By Goth Mohamed Goth
Hargeisa – The Hargeisa International Book Fair (HIBF) has become a beacon of knowledge, a hub for intellectual exchange, a platform nurturing talent, and a gathering point uniting hundreds from across the globe. It stands as a bridge connecting Somaliland with the wider world, showcasing diverse knowledge resources.
Held annually at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, the Fair is organized by the Red Sea Cultural Foundation in partnership with the Centre. Now in its 18th consecutive year, HIBF is Africa’s largest International Book Fair and the continent’s premier gathering for literature and creativity.
Each year, the Fair features a Guest of Honour – a specific nation or country. This year’s continental theme is “Africa,” with the Republic of Zambia as the inaugural Guest of Honour Nation, sending a delegation to participate.
Building on the legacy of the past 17 years, which welcomed 17 African nations and themes, each carrying unique significance, the 18th edition features participants from 13 countries, including Djibouti, Ethiopia, and the Guest of Honour, Zambia.
The event was attended by officials from Somaliland’s government ministries, ministers, politicians, diplomats, authors, poets, artists, avid readers, and numerous other distinguished guests. A wide array of books, predominantly new releases, were exhibited, alongside visual arts, theatre, music, traditional games, cultural displays, and other knowledge and heritage-related content.
The Fair opened on July 26th and will run until August 31st, 2025. Over its six-day duration, an estimated 70,000 visitors are expected at the Hargeisa Cultural Centre.
The program features book exhibitions, academic seminars, cultural discussions, heritage research presentations, music, literature, visual arts, and related activities.
Somaliland’s Minister of Information, Culture, and National Guidance, Ahmed-Yassin Sheikh Ali Ayanle, officially inaugurated the Fair following remarks by other speakers.
Dr. Jama Musse Jama, Chairman of the Red Sea Cultural Foundation and Founder of the Hargeisa Cultural Centre, outlined the 18th edition, noting participation from 13 countries. He highlighted the Fair’s developmental stages and its significant contribution to the people of Somaliland and Africa broadly. Dr. Jama emphasized the remarkable rise in literacy and writing levels within the community over the Fair’s 18-year history.
Dr. Jama expressed gratitude to all delegations, officials, leaders, sponsors, participating guests, the media, the Centre’s staff, and special friends of the Foundation.
The Mayor of Hargeisa, Abdikarim Ahmed Mooge, Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, representatives of the participating delegations, and the spokesperson for the Guest of Honour nation, Zambia, also addressed the opening. All welcomed the Hargeisa International Book Fair, describing it as immensely important for African communities and the largest event of its kind held in any African nation.
Minister Ahmed-Yassin Sheikh Ali Ayanle spoke at the ceremony, emphasizing the Fair’s vital importance for Somaliland and its people, noting how it has enhanced their writing and reading culture. He also stated that the Fair has introduced Somaliland to many people and nations worldwide. The Minister urged the Cultural Centre to continue its efforts in this regard.
