Author and Cultural Storytelling Ambassador, Denise Ajayi Williams, and African Union (AU) Ambassador to the United States, Constantina Adelina Gaspar, are among dignitaries expected at an event aimed at promoting literacy across Africa.

The event, Gardens of Hope for Africa: A benefit for books for Africa is scheduled to hold on November 10 in the United States.

The organisers said the event will have an in-person gathering and a free public livestream under the theme: ‘Gardens of hope for Africa: Knowledge today.’

Williams, who is the Founder and Executive Producer of BAPS Animation Studios, is billed to present a session titled ‘Akiti live: Yoruba storytelling and book signing.’

The session will include an interactive read-aloud of her Akiti the Hunter children’s book series, which draws on Yoruba folklore and explores themes of cultural heritage, courage, imagination, and heroism.

Williams described literacy as central to global development, cultural understanding and collaboration, noting that early childhood literacy is critical to growth, industrialisation and the promotion of positive societal values among young people.

She said: “Stories inspire, culture endures and children lead. Akiti was born from Yoruba tradition, and every time I get to share him with a room full of readers, I’m reminded that African storytelling doesn’t just belong in the past; it belongs on today’s stage, next to every other hero children look up to.”

Organisers disclosed that donors have committed to funding a container of about 100,000 books each for Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana, amounting to about 300,000 books.

They said the November 10 event is intended to build on the initial commitment and expand global book ecosystems in the benefiting countries, while also seeking matching gifts to increase the impact of donations.