Mohamoud Walaaleye
Zambia took center stage as the guest of honor at the 18th Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF), held from July 26 to 31, 2025, in Somaliland’s capital. The annual literary festival, the largest in the Horn of Africa, celebrated the theme “Africa,” spotlighting the continent’s rich literary and cultural heritage. Zambia’s delegation, featuring prominent artists and intellectuals Victor Mutelekesh, Victoria Phiri, Hannah Mwenzi, and Simuli Kipenda, captivated audiences with their powerful representation of the nation’s diversity and resilience.
In his keynote address, Victor Mutelekesh passionately spoke of Zambia’s unique identity, emphasizing the nation’s embrace of over 70 ethnic groups and nearly 75 languages under the unifying motto, “One Zambia, One Nation.” He highlighted Zambia’s historical role as a beacon of African unity, noting its early recognition of Somaliland’s independence and its support for liberation movements like the African National Congress (ANC). “Zambia’s independence in 1964 meant nothing if all Africans were not free,” Mutelekesh declared, underscoring the nation’s commitment to pan-African solidarity, a legacy shaped by founding president Kenneth Kaunda.
The Zambian delegation’s participation included vibrant panel discussions, poetry readings, and artistic performances that showcased the country’s rich cultural tapestry. Victoria Phiri, a celebrated author, explored themes of unity and identity in Zambian literature, while Hannah Mwenzi and Simuli Kipenda presented works that blended traditional and contemporary art forms, dispelling outdated notions that Zambia lacked a robust artistic heritage. Their contributions resonated with the festival’s goal of fostering literary exchange between Southern and Eastern Africa.
Zambia’s presence at HIBF also marked the nation’s 60th independence anniversary, celebrated in 2024, reflecting on its journey since breaking free from British colonial rule. The delegation highlighted Zambia’s artistic milestones, from Gabriel Ellison’s iconic national flag design to the intricate rock art of the Nyau secret society, showcasing a cultural legacy that continues to thrive.
The Hargeysa International Book Fair, organized by the Redsea Cultural Foundation, drew over 10,000 visitors and featured 100 cultural figures from across Africa. Zambia’s role as guest of honor reinforced its position as a cornerstone of African history and identity, fostering connections through shared stories and aspirations. As Mutelekesh noted, “Zambia is a nation built on multiplicity, seeing in others what we are made of—a fabric of diversity and resilience.”
The event not only celebrated Zambia’s contributions but also strengthened literary and cultural ties across the continent, with workshops and performances emphasizing the power of African voices in shaping a shared future.