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. 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.
