Celebrating Stories. Inspiring Creativity. Preserving Heritage. The Umurage International Book & Arts Festival is Rwanda’s premier gathering celebrating the power of books, storytelling, and the arts to shape society, preserve culture, and inspire future generations. In its inaugural edition, the festival brings together authors, publishers, artists, educators, policymakers, innovators, and readers from Rwanda, Africa, and beyond to explore the evolving world of books and creative expression. Through conversations, exhibitions, performances, workshops, and the festival book fair, Umurage creates a platform to celebrate African stories, strengthen the publishing ecosystem, and highlight the role of literature and arts in education, identity, and sustainable development. With a special focus on youth and women, the festival champions inclusive participation and advocates for stronger investment in Africa’s creative and publishing industries. Umurage is more than a festival — it is a movement to ensure that stories, knowledge, and creativity continue to shape our future.