Soma Nami Books, Kenya’s leading Pan-African bookstore, has officially announced the return of the African Book Fair for its highly anticipated third, and what the organizers call “biggest” edition yet. The fair will take place from August 7th to 10th, 2025, at Maktaba Kuu in Upperhill, Nairobi.

Launched in 2022, the African Book Fair has grown to become East Africa’s foremost literary gathering, dedicated exclusively to celebrating African storytelling. Designed uniquely for readers—rather than just publishers—the fair is one of the few on the continent to offer a direct, reader-centered experience. Attendees will be able to explore an expanded catalogue of African literature, with select titles available at discounts of up to 50% off the recommended retail price.

This year’s theme, “African Stories in a Connected World” encourages a critical exploration of how African narratives, grounded in diverse languages, cultures, and lived realities, transcend borders to reshape global storytelling. As the organizers write, “In a time of unprecedented connectivity, African storytellers are not only contributing to the world’s literary canon; they are actively redefining it.” This year’s theme also functions as a call to action: “to amplify voices that challenge stereotypes, to deepen cross-cultural dialogue, and to build bridges across continents, generations, and genres.”

“The African Book Fair is more than a book market—it’s a cultural force,” said Muthoni Muiruri, co-founder and director of Soma Nami Books. “It’s a platform that affirms the value of our stories. We built this fair on the belief that Africans are not just part of the story—we are the story. And we’re celebrating that boldly.”

Beyond the book marketplace, the African Book Fair will feature a dynamic program of book chats, panel discussions, poetry performances, workshops, and cross-continental literary collaborations. It is a space where storytellers, thinkers, publishers, and readers come together to engage in vital conversations around identity, heritage, justice, migration, technology, and imagination.

Founded in 2021, Soma Nami Books continues to lead a Pan-African literary movement that places African stories at the center of the global stage. With this third edition of the African Book Fair, the bookstore is set to deliver a literary experience that celebrates the depth, diversity, and brilliance of African literature in all its forms.

The full program for the 2025 African Book Fair will be announced soon.

For more information, media inquiries, or partnership opportunities, contact:

Soma Nami Books
[email protected]
+254 705 548052

Venue: Maktaba Kuu, KNLS, Upperhill, Nairobi
️ Dates: 7th – 10th August, 2025

Save the date for this celebration of African storytelling!