Online Reporter
Trust Khosa, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The 2025 Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF) is in full swing at Harare Gardens, drawing learners, educators, writers, and book lovers eager to celebrate Zimbabwe’s literary heritage.
Students from numerous schools have flocked to the fair, with the popular Children’s Tent stealing the spotlight. Pupils from Harare and surrounding areas have been actively participating in storytelling sessions and interactive activities, making the event a hit among young readers.
This year’s edition, themed “Page by Page: The Book Returns”, officially opened this morning and will run through tomorrow. ZIBF board chairperson, storyteller, and lecturer Memory Chirere, who engaged with learners from schools including Hillbright High School, described the turnout as promising.
“It’s a good attendance for a Thursday; several schools visited in the morning, and it’s really encouraging,” Chirere said.
The fair, renowned for nurturing new writers, storytellers, and publishers, marks a triumphant return to its pre-pandemic venue after facing financial and logistical challenges that nearly prevented its comeback.
Ahead of the main event, two mini-book fairs were successfully held in Bulawayo and Harare, serving as precursors that reignited public interest and paved the way for this year’s full-scale literary celebration.
Bongani Ndlovu