The World Book Capital designation is part of UNESCO’s efforts to support literary development worldwide. Through this title, UNESCO aims to empower cities to build more inclusive societies where knowledge is accessible to all
Home to 54 publishing houses, Rabat has increasingly stood out in the African literary scene and hosts the continent’s third-largest international book and publishing fair. The city’s expanding network of bookstores reflects a robust creative economy that not only celebrates local literature but also works to democratize access to knowledge for all citizens
RABAT, the capital of Morocco, has been officially named as the World Book Capital for 2026. This feat is in celebrating the city’s cultural vibrancy and its commitment to literacy and education.
The announcement, made by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization UNESCO Director-General, Ms Audrey Azoulay, follows a recommendation from the World Book Capital Advisory Committee, which selected Rabat for its dynamic approach to promoting reading and fostering the local publishing industry.
Ms Azoulay praised Rabat as a “cultural crossroads” where books play a critical role in spreading knowledge and the arts. She said: “Following Rio de Janeiro in 2025, I am pleased to announce the designation of Rabat as World Book Capital for 2026. Rabat is a cultural crossroads where books help transmit knowledge and the arts in all their diversity. The growing local book industry is also playing a crucial role in advancing education. These actions resonate with UNESCO’s mandate.”
Home to 54 publishing houses, Rabat has increasingly stood out in the African literary scene and hosts the continent’s third-largest international book and publishing fair. The city’s expanding network of bookstores reflects a robust creative economy that not only celebrates local literature but also works to democratize access to knowledge for all citizens.
The Moroccan capital is the 5th African city to be granted the honour after Alexandria in Egypt, Port Harcourt in Nigeria, Conakry in Guinea and Accra in Ghana.
Home to the third largest international book and publishing fair in Africa, Rabat will kick off the year of celebrations on 23 April 2026, on World Book and Copyright Day.
Rabat will roll out a series of initiatives with the aim to foster sustainable economic growth and social benefits by enhancing access to books and supporting the local publishing industry.
When a city is chosen, it notably organizes a programme of activities for the year to promotes books and reading for all ages and groups.
UNESCO and its advisory committee, which includes representatives from international organizations such as the International Authors Forum, the International Federation of Library Associations, and the International Publishers Association, lauded Rabat’s efforts to empower women and youth through reading initiatives. They noted the city’s strong commitment to combatting illiteracy, particularly among underserved communities.
In its role as the World Book Capital, Rabat will launch a series of ambitious projects aimed at boosting the local publishing sector and promoting reading for social and economic growth. A major literacy campaign will be at the heart of these efforts, with programs designed to improve literacy rates across all demographics. These activities will kick off on April 23, 2026, in conjunction with World Book and Copyright Day, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration.
Rabat is the 26th city to receive the prestigious World Book Capital title since the program began in 2001. It follows a distinguished list of cities, including Madrid, New Delhi, Montreal, Buenos Aires, and more recently, Accra and Strasbourg. Each designated city carries the responsibility of promoting reading and organizing events that encourage a culture of reading across diverse groups, both within and beyond its borders.
The World Book Capital designation is part of UNESCO’s efforts to support literary development worldwide. Through this title, UNESCO aims to empower cities to build more inclusive societies where knowledge is accessible to all.
Source: Media Rights Monitor, mramediarightsmonitor.wordpress.com
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