Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
After hosting two successful mini book fairs earlier this year in Harare and Bulawayo, the Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBF) is set to make a comeback with its flagship event set to be held at Harare Gardens on October 30 and 31.
The two-day event, themed “Page by Page: The Book Returns”, will bring together writers, publishers, readers, academics, and industry professionals for a celebration of literature, knowledge, and the enduring power of the written word.
Attendees are set to take part in vibrant panel discussions, book launches, networking sessions, and exhibitions, all centred on reviving and promoting a strong reading culture.
ZIBF organisers said they remain committed to promoting reading and literature.
“ZIBF remains a premier literary event, bringing together book lovers, authors, publishers, and industry professionals from across the globe. Our purpose is to celebrate the written word, foster a culture of reading, and provide a platform for knowledge sharing and networking.”
This year’s main fair follows two smaller events, the Reconnect Book Festival 2025 held in Harare (30–31 May) and Bulawayo (31 July–1 August). These events formed part of ZIBF’s broader strategy to re-engage with key stakeholders and reignite interest in books and reading.
The “Reconnect” series paved the way for the main Harare event and reinforced the fair’s mission to reclaim its place as a key fixture on Africa’s literary and cultural calendar. Participants included the Bulawayo Public Library, Dream Discovery Publishers, University of Zimbabwe Bookshop, Akello Library, Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic, and the Zimbabwe Academic and Non-fiction Authors Association (ZANA), among others.
The main fair will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, including academic institutions, public libraries, private publishers, educational suppliers, and authors’ associations.
Beyond book exhibitions, ZIBF offers a platform for workshops, panel discussions, author talks, and performances, creating opportunities for collaboration, inspiration, and cultural exchange.
Established in 1983, the Zimbabwe International Book Fair has grown into one of Africa’s leading publishing and literary trade events. It has been instrumental in promoting African literature, nurturing emerging writers, and facilitating dialogue between cultures. Its contribution to the continent’s literary landscape was recognised internationally when it received the Prince Claus Award in 1997. – Follow on X: @MbuleloMpofu
Sidumisile Mabena