African Book Fair Report 2025 - Executive Summary - August 7-10, 2025

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel

African Book Fair Report 2025 documents the 7–10 August 2025 event hosted by Soma Nami Books at Maktaba Kuu, the Kenya National Library Service in Nairobi, Kenya. The report highlights the theme “African Stories in a Connected World” and outlines a four-day programme featuring opening ceremonies, spotlight sessions, panels, book launches, performances, and community events. It emphasizes cross-cultural collaboration, strong participation, and the role of literature in addressing gender-based violence, justice, and cultural dialogue.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

AccessFree to download

Executive Summary

Theme and Dates

Programme Highlights

Pictorial and Sessions

Book Chats

Book Sales

Panel Discussions

Poetry/Spoken Word Sessions

REPORT 2025 by Soma Nami Books Reporting Period 07 Aug-10 Aug Prepared by Soma Nami Books A F R I C A N B O O K F A I R Executive Summary Theme: “African Stories in a Connected World” August 7 – 10, 2025 Maktaba Kuu, Kenya National Library Service, Upperhill, Nairobi, Kenya. Prepared by Soma Nami Books African Book Fair Report 2025 The African Book Fair 2025, hosted by Soma Nami Books, took place from August 7–10 at The Kenya National Library, Maktaba Kuu, Nairobi, and reaffirmed its position as Kenya’s largest B2 C fair of African books. Now in its third edition, the fair continues to be a k ey highlight of Kenya’s literary and cultural calendar, attracting authors, publishers, readers, educators, and industry professionals from across Africa and beyond. With this year’s theme,“African Stories in a Connected World,” the fair brought together writers, publishers, thought leaders, readers, and cultural influencers from across the continent and beyond. Over four days, we hosted a rich programme of panels, book launches, performances, and community events, drawing strong participation from thousands of attendees. 07-10 August 2025 Programme Highlights Spotlight Session & Official Opening: Naming the Silence – Literature as a Tool Against Gender-Based Violence at the Embassy of Colombia, Nairobi The African Book Fair officially opened with a powerful spotlight session titled Naming the Silence, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Colombia in Kenya and Soma Nami Books. Held at the Embassy of Colombia on 7th August 2025, the session brought together diplomats, government representatives, writers, and activists to reflect on how literature can confront gender-based violence ( GBV) and femic ide. The event was formally opened by Ambassador Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, whose remarks underscored the shared struggles and solidarity between Africa and Latin America in tackling GBV. Additional contributions came from Dr. Josephine Obonyo ( Secretary for Gender, Ministry of Gender, Culture, Arts & Heritage) , Ms. Philomena Mwi rigi ( Kenya National Library Service) , and Muth oni Muiruri ( Founder, Soma Nami Books ) , who emphasized the critical role of literature and community spaces in addressing silence and fostering dialogue. African Book Fair Report 2025 L to R: Dr. Martha Lucía Sánchez, H. E Ambassador Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, Muthoni Muiruri, Munira Hussein, Mariela Palacios, Kui Kabala and Njeri Migwi A keynote address by Dr. Martha Lucí a Sá nchez highlighted Colombia’s public policies on GBV, offering comparative lessons relevant to African contexts. The program also included a spotlight on Munira Hussein’s book Unfit for Society, a moving performance by Masala Sefu, and a panel discussion that examined storytelling as a tool for justice, ethical representation of survivor narratives, and the potential of literature to influence activism and policy reform. 07-10 August 2025 Programme Highlights Spotlight Session & Official Opening: Naming the Silence – Literature as a Tool Against Gender-Based Violence at the Embassy of Colombia, Nairobi H. E Ambassador Pedro Leon Cortes Ruiz, Ambassador of Colombia to Kenya with Soma Nami founder, Muthoni Muiruri By opening with Naming the Silence, the African Book Fair set the tone for the days ahead—establishing the Fair not only as a celebration of books but also as a platform for urgent conversations, cultural exchange, and collective action. African Book Fair Report 2025 Key highlights of t he opening session included: Over 50 participants, including members of the diplomatic corps and literary community. Ambassador Pedro’s keynote, which framed the global urgency of addressing GBV. A powerful cross-cultural dialogue on literature’s role injustice and healing. Spotlight on African women’s writing through Munira Hussein’s work. Remarks by Muth oni Muiruri, affirming Soma Nami Book

FAQs

What theme guided the African Book Fair 2025?

The theme was “African Stories in a Connected World,” presented for the August 7–10, 2025 fair.

When and where was the African Book Fair 2025 held?

It took place from August 7 to 10, 2025 at Maktaba Kuu, the Kenya National Library Service, Upperhill, Nairobi, Kenya.

What was the spotlight session during the official opening?

The spotlight session was titled “Naming the Silence – Literature as a Tool Against Gender-Based Violence” at the Embassy of Colombia in Nairobi, focusing on confronting GBV through literature.

Oct 22, 2026

Uploaded by Hazel