Reading Zambia to the World, Then Reading the World in Zambia
By Immaculate Regina Sikanyika
While books are said to build nations, Fitabo strives to build readers, creators and the future of creative storytelling. In an effort to transform and reshape Zambia’s reading and writing culture, as well as address the challenges facing the book market, the Fitabo Distribution Initiative hosted its first-ever 2026 Fitabo International Book Fair in Lusaka.
Held at Alliance Française de Lusaka from April 23 to 25, 2026, the Book Fair served as a powerful platform for learning and creative exchange, with the goal of building a strong community of authentic storytellers and inspiring people to embrace their own voices.
The event brought together creatives, publishers, authors, writers, readers and storytellers from across the literary sector.
The fair created space for both knowledge-sharing and artistic exploration, allowing creatives and non-creatives alike to sharpen their skills and deepen their understanding of the many worlds that revolve around books.
In doing so, it sought to strengthen the country’s literary impact and foster a culture of reading and storytelling.
Activities included panel discussions, presentations, debates, master classes and book exhibitions featuring both local and international titles.
The fair was also family-friendly, offering exciting children’s activities such as storytelling and read-aloud sessions at the kids’ corner, all aimed at nurturing the next generation of storytellers.
The initiative created an inclusive environment that enabled school learners to experience and participate in the processes of developing the literary sector.
Learners from different schools took part in panel discussions and debate sessions, contributing their perspectives on reading and learning.
The first day of the fair coincided with the commemoration of World Book Day and featured a youth panel discussion involving learners from Chilenge Boys, Arakan Boys, Arakan Girls and St. Patrick’s Girls schools.
The discussion explored reading for self-discovery and was followed by a keynote address on unveiling and reading Zambia’s declaration.
Conversations also focused on the state of the Zambian book industry, with contributions from industry experts including Dr. Mwaka Siluonde of Mulungushi University, Ruth Simujayangombe of ZARRSO, Holy Musonda of the National Archives of Zambia and Lucille Mudenda of the Zambia Women Writers Association.
The second day focused on professional development, rights and skills enhancement. It featured a presentation by Stan Montsho from South Africa, as well as two master classes: one on writing and storytelling by Natasha Omokhodion and another on entrepreneurship and branding by Dr. Ayan Ahmed.
The sessions were followed by a read-aloud programme facilitated by Anna Zgambo.
Further discussions examined artificial intelligence and digital publishing, led by Mapalo Lukashi of BongoHive. This was complemented by a panel discussion featuring Marita Banda, Dika Phiri of Book World, Ritsha Bernard of Wellread, Mr. Ntembakwa of BPAZ–Maiden Publishers and Dr. Sydney Muponda of SOTRANE Publishers.
The final day centred on community engagement, children and future readers. Filmmaker Yoweli Chungu delivered an in-depth presentation on managing creative enterprises and distribution.
His presentation was followed by a master class on editing and publishing by Shadreck Chikoti of Malawi, as well as another on children’s book creation conducted by Kulanda House.
The three-day event concluded with an awards ceremony and was graced by the presence of Her Excellency Ms. Chileshe Kapwepwe, COMESA Secretary-General, who served as Guest of Honour and officially closed the Book Fair.
She commended Fitabo for the initiative, noting that it offers hope for the growth and development of Zambia’s literary industry.
Event partners and exhibitors included SOTRANE Publishers, Alliance Française de Lusaka, Book World Limited, the Zambia Revenue Authority, the Zambia Army, Kulanda House, Will Wane Store, the Zambia Correctional Service, Gadsden Publishers, Revive Clinic, the National Archives of Zambia, the Library and Information Association of Zambia, UNESCO, the Malawi Writers Union, Anna Zgambo, Copper Mostera, PACRA, Kanjipondele Foundation, PEN Zambia, ZARRSO, Promoting Gender Sensitivity and Creative Writing, Halo Print and Write Lake.
Overall, the Fitabo International Book Fair was received with excitement and gratitude, serving as a meaningful and interactive celebration of books, reading and writing. It reinforced the importance of community, learning and continuous development in Zambia’s growing literary space.
