Online Reporter
Brenda P Shumba,Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub
The two-day Zimbabwe International Book Fair (ZIBFA) is underway at the Bulawayo City Hall, reaffirming its status as one of Africa’s leading platforms for literary exchange, cultural dialogue, and educational development.
This year’s edition, being held under the banner of the Reconnect Book Festival 2025, began on July 31. It marks a crucial step toward restoring ZIBF to its rightful place as a cornerstone of the continent’s intellectual and cultural calendar. The festival is a rallying point for local and international stakeholders to forge new partnerships and reaffirm the power of books in shaping knowledge-based societies.
A diverse range of exhibitors are participating, including academic institutions, public libraries, private publishers, and educational suppliers. Notable names such as 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) are among those showcasing their work.
In his address on the first day, Lawrence Mkwala, director of Education Services in the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, underscored the fair’s national relevance.
“The Zimbabwe International Book Fair has become a cornerstone of our literary landscape, providing a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to come together and celebrate the world of books. This event is particularly significant for us in the Ministry, as it aligns with our efforts to promote literacy, education, and a love for reading among our students.
“The importance of the ZIBF is to educate, inform, and market the books that are on the market, especially now that we are experiencing a shift in the curriculum,” Mkwala said.
Going forward, Mkwala said the ministry looks forward to strengthening their partnership with the book industry, authors, and publishers to foster a lifelong love of reading and learning among students.
“I encourage all participants to seize this opportunity to network, exchange ideas, and inspire one another.”
The event has placed a strong focus on empowering young readers with the Zimpapers Junior Media Club being instrumental in mobilising participation from local schools, exposing students to key themes such as digital publishing and artificial intelligence.
Limukani Ncube, coordinator of the Zimpapers Junior Club in Bulawayo, said: “The Book Fair offers a unique opportunity for students to explore a diverse range of books, enhance their literacy skills, and engage with authors, publishers, and fellow young readers.”
Schools such as Tennyson, Henry Low, Pumula High, Coghlan Primary, and Sizane High have sent learners to the fair. Most who spoke to this publication said it was a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the publishing ecosystem.
Sihlobo Sobane Nkomazana, a student from Sizane High School, said: “I’m thrilled to be here to interact with a lot of publishers and aspiring writers from other schools. As an aspiring publisher, I’m grateful for the experience and knowledge I have attained.”
Adding a fun and competitive element to the fair, the Lions Club of Bulawayo, joined by the Khumalo Lions and Bulawayo City Real Lions, are hosting activities such as storytelling, spelling bees, and reading competitions.
Club president Lion Shelly said: “We are here to promote literacy and make reading fun. Winners will walk away with T-shirts, books, and other exciting prizes.”
Beyond celebration, the fair offers deep educational insight. Businessman and educationist Clemence Kunzekweguta contextualised the fair within Zimbabwe’s evolving educational framework:
“We are now in the Heritage curriculum, and the book fair is here to make you understand more about that. You are here to interact with the publishers, authors, and librarians.”
Highlighting that shift, Secondary Book Press, the first to publish heritage curriculum books at the primary level in Zimbabwe, is showcasing over five heritage-based titles.
Meanwhile, Radiant Publishing Company is continuing with its mission of preserving indigenous languages, especially Ndebele, through novels and plays aligned with the curriculum.
Established in 1983, ZIBFA has become a significant event in Africa, attracting publishers, authors, scholars, and readers from around the globe. It has been recognised for its role in promoting African literature and cultural exchange, earning the Principal Award from the Prince Claus Fund in 1997.
