In Mozambique, the Maputo International Book Fair (MIBF) is striving to build a more professional publishing environment that goes beyond traditional book fairs. The event plans to include activities such as rights exchanges, business-to-business meetings, manuscript presentations, training sessions, and networking opportunities. These efforts aim to address significant challenges in the country’s publishing sector, where only 27 publishers and seven established bookstores serve a population of around 35.63 million people, according to the World Bank’s 2025 estimate. Sandra Tamele, president of the Mozambican Association of Publishers and Booksellers (AMEL), has stressed the importance of adapting successful models from global book fairs in cities like Frankfurt and Bologna to fit Mozambique’s unique needs. The MIBF is still in the planning stages, with conflicting reports about its dates. Some sources suggest it could take place in November 2026, while others point to September 18–20, 2026, in the cities of Maputo, Matola, and Marracuene. Tamele has pointed out that the lack of effective distribution networks, limited print runs, and insufficient training for publishing professionals are major obstacles. The fair hopes to connect local publishers with international agents, support translation projects, and encourage the production of bilingual books in Portuguese and local Mozambican languages. One of the local publishers that the MIBF aims to support is Sandra Tamele’s Editora Trinta Zero Nove, which specializes in translated literature and has previously received awards for its work in literary translation. AMEL is also working to integrate Mozambique into broader international publishing networks, including membership in the International Publishers Association and the African Publishers Network. These efforts are part of a larger goal to "create the conditions for a book industry to emerge" by promoting both local and international collaboration. The MIBF represents a significant step toward developing Mozambique’s publishing sector. By bringing together local and international stakeholders, the fair hopes to address longstanding challenges and create a more sustainable and vibrant book industry in the country. The event’s success could pave the way for more opportunities in publishing, translation, and cultural exchange for Mozambican authors and publishers.