UNESCO has officially announced Rabat, Morocco’s capital, as the World Book Capital for 2026. The announcement was made by the organization’s Director-General, following the recommendation of the World Book Capital Advisory Committee. Rabat will join a prestigious list of cities that have been recognized for their efforts in promoting books and reading.
As the host city, Rabat is set to kick off the year-long celebrations on April 23, 2026, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day. This honor places Rabat as the fifth African city to receive the title, following in the footsteps of Alexandria (Egypt), Port Harcourt (Nigeria), Conakry (Guinea), and Accra (Ghana).
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Rabat is already home to one of Africa’s largest international book fairs, making it an ideal candidate to foster a vibrant literary culture. Throughout its year as World Book Capital, the city will roll out various initiatives to promote literacy, enhance access to books, and support the local publishing industry. These efforts aim to drive sustainable economic growth and provide social benefits by encouraging a love for reading across all age groups.
UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay praised Rabat’s role in the democratization of knowledge, emphasizing the city’s commitment to nurturing a thriving book industry. As Rabat prepares for this cultural milestone, it follows in the footsteps of Rio de Janeiro, which will host the event in 2025, and Strasbourg, the World Book Capital for 2024.
