Uganda has proudly secured a place at the top of the continent’s literacy stage, following a stellar performance at the 2025 African Spelling Bee held in Abuja, Nigeria. Leading the celebration is Anwitha Hareesh, who emerged as the African Spelling Bee Junior Champion, and also won the Junior Essay Competition at the same event. Anwitha, representing Uganda, is the daughter of Harish Kumar, a former International Affairs Executive Committee member and a respected figure at ISBAT University.
Team Uganda didn’t stop at individual wins collectively, they were named 1st Runners-up in the African Spelling Bee Finals and brought home the top award in the Junior Essay Competition, proving once again the country’s dedication to nurturing literacy and talent among young learners.
The African Spelling Bee, organized annually by the African Spelling Bee Federation and hosted by various countries, has become a continental beacon of excellence in education and literacy. This year’s event in Abuja gathered spellers from 22 African countries, continuing the tradition that began in 2016. The championship, inspired by the global spelling bee movement that began over a century ago in Ohio, USA, offers a unique platform for African children to showcase their intellectual abilities, build self-confidence, and develop a deep love for learning.
Speaking as an Executive Member of Spelling Bee Africa, a Ugandan representative noted the profound impact the competition has had over the years. “Our champions are proof that literacy changes lives. Many have gone on to excel academically and become role models in their communities. They bring hope for Africa.”
This year also marked the beginning of a new chapter for the African Spelling Bee, with the launch of a partnership with the Born to Learn campaign a collaboration dedicated to putting children’s learning at the top of the continental agenda.
