Online Reporter
Trust Khosa
Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
IN a major boost for the literary sector, the Zimbabwe International Book Fair is set to return later this month to the Harare Gardens, putting an end to years of uncertainty.
The gathering, renowned for nurturing new writers and publishers, last took place at its traditional venue prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After being shelved for several years, the ZIBF board will host the event on October 30 and 31, where nearly 50 exhibitors are expected to participate.
This year’s edition will be held under the theme “Page by Page: The Book Returns”.
ZIBF board chairman Memory Chirere confirmed the return of ZIBF 2025.
“I can confirm the return of ZIBF, which is coming back after being shelved for years. We last held the event before Covid-19, and after the pandemic, lack of funding has been a major setback for us.
“In terms of preparations and the number of exhibitors, Dr Samuel Makore, who is curating the event, has more details,” shared Chirere.
In a separate interview, Dr Makore told Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub that it was all systems go, urging more partners to come on board.
“Preparations are going well, and we are looking forward to the two-day event since we have a large constituency that follows us. We are expecting a number of exhibitors to come on board and take part in the event. On Friday, we do expect a writers’ workshop at this event,” Dr Makore pointed out.
Explaining the theme of this year’s edition, Dr Makore said they were celebrating the return of the book fair, a game-changer for literary arts enthusiasts.
“The theme focuses on the return of the Zimbabwe International Book Fair that had gone dormant due to financial constraints that impacted the Secretariat’s performance.
“We are saying ‘Page by Page: The Book Returns’ in a strong way to stay forever against challenges from television, computers, and many other electronic devices that attract our readers. We want people to go back to the book, whether physical or digital,” he shared.
Dr Makore decried the dearth of a reading culture, which he believes will be addressed at this year’s ZIBF.
“We want to encourage people to read and write books. Our target market includes publishers, booksellers, authors, illustrators, schoolchildren, scriptwriters, and many others, including parents. Bring back the book to homes and promote creativity among our people.”
After breaking the news about the 2025 upcoming ZIBF, anxiety has gripped the literary sector, which has been thriving despite financial constraints hindering its potential.
Chirere and his board have been doing their best to ensure they revive the sector, which is often overlooked by policymakers.
Over the years, it has been noted that other art forms like music and dance have been receiving a lot of funding, while literary and visual arts have been overlooked
Chirere and his board have been calling for the sector to be properly funded so that the Zimbabwean story can be told by its citizens without bias and favouritism.
Following the announcement of the 2025 edition, publishers, authors, and booksellers have been flocking to the ZIBF offices to register their participation in this major showcase.
The two-day event is expected to go a long way in showcasing new talent from grassroots to the top.
With the participation of schools being one of the major highlights of the event, ZIBF 2025 is not only giving exposure to young minds but also promoting the reading culture, which has been fading in recent years.
The hosts have assured attendees to look forward to engaging activities, insightful discussions, and meaningful connections that promise to leave a lasting impact on the literary landscape.
These synergies and collaborations are critical in promoting the book industry, which has potential in empowering creatives.
Despite numerous challenges, it has been noted that ZIBF still remains a premier literary event, bringing together book lovers, authors, publishers, and industry professionals from across the globe.
As usual, our purpose is to celebrate the written word, foster a culture of reading, and provide a platform for knowledge sharing and networking.
Its return has excited both seasoned and upcoming writers and publishers who are stuck with loads of both published and unpublished manuscripts.
As has become the norm, the ZIBF, which comes after major roadshows and campaigns in other cities, will go a long way in boosting the sector, which needs a lot of funding to thrive.
Repeated appeals have been made to arts regulatory chiefs and the Government to prioritise the literary sector, which has been neglected over the years.
Major partners in the event include the Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association, Caleb Mucheche & Partners Law Chambers, Book Association of Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe Library Association and the Government.
