About
Not a literary foundation. An ecosystem builder.
DPGLF combines the social mission of a foundation, the sustainability of a social enterprise and the growth potential of an intellectual property venture, so that a young writer’s first short story can become a published work, a preserved cultural record and, in time, an adaptation on screen.
The founder
Dr. Phillip Tinashe Gwatidzo
A Zimbabwean author, entrepreneur, hospitality consultant and cultural advocate whose career spans Africa and Europe, across hospitality management, aviation, consultancy and publishing.
His literary work grew from a personal commitment: that African children should have access to stories reflecting their own histories, traditions and cultural values.
Changamire Dombo: The Legend has been incorporated into Zimbabwe’s Advanced Level Literature curriculum and is distributed in more than twenty-five countries, proof that authentic African storytelling can bridge cultural preservation, education and commercial viability at once.
The Foundation exists to make that pathway repeatable, at scale, for a whole generation of writers.
Vision
To build Africa’s most influential ecosystem for authentic Afro-inspired storytelling: a permanent archive of youth narratives, a new generation of African writers, and literary talent turned into sustainable creative careers.
Mission
To identify, nurture, publish, promote and commercialize authentic African youth narratives while preserving cultural heritage and creating meaningful economic opportunity for young storytellers.
Core values
What the Foundation holds itself to
Authenticity
Preserving and promoting genuine African voices, experiences and perspectives.
Excellence
Every programme, publication and partnership held to a professional standard.
Empowerment
Young people treated as creators and future leaders, not beneficiaries.
Cultural preservation
African stories, languages and knowledge systems documented and safeguarded.
Collaboration
Impact through partnership between writers, educators, publishers and communities.
Sustainability
Long-term success needs both social impact and economic viability.
Structure
A three-layer hybrid, so mission and sustainability reinforce each other
Most literary organisations depend almost entirely on grants. DPGLF was designed from the outset to earn its way toward independence without compromising public benefit.
DPGLF Foundation
Public benefit
Competitions, school outreach, mentorship, scholarships, workshops, cultural preservation, research collaboration and archive development.
Revenue
Grants, donations, philanthropy, CSR programmes, crowdfunding and development agencies.
DPGLF Creative Studios
Social enterprise
Publishing projects, anthology production, audiobooks, educational products, creative writing courses, cultural consulting and literary events.
Revenue
Book sales, digital publications, audiobooks, educational materials, workshops and consulting.
DPGLF IP Ventures
Commercialization
Rights management, adaptation negotiation, production partnerships, licensing, merchandising and international distribution.
Revenue
Licensing fees, royalties, production participation, adaptation rights and character licensing.
Why the model compounds
As more stories are published, the archive grows. As the archive grows, adaptation opportunities increase. As adaptation opportunities increase, revenues expand. As revenues expand, more young writers can be supported. Each layer strengthens the others.
Vision 2030
Where we intend to be
- More than 1,000 young writers supported
- More than 200 stories published
- Africa’s largest archive of youth-generated narratives
- At least 20 adaptation-ready intellectual property assets
- Multiple language editions launched
- Several animation and screen adaptation projects in development
- Partnerships across at least 10 African countries
- More than half of annual revenue from earned income and licensing