FILDAK 2026: Ahmadou Alhaminou M. Lô places cultural sovereignty at the heart of priorities
The Prime Minister, Ahmadou Alhaminou M. Lô, chaired, Thursday, October 15, at the International Foreign Trade Center of Senegal (CICES), the official opening ceremony of the 18th edition of the Dakar International Book Fair (FILDAK).
On this occasion, he reaffirmed the State’s priorities to promote reading, strengthen documentary infrastructure and consolidate Senegal’s cultural sovereignty.
On behalf of the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, the Head of Government officially launched the 18th edition of the Dakar International Book Fair, in the presence of several members of the Government. Placed under the theme “ Library, Transmission, Sovereignty », this edition highlights Egypt and pays tribute to the Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane, who recently passed away.
The establishment of a national library
In his speech, the Prime Minister underlined the strategic importance of books and libraries in the construction of lasting cultural sovereignty. For him, the promotion of knowledge, the transmission of knowledge and access to reading constitute essential levers for training enlightened citizens and strengthening national cultural identity.
In this perspective, Ahmadou Alhaminou M. Lô recalled several priority projects of the State. This includes accelerating the realization of the National Library project, relaunching the New African Editions of Senegal (NEAS) and extending the library network to the entire territory. These guidelines aim to facilitate people’s access to documentary resources and to support the creation and distribution of books.
The Head of Government also insisted on the issues linked to technological changes. Faced with the progression of digital technology and artificial intelligence, he highlighted the need to develop the critical spirit of young people in order to enable them to better understand new forms of access to information and production of knowledge.
Mobilizing young people around books
As the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) approach, the Prime Minister also invited pupils, students and families to come en masse to FILDAK. This call aims to make the fair a space for discovery, sharing and promotion of reading among all generations.
With this 18th edition, FILDAK intends to contribute to the influence of books and culture, while placing libraries, the transmission of knowledge and cultural autonomy at the heart of Senegal’s development challenges.
CGD
