20 January 2015

Zimbabwe comes to Canada for FIPP Congress

Madyara hopes to learn about the international magazine media business and meet his peers at the event in Toronto, Canada.

Find out more about the FIPP Congress in Toronto on 13-14 October 2015.

We asked Madyara a few questions about his decision to attend the FIPP Congress:

Where did you hear about the FIPP World Congress?

I learnt about FIPP via Google, whilst doing my research. I wanted to know if there was any global event that brings together international magazines.

Why do you wish to attend?

My wish is to see Zimbabwean magazines grow in size and innovation. The best way to do this is to learn and interact with already established publishers. My hope is to meet and identify individuals and publishers who are willing to share their knowledge with Zimbabwean magazine start-ups. I will share my FIPP contacts and experiences with Zimbabwean magazine publishers on my return from the Congress.

Any thoughts on who you hope to meet there?

Definitely! A few that come to mind are Woodwing, Magzter, Forbes and magazine vending machine manufacturers.

The magazine media market in Zimbabwe

According to data from the Zimbabwe Media Commission, there are approximately 92 registered media houses in Zimbabwe. This number constitutes both local and international media houses who produce more than 100 newspaper, journal and magazine titles combined. All media and publishing houses have to register and are regulated by the Zimbabwe Media Commission (ZMC).

The biggest publishers in Zimbabwe are the mainstream players, the Newspapers. Magazines are not very popular in Zimbabwe, only in the cities do you find magazine newsstands. A few Zimbabweans in the Diaspora are also playing a major role in increasing the number of digital publications.

One of the oldest magazines in Zimbabwe is Moto Magazine, it was founded by the Catholic Church in 1959. Moto fast became one of the most outspoken voices in the liberation war, providing scathing criticism of the colonial government and support for African nationalist parties. Banned by the Smith regime in 1974, it re-emerged in 1980, first as a newspaper and then as one of the first magazines to provide content in ChiShona, SiNdebele and English. Other pioneer magazines in Zimbabwe include Horizon, Parade, Mahogany which have all ceased to exist, well Parade has bounced back.

To register your place at the FIPP Congress, visit the website today.