Julia Heita
The National Literary Festival will return in October 2025 with a focus on strengthening the role of Namibian literature in education and creating greater market access for local authors. The two-day event will take place at the National Library of Namibia in Windhoek.
Organised by the National Arts Council of Namibia through its literature committee, the festival will run under the theme “Open a Book”. Writers, publishers, educators, and literature enthusiasts are expected to gather for panel discussions, workshops, book exhibitions, author signings, and a “Read Corner” aimed at promoting a reading culture among both children and adults.
The programme will also feature spoken-word performances, theatre for children, and traditional storytelling. Groups such as Free Your Mind will make appearances, adding to the variety of performances. Book and food stalls will be set up at the festival grounds, while a closing cocktail event will provide a platform for networking.
“The festival is not only a celebration of creativity but also an opportunity to strengthen the role of Namibian literature in education and to create greater market access for local authors,” the National Arts Council of Namibia said in a statement.
The event is being held in collaboration with the directorate of arts and the directorate of national library and archive services.
The National Literary Festival was first launched in 2023. With the second edition confirmed, it is set to become an annual platform for celebrating local writing and deepening engagement with literature in Namibia.
