Books make historic debut at Rwanda International Trade Fair as publishers push reading culture

By Elias Hakizimana.

Books and publishing made their first-ever appearance as a dedicated component of the Rwanda International Trade Fair, giving local publishers and authors a platform to showcase their work, connect with readers and promote a stronger culture of reading and writing.

The initiative was highlighted on Monday, August 17, 2026, the closing day of the 29th Rwanda International Trade Fair at the PSF-Gikondo Expo Ground in Kigali.

Emmanuel Uwimana, also known as Emmy Sympa, the publisher of Isano Bella Publisher, said the inclusion of books at the trade fair provided an important opportunity to demonstrate that Rwandans can turn their ideas, experiences and knowledge into published works.

“An exhibition like this is a good platform because we meet people and show them that in Rwanda they can write their stories, their books and get published,” Uwimana said.

Isano Bella Publisher supports authors through different stages of the publishing process, including editing, translation and publication. The company also assists people who have ideas for books or personal stories but need support to develop them into finished publications.

Uwimana said the publisher operates in Kacyiru, near Kigali Public Library, and obtains SBL numbers for its books through the Inteko y’Umuco.

He encouraged Rwandans to view publishing as an accessible opportunity rather than something reserved for established writers.

“Our message to Rwandans is that they can visit publishing houses after this expo. We tell people that writing a book is easy and that everyone can share knowledge through books and stories,” he said.

The publisher also produces books for children, including short stories, which Uwimana said can help introduce young people to reading at an early age.

He urged parents to encourage children to develop a reading habit, arguing that early exposure to books can help them appreciate reading as they grow.

“When you read to a child, when they grow up they develop a love for reading,” he said. “Our role as writers and publishers is to boost the culture of reading and writing.”

The first appearance of books at the trade fair also provided an opportunity for authors to reach new audiences, network and explore partnerships beyond the traditional publishing space.

Among those showcasing her work was singer and author Clementine Uwitonze, popularly known as Tonzi, who has written a book titled “Open Jail”.

Uwitonze said the book explores how people can change their way of thinking and develop a different mindset, while encouraging readers to understand their rights and learn from challenges they have experienced.

“My first book is entitled ‘Open Jail’. It gives someone an opportunity to know their rights, understand previous challenges and become a winner,” she said.

For Uwitonze, bringing books into the trade fair was a significant development for local authors and artists.

“Books were not used to be part of the expo, but now they are here,” she said. “We are happy to be supported by our country as local artists and to have this opportunity to showcase books.”

She added that the expo created opportunities for authors to network, meet potential partners and connect their creative work with wider economic opportunities.

Uwitonze called on both adults and children to develop a stronger reading culture, describing books as an important source of knowledge.

“Through reading there is a secret—there is knowledge,” she said, thanking visitors who bought books and encouraging more Rwandans to read.

The debut of publishing at the 29th Rwanda International Trade Fair comes as Rwanda continues to promote its creative industries and knowledge economy. For local publishers, the initiative provided a rare opportunity to bring books directly into a major business and commercial exhibition.

For authors such as Uwitonze, it also demonstrated that books can serve not only as sources of entertainment and knowledge but also as tools for sharing experiences, promoting personal development and connecting creators with new audiences.

With the trade fair concluding on Monday, publishers are now urging visitors who developed an interest in books during the expo to continue supporting local authors and to engage publishing houses with their own ideas, stories and manuscripts.

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