Namwali Serpell is a Zambian writer and academic known for her contributions to literature and criticism. She was born in 1980 in Lusaka, Zambia, and later moved to the United States for her education. Serpell's work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the complexities of African experiences. Her notable works include the novel The Old Drift, which received critical acclaim and won the Arthur C. Clarke Award. In addition to her fiction, Serpell has written essays and articles that reflect her insights on literature and society, establishing her as a prominent voice in contemporary literature.