Accra, April 14, GNA– Rabat, the capital of Morocco, will officially launch its UNESCO World Book Capital 2026 programme on April 24, alongside the hosting of the 31st International Publishing and Book Fair (SIEL) scheduled for May 1 to 10, 2026.
The celebrations, to be held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, are expected to strengthen Rabat’s position as a major regional and global centre for culture, books and the knowledge industry.
Rabat’s designation as UNESCO World Book Capital recognises the city’s centuries-old intellectual history, sustained investment in culture and education, and the steady expansion of its publishing ecosystem.
The city is home to more than 54 publishing houses and a growing network of bookstores, contributing to the promotion and accessibility of knowledge.
SIEL, organised by the Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, is regarded as one of Africa’s leading book fairs and forms a major pillar of the World Book Capital celebrations.
In collaboration with national partners and UNESCO bodies, the Ministry has developed a year-long programme comprising 342 activities structured around 12 thematic areas.
The programme aims to broaden access to books by extending reading activities to hospitals, rehabilitation centres, orphanages, public spaces and transport networks.
The 31st edition of SIEL will bring together 890 exhibitors, including 320 direct and 570 indirect participants from 60 countries, and will showcase more than 130,000 book titles. France will serve as the guest of honour.
The fair will also pay tribute to the 14th-century Moroccan traveller and scholar Ibn Battuta, with a special focus on travel literature.
More than 204 cultural events are scheduled during the fair, with the participation of about 720 writers, thinkers and creatives. Discussions will focus on reading habits, cultural innovation and developments within the creative industries.
The UNESCO World Book Capital initiative encourages designated cities to promote books and reading for people of all ages through inclusive, year-long programmes at the local, national and international levels.
Rabat becomes the 26th city to hold the title since the initiative began in 2001, succeeding Rio de Janeiro, the 2025 World Book Capital.
The World Book Capital Advisory Committee comprises representatives of the European and International Booksellers Federation, the International Authors Forum, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the International Publishers Association and UNESCO.
GNA
Kenneth Odeng Adade