As technology continues to redefine how people read and write, Malawian literature stands at a turning point. From smart phones to e-books, the digital revolution is reshaping how stories are created, marketed, and consumed and writers are learning to adapt or risk being left behind.
For many local authors, the Internet has opened doors that once seemed out of reach. Children’s writer Lindsay Katchika Chazika, author of Taonere’s Dream, The Missing Meteorite, and Magnificent Malawian Women, says the digital era has made it easier to connect directly with readers.
“The digital era has opened new ways for me to share my stories and connect with readers directly. As a children’s writer, it has allowed me to reach young audiences and parents through social media. For example, TikTok played a big role in inviting people to the book festival this year where I also launched my book,”Chazika explains
But while technology is helping authors reach wider audiences, it is also exposing the country’s digital divide. Chazika notes that access remains uneven, as many families and schools in Malawi still lack internet or devices.
Chazika explains: “Digital tools help us reach further but they also remind us how much of the population is still left out.”
Another author, Victoria Chikondi Kalaudi agrees that digital platforms have transformed the literary scene especially in how writers market their work.
“People are spending more time online or on their smart phones, so I’m adapting by connecting more with readers digitally and offering soft copies of my books. The good part of online marketing is that I can reach a wide range of potential readers at low cost, but the challenge is that one has to be active on social media and understand digital marketing,” she said.
While the Internet offers visibility, it does not always guarantee income. Chazika points out that Malawian writers often gain recognition online but struggle to turn it into financial reward.
“Readers still expect free access, and the local book-buying culture is small,” she says.
However, both authors believe the future of Malawian literature depends on creativity and innovation. Kalaudi says writers must “think outside the box” to appeal to both local and international audiences.
Readers are feeling the shift, Chikondi Chilimani said the technology has influenced her reading habits. She prefers the experience of printed books and online books are convenient.
”With technology being more advanced now I find myself drawn to western stories and books more than Malawian ones. Any printed book is a such gem and if i could. I would only read printed books but printed books are costly while online books are convenient and cheap,”Chilimani said.
She added that there is need for local engagement and education to keep Malawian literature alive.
”There should be more book clubs focused solely on Malawian literature. Workshops can equip writers with skills to thrive digitally while preseving originality,”Chilimani added.
Malawi Writers Union (Mawu) public relations officer Chifuniro Banda said it is embracing technology to support both established and emerging writers. The Union is using digital platforms to connect writers and promote their work.
“Mawu shares literary opportunities, connects authors with readers, and promotes writers’ works through social media sites like Facebook and WhatsApp groups. We also have a digital magazine that gives new voices, especially young authors, a platform outside traditional print, “Banda explained.
He acknowledges that the digital revolution has both benefits and challenges.
“Online platforms have made publishing more democratic by removing the need for publisher approval before reaching readers. Malawian authors now have a worldwide audience thanks to social media, blogs, and e-book platforms like Amazon Kindle,” Banda added.
Banda said Mawu is committed to helping writers thrive through digital literacy workshops and a new website that profiles members and promotes their books.
Book Publishers Association of Malawi(Bpam) president John Paul Yohane also shared his perspective on the digital shift, marketing and sales.
”Some publishers are already building capacity for digital publishing although digital circulation of books has also increased piracy due to lower production costs. On marketing and sales, the impact is balanced. Some readers still prefer physical access to libraries and book fairs because these encourage social interaction and help with mental wellbeing. Online publishing is low-cost, but revenue streams remain lower than physical copies, especially for educational books in pre-tertiary markets,”Yohane said.
