Lugano – UNESCO has officially designated Rabat as the World Book Capital for 2026, recognizing the city’s commitment to promoting literature, education, and access to reading.
Rabat will hold the title for one year starting April 23, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day.
During this period, the city will host a wide range of literary initiatives, including book fairs, workshops, public readings, and cultural discussions aimed at encouraging reading across all age groups.
The World Book Capital title, awarded annually by UNESCO, highlights a city’s commitment to advancing books and reading while working to combat illiteracy and promote access to reading opportunities for all.
The initiative brings together local authorities, writers, publishers, and cultural organizations to create programs that foster a lasting reading culture.
The acknowledgment emphasizes Rabat’s dynamic literary ecosystem, highlighting its 54 publishing houses alongside a strong network of libraries and cultural institutions, reinforcing the city’s position as a growing center for literary exchange both regionally and internationally.
In selecting Rabat, UNESCO pointed to the city’s strong emphasis on inclusion and accessibility, particularly through initiatives that encourage reading among young people and underserved communities, while helping to build a more informed and equitable future.
A key example of Rabat’s literary activity is the city’s International Book Fair, one of the most significant publishing events in Africa.
Scheduled for April 30 – May 10, the fair brings together hundreds of publishers, authors, and cultural actors from dozens of countries, serving as both a public cultural event and a professional platform for the publishing industry.
This edition will welcome France as guest of honor and celebrate the figure of Ibn Battuta, highlighting themes of travel, knowledge, and cultural exchange.
With this designation, Rabat joins a global network of cities that have used the platform to expand literacy initiatives and promote cultural dialogue through books.
