Maryam H. Mwinyi, the First Lady of Zanzibar and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Zanzibar Maisha Bora Foundation (ZMBF), has traveled to Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates. Her visit is to participate as the Guest of Honour at the Second Sharjah Festival of African Literature and Arts 2026 (SFAL).

Mama Maryam Mwinyi's involvement in the festival is a key component of broader efforts to develop and internationally promote Zanzibar in the fields of arts, literature, and culture. It also serves to strengthen the Isle's standing on global platforms dedicated to creativity and the preservation of Africa's rich cultural heritage. Through this participation, Zanzibar gains a significant opportunity to showcase its unique culture, traditions, customs, language, arts, and literature. Simultaneously, it allows for valuable learning from the experiences of other countries regarding the promotion of the cultural sector as a tool for both social and economic development.

During her time at the festival, the First Lady is scheduled to engage in a range of activities. These include taking part in literary and cultural discussions, visiting art exhibitions, and holding meetings with international stakeholders, all aimed at strengthening cooperation within the arts and cultural sectors.

The SFAL Festival is recognized as an important platform that convenes writers, artists, designers, and cultural stakeholders from various African countries. Its core objectives are to celebrate, preserve, and actively promote African literature and works of art, while also providing participants with valuable opportunities for international recognition.

Organized by the Sharjah Book Authority, the second edition of the Sharjah Festival of African Literature (SFAL) is taking place from January 14th to 18th under the theme "The African Way." This edition brings together 20 African writers and 9 Emirati authors for a comprehensive programme. This programme is specifically dedicated to celebrating African literature, exploring its narrative transformations and contemporary trends, and fostering cultural and knowledge exchange between Africa and the Arab world.

The five-day festival features a rich and diverse programme designed to be a cultural destination for all members of the family. This includes 20 panel and discussion sessions focused on the present and future of African literature, five poetry evenings, 20 workshops for children, and 10 live cookery sessions. The festival offers audiences an immersive opportunity to engage with the depth and diversity of African culture across its many dimensions.