Javaabu and Eeezap Bring Maldivian Authors Together to Explore New Opportunities in Publishing

Javaabu, in collaboration with Eeezap, hosted a special dinner for Maldivian authors on 19 October 2026 at Maagiri Hotel in Malé. The gathering, which began at 8:30 PM, brought together around 25 published Maldivian authors to explore new opportunities in digital publishing, book distribution, and connecting writers with readers through technology.

The evening provided an opportunity for authors to learn about two platforms designed to support the local literary community: Javaabu's digital storytelling platform, Dhivehi Vaahaka, and Eeezap's new Phygital Bookstore. The gathering also encouraged open discussions about the challenges faced by Maldivian authors and how technology can help address them.

Javaabu Co-Founder and CEO Mohamed Jailam introduced Dhivehi Vaahaka to the attending authors, showcasing how the platform aims to make publishing more accessible while creating new opportunities for writers to reach audiences and earn from their creative work.

Dhivehi Vaahaka is Javaabu's digital storytelling platform dedicated to supporting Dhivehi literature and connecting writers with readers. The platform enables authors to publish and monetise their stories while allowing readers to discover and enjoy Dhivehi literary content through a modern digital experience. It also integrates Dhivehi text-to-speech technology, making stories accessible through audio.

During his presentation, Jailam demonstrated several tools designed to simplify the publishing process, including AI-assisted cover image generation, automated spelling and grammar checking, and automated content moderation. These features aim to reduce the technical and editorial challenges of publishing, allowing authors to focus more on their storytelling.

He also highlighted features that help authors engage directly with their readers, grow their audiences, and build communities around their work. By bringing publishing tools, reader engagement, and monetisation opportunities together, Dhivehi Vaahaka seeks to create a more accessible and sustainable digital environment for Maldivian writers.

Eeezap CEO and CFO Abdullah Miuvan Shareef introduced the company's new Phygital Bookstore, an initiative designed to make it easier for Maldivian authors to sell and distribute physical books through a digital platform.

Eeezap is a Maldivian multi-service super app that connects customers with local businesses and service providers. Its services include food and grocery delivery, transportation, shopping, and other on-demand services. The introduction of its Phygital Bookstore expands the platform's offerings into book retail and distribution, creating a new channel for local authors to reach readers.

Through the new service, authors can make their physical books available for purchase through Eeezap, while the platform handles delivery and helps market their publications. This approach aims to ease some of the logistical and promotional responsibilities traditionally managed by authors themselves.

Miuvan encouraged the attending authors to join the platform and take advantage of its existing customer network, delivery infrastructure, and marketing capabilities to make their books more accessible to readers across the Maldives.

Beyond the platform presentations, the gathering created an opportunity for meaningful conversations between the participating authors and the teams behind Javaabu and Eeezap.

Authors shared some of the difficulties they currently face when selling their books, particularly the challenges of reaching customers, promoting their publications, and managing sales and distribution. These discussions highlighted the need for accessible services that can help writers bring their work to readers without having to manage every aspect of the selling process themselves.

The authors also shared suggestions for additional features they would like to see in Eeezap's Phygital Bookstore. Their feedback provided valuable perspectives on how the service could continue to develop to better accommodate the needs of local writers and readers.

The collaboration between Javaabu and Eeezap reflects a shared interest in using technology to create meaningful opportunities for Maldivian authors. While Dhivehi Vaahaka focuses on digital storytelling, publishing, and reader engagement, Eeezap's Phygital Bookstore offers a complementary channel for promoting and distributing physical publications.

Together, these initiatives demonstrate how locally developed digital platforms can help address different challenges within the Maldivian publishing ecosystem, making it easier for authors to share their work, connect with audiences, and explore new opportunities for earning from their creativity.

Javaabu extends its sincere appreciation to Eeezap for the collaboration in organising this special gathering and for its efforts to support Maldivian authors through innovative digital services.

The Javaabu team also extends its heartfelt thanks to all the authors who joined the evening, shared their experiences, and contributed valuable ideas. Javaabu looks forward to continuing its efforts to support Dhivehi literature, empower local storytellers, and help build a stronger literary community through technology.