The International Youth Book Fair in Conakry, Guinea, has marked its 10th anniversary with a celebration of its decade-long commitment to promoting reading and literature among young people. The event, which runs from November 4 to 7, 2026, has brought together cultural actors, writers, publishers, and book professionals from across the region. The fair is organized by Éditions Ganndal, with the support of several publishing houses.
The 10th edition of the fair has been placed under the theme "Building Together Our Future Societies of Readers." The event aims to promote reading, develop a love of literature among young people, and create a new generation of readers. The fair features various cultural activities, including reading competitions and book giveaways. Over 500 book vouchers will be distributed to students from 56 participating schools.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Youssouf Boundou Sylla, Secretary General of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Handicrafts, on behalf of the Minister. Dr. Sylla praised the strong mobilization of young people around the event and highlighted the importance of reading in building human capital and forming citizens. He noted that the President of the Republic, General Mamadi Doumbouya, places great importance on education and reading.
Aliou Sow, Director General of Éditions Ganndal and Delegate General of the Fair, reflected on the motivations behind the creation of the event in 2017. Sow noted that the fair has now reached a certain level of maturity and has inspired over a dozen French-speaking African countries. This edition features Dakar as the guest city of honor, as well as training for young authors in documentary writing.
Luc Briard, French Ambassador to Guinea and Sierra Leone, expressed his satisfaction with the continuity of the initiative. Briard emphasized that building a society of readers is a collective responsibility that involves schools, families, and libraries. He also highlighted the importance of complementarity between French and Guinean national languages.
The fair also features a delegation of librarians from Montreuil, who are sharing their expertise with local actors. Exchanges between students from Conakry and Montreuil are also planned. The event provides a platform for young people to discover new books and authors, as well as to develop their writing skills.
The International Youth Book Fair in Conakry has become a significant event in the region, promoting reading and literature among young people. The event has also highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing between countries and cultures. As the fair continues, it is expected to inspire a new generation of readers and writers in Guinea and beyond.
Key points
- The 10th edition of the International Youth Book Fair in Conakry celebrates a decade of promoting reading and literature among young people in Guinea and beyond.
- The event features various cultural activities, including reading competitions and book giveaways, and has brought together cultural actors, writers, publishers, and book professionals from across the region.
- The fair has inspired over a dozen French-speaking African countries and has become a significant event in the region, promoting reading and literature among young people.
