Tanzania, April 6 -- Dar es Salaam. Two Tanzanian writers, Nahida Esmail and Richard Mabala, have launched a new literary prize aimed at promoting Swahili fiction for young readers across Africa.

The award, named the Na-La Mapambazuko Afrika Award, has been introduced under the auspices of Writers Space Africa. The name "Na-La" is derived from the founders' names-"Na" from Nahida and "La" from Mabala-and the Swahili word Mapambazuko symbolises a "new dawn" for literature in African languages.

The initiative seeks to address gaps in youth literature while fostering a reading culture among young people aged between nine and 18.

It will also offer writers opportunities for mentorship, publication and wider exposure.

Speaking during an in...