Rabat: The majority of Moroccan publishers publish in Arabic, Thierry Millogo, founder of €š¬…¡¬‚¬¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬¦¡¬°ditions Mercury, noted on Saturday, present in Morocco as part of the 30th edition of the International Book and Publishing Fair (SIEL). He welcomed the fact, speaking to AIB, that "Moroccans have worked to strengthen Arabic as an official language of communication and writing."
According to Burkina Information Agency, a report by the King Abdul-Aziz Al Saud Foundation for Islamic Studies and Humanities, published on the occasion of this 30th edition, indicates that Moroccan publishing production for the year 2023/2024 reached 3,725 titles, representing an annual rate of approximately 1,863 publications, marking an increase of approximately 6.98% compared to the previous year.
The report, a copy of which was obtained by the AIB, indicates that approximately 79.43% of these publications are written in Arabic, compared to 16.86% in French. English accounts for 1.83% of publications, followed by Amazigh (1.78%), Morocco's second official language since 2011.
Thierry Millogo emphasized the importance of language in cultural development, stating that Moroccans have successfully consolidated Arabic as a primary language of communication and writing. He noted that while books in French are present, they remain relatively marginal at the fair.
Millogo sees the International Book and Publishing Fair as a source of inspiration for Burkina Faso and other African countries. He believes there are many lessons to be learned from the Moroccan experience that can be applied to improve the literary environment in his own country. He praised the professionalism and investment by Moroccan authorities in organizing the event, which he views as a testament to the importance Moroccans place on books.
Burkina Faso is represented at this 30th edition by the Mercury publishing house, showcasing Burkinabe literary works, and by writers Thierry Millogo and Bernadette Sanou/Dao, who are participating in discussion panels.
The fair, organized from April 18 to 27 in Rabat by the Moroccan Ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, in partnership with the Rabat-Sal©-K©nitra region, features 756 exhibitors from 51 countries. The 2025 edition pays tribute to Moroccans living abroad, with the Emirate of Sharjah (United Arab Emirates) as the guest country of honor.
Under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the opening ceremony was presided over by His Royal Highness Prince Moulay Rachid, alongside Moroccan Minister Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid and several international delegations.