Bibi Bakare-Yusuf

Bibi Bakare-Yusuf, born in 1970, is a distinguished Nigerian academic, writer, and editor hailing from Lagos, Nigeria. With a passion for literature and a commitment to promoting African voices, she co-founded Cassava Republic Press in 2006 alongside Jeremy Weate in Abuja. This innovative publishing house was established with a vision to make literature more accessible, nurture local talent, and elevate African writers who have often been recognized primarily in Europe and America.

Bakare-Yusuf's contributions to the literary world have not gone unnoticed. In 2019, she was honored with the title of Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature, a testament to her influence and dedication to the arts. Her accolades also include being selected as a Yale World Fellow, a Desmond Tutu Fellow, and a Frankfurt Book Fair Fellow, highlighting her global impact and commitment to fostering literary excellence.

Through her work at Cassava Republic Press, Bakare-Yusuf has played a pivotal role in reshaping the narrative around African literature, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and celebrated. Her efforts have not only enriched the literary landscape but have also inspired a new generation of writers and readers across the continent and beyond.