This week is more than books; it’s about culture, history, arts, theatre, music, and poetry,” says UK Hargeisa Office Head Louise Hancock at the launch of the 18th Hargeisa International Book Fair.
The 18th Hargeisa International Book Fair (HIBF), the longest-running and largest literary festival in the Horn of Africa, was officially launched on Saturday, July 26, 2025, in Somaliland’s capital.
The event, which runs from July 26 to 31, welcomed a diverse gathering of authors, poets, artists, and cultural figures from across Africa and beyond, with Zambia as this year’s guest of honor. The theme for 2025, “Africa,” underscores the richness and diversity of the continent’s contemporary and historical literature.
Louise Hancock, Head of the UK Office in Hargeisa, attended the launch, expressing her delight in representing the British Office at the event.
A literature graduate herself, Hancock highlighted the profound role books play in shaping perspectives and understanding the world. “Books have been a real part of my life,” she remarked, emphasizing their significance in fostering cultural connections.
In her speech, Hancock praised the HIBF for its resilience and its broader cultural impact. “This week is more than books; it’s about culture, history, arts, theatre, music, and poetry,” she said.
“I want to thank the organizers for their commitment and resilience in making this event a vibrant celebration of African creativity.”
Her words underscored the festival’s role as a platform for not only literature but also a wide array of artistic expressions, including public readings, panel discussions, poetry workshops, and performances.
The HIBF, organized by the Redsea Online Culture Foundation since its inception in 2008, has grown into a cornerstone of cultural exchange in the Horn of Africa region. This year’s program features over 100 cultural figures and expects more than 10,000 visitors.
Activities include book launches, poetry recitals, discussions on freedom of expression, and exhibitions by illustrators, alongside performances of traditional and contemporary Somali arts.
The festival also continues its mission to promote reading, writing, and the preservation of Somali oral traditions, with events extending to Berbera and Gebiley.
Hancock’s remarks highlighted the HIBF’s enduring legacy as a beacon of cultural resilience, particularly in a region marked by historical challenges.
The festival’s ability to bring together global and local voices in a celebration of creativity continues to solidify Hargeisa’s reputation as a cultural hub in the Horn of Africa.