Chimamanda explored these themes in her BBC Reith Lecture on freedom of speech, which will launch Wednesday on Radio4.

BBC Commissioning Editor, Hugh Levinson, said BBC is “privileged to have one of the world’s great writers addressing this vital question with her characteristic forthrightness, intelligence, candour and wit. Whether you agree or disagree with what Chimamanda has to say, she will make you think hard about what you believe – and don’t be surprised to find yourself quoting her for days and weeks afterwards.”

The lecture and question-and-answer session were recorded in London in front of an audience and it was presented by Anita Anand.

The Reith Lectures were inaugurated in 1948 by BBC to mark the historic contribution made to public service broadcasting by Lord Reith, the corporation’s first director-general.

Reith maintained that broadcasting should be a public service, which enriches the intellectual and cultural life of the nation. It is in this spirit that the BBC each year invites a leading figure to deliver a series of lectures on the radio. The aim is to advance public understanding and debate about significant issues of contemporary interest.

In addition to Freedom of Speech by Adichie, Freedom of Worship will be given by former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, while Darren McGarvey and Fiona Hill will lecture on Freedom from Want and Freedom from Fear.

Controller of BBC Radio 4, Mohit Bakaya, said: “Freedom is one of the defining values of our age. Chimamanda carefully explores why freedom of speech is under threat, why it needs to be protected, and its importance to the creative imagination.”