The COPPA Book Awards program, launched in 2023, continues to serve as a dynamic platform that supports, recognizes, and promotes local writing talent across various literary categories. Designed to operate as an independent initiative, the program has remained committed to transparency and collaboration, working with individuals, organizations, government bodies, and all entities whose objectives align with its mission to elevate Zambian writing and creative expression.
Since inception, the program has hosted three grand ceremonies, including the most recent 2025 edition held on June 27th at Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe. Over the course of these three ceremonies, the awards have recognized and celebrated 60 writers (both winners and first runner ups), cementing its role as Zambia’s biggest literary celebration.
2025 Campaign and Ceremony
The 2025 edition introduced a significant milestone: the prestigious Author of the Year Award, presented to the most outstanding writer among all winners, an author whose work stands out and uplifts the community. This year, a total of 20 writers were awarded, and the ceremony drew hundreds of authors, readers, corporate stakeholders, and government representatives from across the country.
The 2025 process began in February with the call for nominations. After announcing the shortlisted authors, public voting commenced, culminating in the top three writers from each category undergoing a rigorous evaluation. Hardcopies of their books were reviewed by a community of veteran judges. The final scores were based on a balanced formula: 40% public votes and 60% judges’ reviews.
2025 COPPA BOOK AWARDS WINNERS
BEST OF FICTION BOOK
Winner: Savitir – Ndiwe Mutima
1st Runner up: Ryan Nchimunya – Finding The Light
3rd Place: Luminous Chama – Usiku
BEST OF SPIRITUAL & RELIGIOUS BOOK
Winner: Nason Joshua – Love Matters
1st Runner up: Oliver Mwansa – The Greatest Truth About An Otiose Aper
3rd Place: Jonathan Nasilele Munsandi Kabanda – Crumbs from The Master’s Table
BEST OF HISTORY, POLITICAL & HERITAGE BOOK
Winner: Harry N. Chibesakunda – Forgotten Genocide
1st Runner up: Dominic Anthony Chungu – The Currency Lingo
3rd Place: Moono Namwinzye Chungu – Routs (2021)
BEST OF HEALTH BOOK
Winner: Kripa Aiyar – Bleeding With Pride
1st Runner up: Lameck Simfukwe – Mental Hygiene
3rd Place: Diana E. Phiri – Mimba Yanga
BEST OF INSPIRATION & MOTIVATIONAL BOOK
Winner: Louise Mupeta – Shadow Ground
1st Runner up: Tobias Makai – How To Discover Shape and Thrive In Your Career
3rd Place: Ackim Malambo – Against All Odds
BEST OF EDUCATION & STEM BOOK
Winner: Stanley Mwiinga – Digital Mastery
1st Runner up: Timothy Mwewa – At The Edge of Technology
3rd Place: Castrol Chama – Climate Puzzle
BEST OF POETRY & ANTHOLOGY BOOK
Winner: Gilbert Kanyembo – A Letter to Love
1st Runner up: Lovewell Mwiinga – Musings of A Mystic
3rd Place: Bwalya Chanda – Whispers of The Heart
BEST OF NON FICTION BOOK
Winner: Terence Phiri – Gambizayo Ziko
1st Runner up: Travis Monga – Socially Alert
3rd Place: Stanley Banda – My Neighbour My Love
BEST OF CHILDREN’S BOOK
Winner: Kambole Salimu – Koni Phonics Activity Book
1st Runner up: A. Mulamba Chibesakunda – My Zambian Folktales and Geo tales
3rd Place: Choolwe J. Mwiinga – Afronita
BEST OF WOMEN & GIRL CHILD BOOK
Winner: Faith Kamanga – Scars of A Brave Girl
1st Runner up: Natasha Chitimbe Mukamba – Bits and Pieces
3rd Place: Savitir – Single Mom of 2
AUTHOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
Winner: Louise Mupeta
The 2025 COPPA Book Awards were proudly powered by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts through the National Arts Council (NAC) a remarkable show of partnership from the Government of the Republic of Zambia. The event also enjoyed massive support from companies and organizations such as Prudential Zambia, Garden Court Kitwe, Bookworld Zambia, 99 Group of Companies, and several others.
As Zambia’s largest literary event, the COPPA Book Awards is now focused on building momentum toward the 2026 campaign. Several events and activities are planned in the months leading up to the next ceremony. Stay informed by following the official COPPA Book Awards Facebook page and visiting the website at www.coppabookawards.com
The organizers welcome individuals, creatives, and companies who share in this vision to come aboard. The program not only uplifts writers but also provides meaningful visibility and opportunities for partnering businesses. For partnerships and collaborations, kindly reach out to the team via [email protected] and be part of this exciting journey shaping the future of Zambian literature.
