Franceville hosts inaugural PLUGAF literary festival to boost Gabon's book sector

The city of Franceville in Gabon's Haut‑Ogooué province held the first edition of the national literary festival « Plumes du Gabon à Franceville » (PLUGAF) on 5 July 2026. Organized by writer Vanessa Brunella Mpiga Ossiessi, the event aimed to promote Gabonese literature and develop the book sector. Under the theme “Écrire pour exister : voix émergentes et résilience littéraire”, the festival gathered provincial officials, cultural promoters, writers, publishers and readers. Cameroon participated as guest of honour, represented by Vice‑Rector André Desmond Eyango, highlighting a sub‑regional dimension.

Panels addressed African literary creation, knowledge transmission and publishing prospects. Several awards were presented, including the PLUGAF 2026 Homage Prize, the Golden Feather, and prizes for cultural promoters and emerging talent. The festival also marked the launch of a permanent “Maison du Livre et des Plumes du Gabon”, intended as a hub for reading, writing, training and support for young writers.