A Creative Journey to Remember-Lister Matsilele

The Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2025 (IATF 2025) and the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), hosted by Afreximbank and the African Union, took place from September 4–10, 2025, in Algiers, Algeria. Lister Matsilele, a Teach For Zimbabwe second cohort alumna, stood out among her peers and was selected for the prestigious IATF 2025 #CANEX Creative Writing Workshop. This esteemed platform brought together talented writers from 20 selected countries, including Zimbabwe, to hone their craft and grow as renowned writers in Africa.

As one of the selected participants, Lister joined a diverse group of writers from across the continent and the Caribbean. The workshop was a treasure trove of knowledge, with influential writers sharing their expertise on the art of writing, publishing, and more.

The days were filled with engaging sessions, workshops, and discussions, all designed to nurture the participants’ writing skills. Lister and her fellow writers learned from the best, gaining valuable insights into the world of publishing and techniques for crafting compelling stories.

As the workshop came to a close, Lister and the other participants were awarded certificates as part of the 2nd Cohort CANEX 2025 alumni. This recognition was a testament to their hard work and dedication to their craft.

Lister’s experience at the IATF 2025 #CANEX workshop was truly unforgettable. She returned home to Zimbabwe armed with new skills, knowledge, and a renewed passion for writing. As she looks to the future, Lister knows that this opportunity will open doors to new possibilities, allowing her to share her stories with the world.

The #CANEX workshop not only honed Lister’s writing skills but also gave her a platform to represent Zimbabwe on the global stage. She is proud to be part of a community of writers shaping the literary landscape of Africa.