Casablanca Launches Second International Children’s Book Fair with 340 Publishers

The second International Children and Youth Book Fair opened Saturday at Anfa Park in Casablanca, showcasing 340 publishing houses from 29 countries through December 22.

Doha – The second International Children and Youth Book Fair opened Saturday at Anfa Park in Casablanca, showcasing 340 publishing houses from 29 countries through December 22.

The event, held under the patronage of King Mohammed VI, aims to promote reading culture among younger generations.

Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, who attended the opening ceremony, emphasized the fair’s vital role in supporting growing interest in reading among children and youth.

“Given today’s global challenges, particularly young people’s focus on new technologies, the ministry has taken initiative to strengthen reading and support books, recognizing reading’s crucial role in societal development,” Bensaid said.

The fair features 85 publishers participating directly, offering diverse publications covering various educational and knowledge domains for children and youth. This year’s special guest is Wallonia-Brussels (Belgium).

Casablanca hosts major book fair for youth through December 22.

The event’s cultural program spans seven animation spaces within the exhibition halls, hosting 405 workshops at a rate of 45 per day.

Four additional activity spaces will organize 66 cultural activities benefiting young authors and illustrators seeking to enter the children’s publishing industry.

The National Human Rights Council (CNDH) is running a parallel program under the theme “Participation for Effective Children and Youth Rights.”

CNDH President Amina Bouayach stated the initiative aims to “institutionalize the principle of children and youth participation by legally establishing it and fostering its development to create young people who are active in public affairs.”

The ministry is exploring ways to support publishers in producing Moroccan books featuring local heroes and highlighting the kingdom’s history and heritage at affordable prices for families.

The opening ceremony was attended by various officials, including Khadija Benchouikh, governor of Hay Hassani district, and foreign diplomats accredited to Morocco.