The Ministry of Culture, Crafts and Tourism announces the holding of the first ever Book and Reading Forum on October 16 and 17, under the theme: "Education through books for enlightened sovereignty." This national meeting will be held at the Grand Théâtre National and the Museum of Black Civilizations.

It is part of the dynamics of systemic transformation of Senegal, based on culture, knowledge and transmission, informs the APS.

Placed under the high patronage of the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, First Protector of Arts and Letters, this initiative pays tribute to the writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, chosen as patron of the forum.

Considered a "memory transmitter," the author of L'Aventure Ambiguë embodies the junction between heritage and modernity, between African knowledge and openness to the world. His work, a reflection of the questions of the African soul in the face of contemporary challenges, perfectly illustrates the forum's vocation: to reconcile young people with books, reading, and thought.

The ministry emphasizes that through this sponsorship, the nation celebrates a major figure in African literature, whose thought remains a lively source of inspiration and transmission.

Five major axes at the heart of the debates

Organized in synergy with several ministries: National Education, Higher Education, Communication and Digital, Urban Planning, Local Authorities, Vocational Education and Crafts, the forum aims to be cross-cutting and inclusive. Five major questions will structure the discussions:

- How to promote national and African reading and literary production?

- How can we expand the network of modern libraries, adapted to the digital age, across the entire territory?

- How to support writers’ associations and networks?

- How can we promote books as a lever for development, employment and cultural diplomacy?

- How can we strengthen state action through the restructuring of the Publishing Support Fund?

Minister of Culture Amadou Ba will hold a press conference this Thursday at 4 p.m. at the National Art Gallery to unveil the detailed program for these two days of reflection and celebration of the book.

Announced at the Council of Ministers on February 5, 2025, this forum is part of the presidential vision which establishes books and reading as pillars of Senegal's cultural, educational and intellectual sovereignty.