In the heart of Africa’s literary capital, Lagos, a powerful story is about to unfold—this time, not through whispered folktales or booming street poetry, but through the printed pages of The Lions’ Den, the debut novel by Iris Mwanza. The Zambian-born writer, who currently serves as deputy director of the Women in Leadership program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, is bringing her globally acclaimed novel to a Lagos audience that thrives on courageous narratives and meaningful dialogue.
This isn’t just another book launch. It’s a convergence of literature, justice, and cultural exchange. With its gripping portrayal of a young lawyer challenging both legal injustice and social prejudice in 1990s Zambia, The Lions’ Den doesn’t merely entertain—it confronts. And as Lagos prepares to host Iris Mwanza’s first Nigerian launch event, the city is set to experience a novel that has already earned critical acclaim internationally.
About The Lions’ Den: A Story That Defies Silence
Set in post‑Kaunda Zambia during the turbulent early 1990s, The Lions’ Den follows the story of Grace Zulu, a promising young lawyer navigating a deeply patriarchal and corrupt legal system. Fresh out of law school and eager to make a difference, Grace lands a job at one of Lusaka’s top firms. But what starts as a dream quickly spirals into a complex battle for justice when she’s asked to defend a client accused of homosexuality—a crime punishable by imprisonment in Zambia at the time.
As Grace digs deeper, she realizes that her client’s arrest is part of a much larger cover‑up involving political elites and dangerous power structures. Torn between her safety and her convictions, she must decide whether to stay silent or risk everything to expose the truth.
Mwanza’s writing is both unflinching and compassionate. She paints a vivid picture of a country at a crossroads—still grappling with colonial‑era laws, institutional corruption, and widespread discrimination. Through Grace’s eyes, readers witness not only legal proceedings but the emotional cost of doing what is right in a society that punishes dissent.
Beyond its plot, The Lions’ Den raises urgent questions about human rights, the rule of law, and the role of women in reshaping oppressive systems. It is not just a novel—it is a call to courage.
Who Is Iris Mwanza?
Iris Mwanza isn’t just a storyteller—she’s a trailblazer. Born and raised in Zambia, she holds law degrees from Cornell University and the University of Zambia, an MA and PhD in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and serves as deputy director in the Gender Equality Division of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, where she leads strategy for women in leadership initiatives.
She brings decades of experience working as a corporate lawyer in both Zambia and the United States, as well as roles with global organizations like the World Bank, Care International, and WWF‑US. That depth of experience imbues her fiction with authenticity and urgency.
Critics call her debut “a vibrant and pacey legal thriller” and “a masterclass in layered storytelling.” But it’s not just the pacing or plot that has captivated readers—it’s the heart behind it. Iris Mwanza writes with the conviction of someone who has lived the questions she poses. That makes her not only a promising literary voice but an important one.
Highlights from the International Launch Circuit
Released in June 2024, *The Lions’ Den* made a resounding entrance into the global literary stage. It was named one of *TIME* magazine’s 100 Must‑Read Books of 2024 and featured on notable recommended reading lists worldwide. Reviews praised its tight pacing, emotional complexity, and courageous exploration of legal and societal issues.
In cities like London, Nairobi, and Washington D.C., readings drew diverse audiences—activists, legal professionals, students, and readers hungry for stories blending legal drama with ethical complexity. That global buzz naturally led to the eagerly awaited Lagos launch.
Why Lagos Matters in African Literary Culture
Lagos isn’t just another stop on the tour—it’s a milestone. As one of Africa’s most dynamic cultural hubs, Lagos has nurtured literary icons like Wole Soyinka, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and Sefi Atta. Its book festivals, art fairs, and publishing ecosystem continue to inspire writers and readers alike.
Hosting the Lagos launch of *The Lions’ Den* reflects growing interconnection within African literary communities. It’s a symbolic homecoming—while the story is rooted in Zambia, its themes echo across Nigeria’s own history of legal challenges, political activism, and civil rights battles.
By choosing Lagos, Mwanza isn’t just marketing her book—she’s entering a dialogue with an audience that understands the stakes of her narrative. Lagos readers are not passive consumers; they are cultural curators and critical thinkers. That makes this launch especially significant.
How to Attend the Lagos Launch of The Lions’ Den
Iris Mwanza’s debut novel is set to make its Nigerian debut at an exclusive book soiree in Lagos on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Alliance Française de Lagos / Mike Adenuga Centre in Ikoyi. This event offers a unique opportunity for literature enthusiasts to engage with a compelling narrative that delves into themes of justice, identity, and societal transformation.
Event Details
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM WAT
Venue: Alliance Française de Lagos / Mike Adenuga Centre, Ikoyi, Lagos
The evening will feature an author’s keynote where Mwanza will discuss the inspiration behind *The Lions’ Den* and its exploration of legal and societal challenges in 1990s Zambia. A fireside chat themed “The Power of Storytelling to Drive Influence and Impact in Today’s Landscape” will follow, featuring leading voices such as Nkem Onwudiwe, Alex Unusual, and Sunky Ojulari, moderated by Dima Hamze Ghraizi. The event will conclude with a cocktail reception soundtracked by DJ Snap.
RSVP Information
Attendance is by invitation only, ensuring an intimate setting conducive to meaningful discussions and networking. Interested individuals can express their interest and potentially secure an invitation by registering through the event’s official partner platform. Due to limited seating capacity, early registration is recommended.
What to Expect
Author’s Keynote: Iris Mwanza on the story behind the story.
Fireside Chat: Experts discuss storytelling as a tool for influence and social change.
Book Signing: Meet the author and get your copy signed.
Cocktail Reception: Network with fellow readers, creatives, and change‑makers.
How to Purchase a Copy of The Lions’ Den
If you’re eager to dive into Iris Mwanza’s powerful debut, The Lions’ Den, there are multiple ways to get your copy:
Physical Editions (Hardcover)
Available via major U.S. retailers with global shipping available, though timelines may vary for delivery to Nigeria.
Digital eBook
Available instantly via Kindle on Amazon and through Google Books, ideal for readers in Nigeria who want immediate access.
Audiobook
No audiobook version is currently available; interested readers are advised to stay tuned to platforms like Audible for future releases.
Local Availability in Lagos
For Lagos residents, the book will be available at the June 21 launch event. This offers a rare opportunity to buy a signed copy directly from the author, avoid shipping delays, and support the literary ecosystem firsthand.
Final Thoughts
The Lagos launch of The Lions’ Den on June 21, 2025, represents more than a celebration of a debut novel. It’s a cultural moment. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the meeting point between a global literary force and a city known for its vibrant storytelling tradition.
Iris Mwanza has written a novel that speaks across borders, generations, and ideologies. Her protagonist, Grace Zulu, stands as a symbol of what it means to resist injustice not with violence, but with truth. And for Nigerian readers—who have long navigated their own legal, political, and cultural battles—this story could not have arrived at a better time.
Whether you attend the event, read the book, or share its message, know this: The Lions’ Den isn’t just a book. It’s a conversation starter, a mirror, and perhaps most importantly, a call to courage.
If you’re in Lagos, this is your chance to be part of something bigger than fiction. Don’t miss it.
