Lost In Translation? Abuja Forum Seeks To Globalise Nigerian-Language Literature

A Strategic Gathering for Literary Growth

NIGERIA’S literary community is set for a significant moment of reflection and forward planning as writers, translators, publishers, and scholars from Nigeria and the United Kingdom converge in Abuja for a high-level forum on literary translation.

The event, titled “Building Networks, Partnerships, and Infrastructure for Literary Translation between the UK and Nigeria,” will take place at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village, positioning itself as a critical intervention in the evolving conversation around Nigeria’s creative economy.

Supported by SOAS University of London, the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), and the Open Arts Development Foundation, the forum aims to address a longstanding gap: the limited translation and global circulation of Nigerian-language literature.

Translation as Economic and Cultural Infrastructure

At the heart of the forum lies a growing recognition that literary translation is not merely an artistic exercise but a form of economic infrastructure.

While Nigeria is globally celebrated for its English-language literary output, a vast body of work in indigenous languages—particularly Hausa—remains largely inaccessible to global audiences. This imbalance, experts argue, represents both a cultural loss and a missed economic opportunity.

Project organiser Carmen McCain underscores this paradox, noting that despite tens of thousands of Hausa novels, only a handful have been translated into English.

The implication is profound: entire literary traditions remain invisible in global markets, limiting both readership and revenue potential.

Keynote and Intellectual Direction

The forum will feature a keynote lecture by Ida Hadjivayanis of SOAS, whose work translating novels by Abdulrazak Gurnah into Swahili exemplifies the transformative power of translation.

Her address is expected to frame translation as a bridge between African literary markets and a tool for strengthening creative industries across the continent.

Panels on Practice and Sustainability

Panel discussions will move beyond theory to address practical challenges facing the sector, including:

• Publishing translated works

• Building sustainable careers for translators

• Expanding distribution channels for indigenous-language literature

These conversations are particularly relevant in a market where translation is often underfunded and undervalued, despite its potential to unlock new audiences.

Voices from Nigeria’s Literary Ecosystem

Cultural organiser Sada Malumfashi emphasises the urgency of building local capacity.

According to him, Nigeria’s literary richness in languages such as Hausa remains underutilised due to weak translation infrastructure.

By strengthening networks among writers, translators, and publishers, the forum aims to create a more integrated ecosystem capable of supporting long-term growth.

Global Opportunities and Emerging Incentives

The timing of the forum aligns with new global opportunities, notably the 2026 EBRD Literature Prize, which recognises translated fiction.

With Nigeria now within the operational scope of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, local authors and translators stand to benefit from increased international visibility and financial incentives.

The inclusion of Nigerian novelist Chigozie Obioma on the prize jury further underscores the country’s growing influence in global literary spaces.

Beyond Language: Reimagining Literary Futures

The forum also draws inspiration from the philosophy of Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who advocates for enriching African languages through translation.

This approach challenges the dominance of colonial languages and repositions indigenous languages as active participants in global literary exchange.

Opening the Space to the Public

Importantly, the event is open to students, writers, and members of the public, signalling an inclusive approach to cultural development.

By democratizing access to such conversations, organisers hope to inspire a new generation of translators and literary professionals.

A Turning Point for Nigeria’s Creative Economy

As Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy, the creative sector—and particularly literature—offers untapped potential.

This forum represents more than a meeting of minds; it is a strategic effort to reposition translation as a driver of cultural visibility and economic growth.