took part in discussions about storytelling, creativity, and the value of reading.
For students at Green Island High, the encounter offered a glimpse into the world of literature and the possibilities of writing as a form of expression and cultural connection. The session also reflected the Festival’s commitment to community engagement and to nurturing the next generation of Caribbean writers and readers.
Literature as Cultural Diplomacy
Organisers envisioned the Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange as more than a literary showcase. They saw it as a cultural platform capable of strengthening relations between Africa and the Caribbean.
In recent years, interest in collaboration between the regions has expanded across fields including trade, education, and cultural exchange. Literature, with its ability to communicate lived experiences and historical realities, offers a powerful medium through which these connections can deepen.
By bringing African and Caribbean writers together to exchange ideas and build networks, the Festival illustrated how storytelling can function as a form of cultural diplomacy.
Engaging the Next Generation
Alongside conversations among established authors, the Festival placed a strong emphasis on youth engagement and public participation. Students, emerging writers, and aspiring publishers interacted directly with seasoned literary figures, gaining insight into both the craft and the business of writing.
Interactive sessions encouraged young readers to explore literature that reflects their heritage while expanding their understanding of the broader African diaspora.
A Growing Literary Movement
As an initiative of the Jamaica Book Festival, the Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange reflects a broader effort to strengthen Jamaica’s literary ecosystem while amplifying voices from across the African diaspora.
By convening writers, readers, and cultural advocates, the event has begun to establish itself as a platform for intellectual and artistic exchange between Africa and the Caribbean.
Its success also reflects growing recognition that literature is not only a form of cultural expression but also a means of building relationships, sharing knowledge, and imagining collective futures.
Looking Ahead
The Festival’s inaugural staging left many participants with a sense of possibility. Conversations begun in Kingston are likely to continue through future collaborations among writers, publishers, and cultural institutions.
Across oceans and generations, stories remain one of the strongest links between Africa and the Caribbean. Through the voices of its writers and the engagement of its readers, the Africa Caribbean Literary Exchange demonstrated how literature can transcend geography, connecting communities, honouring shared histories, and opening new paths for dialogue.
