Rabat to Convene Global Bibliophiles in April 2025 with SIEL’s 30th Edition

Rabat is preparing to host literary enthusiasts and publishing experts for the 30th edition of its annual International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), set to take place this year from April 17 to 27, 2025, at the OLM Souissi venue.

Rabat – Rabat is preparing to host literary enthusiasts and publishing experts for the 30th edition of its annual International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL), set to take place this year from April 17 to 27, 2025, at the OLM Souissi venue.

The Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication has officially opened registration for publishers, distributors, bookstores, and cultural institutions wishing to participate in this landmark event.

Applications are being accepted from December 28, 2024, through February 15, 2025.

This landmark edition of SIEL is set to attract major figures in the publishing world, offering a dynamic space for cultural dialogue, literary discovery, and professional networking.

Morocco is increasingly establishing itself as a prominent hub for literature and publishing. The 29th edition of SIEL in Rabat saw a remarkable surge in attendance, with over 316,000 visitors—an impressive 32% increase from the previous year.

The event featured 743 exhibitors from 48 countries, offering a rich array of nearly 100,000 titles across diverse fields of knowledge and interest.

In parallel, Casablanca hosted its second International Children and Youth Book Fair, which wrapped up last week, attracting over 101,000 visitors and 340 exhibitors from 29 countries.

More than just a gathering for book lovers, the fair became a platform for nurturing creativity, literacy, and collaboration among Morocco’s youth, contributing to the country’s growing literary scene.

These events aim to ignite a passion for literature among Moroccans, particularly in an era where reading is becoming a declining habit, a shift that is both concerning and unfortunate. They seek to encourage more people to embrace the written word and further fuel the development of the local literary landscape.

In October, Rabat was named UNESCO’s World Book Capital for 2026, a designation that will see the city implement initiatives designed to expand access to books and support the local publishing sector. These efforts are expected to play a key role in boosting literacy, fostering social inclusion, and promoting sustainable economic growth in the city.