Divine Akimana and Judence Kayitesi, both members of Writers Space Africa–Rwanda (WSA–R), have won top honours at the 2025 Radiate Rwanda Literary Excellence Awards, held on Friday, November 7, in Kigali.
The two writers were recognised among the finest literary voices in Rwanda and Africa, marking a proud moment for the WSA–R community.
Organized by Bridgevision, the awards celebrate exceptional talent across five categories, bringing together authors, publishers, and cultural figures to honour outstanding contributions to the continent’s literary landscape.
Judence Kayitesi took home the Outstanding Female Writer Award, praised for her strong storytelling and dedication to amplifying Rwandan voices. Divine Akimana earned the Outstanding Young Writer Award, celebrating her creative promise and her commitment to inspiring the next generation of storytellers.
The five-member jury included Francois Nyangezi (Ministry of Youth and Arts), Dr. Calixte Kabera (East African University), Dr. Karlene N. Jennings (U.S. Embassy in Kigali), Jerome Kajuga (UNESCO Rwanda), and Thomas C. Ngwabije (Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy).
Other winners of the 2025 edition were Antoine Mugesera (Lifetime Achievement Award), Dr. Christian Ntizimira (Outstanding Male Writer Award), and Adut Loi Akok from South Sudan (Outstanding African Writer Award).
Their achievements highlight not only individual excellence but also WSA–Rwanda’s growing influence in nurturing writers who are shaping Rwanda’s literary identity and expanding its reach across Africa.
