# FILDAK 2026 book fair in Senegal

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/fildak-2026-book-fair-in-senegal
> Updated: 2026-10-18T00:41:56.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 3.

The 18th edition of the Dakar International Book and Didactic Materials Fair (FILDAK) opened on October 15, 2026, at the Senegal International Exhibition and Conference Centre (CICES). This event marks the relaunch of the fair following an eight-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under the theme ‘Library, Transmission, Sovereignty’, the fair features Egypt as the guest of honor to recognize its cultural heritage and diplomatic ties with Senegal. The event also pays tribute to the late Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane.

During the proceedings, Senegalese officials, including Prime Minister Ahmadou Alhaminou M. Lô, emphasized cultural sovereignty and the role of books in social emancipation. Government priorities discussed include the construction of a National Library, the expansion of the national library network, and the relaunch of the Nouvelles Éditions africaines du Sénégal (NEAS). Officials also highlighted the necessity of developing critical thinking within the digital and AI era to safeguard cultural sovereignty.

As the fair progressed, some publishers reported a lower-than-expected turnout. However, the event has maintained an enthusiastic atmosphere, particularly among primary and middle school students. The fair continues to serve as a central meeting point for readers, publishers, and distributors focusing on literary works and educational materials.

## Claims

- The Prime Minister presided over the opening of the 18th edition of the Dakar International Book Fair (FILDAK). (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The 18th edition of FILDAK is held under the theme ‘Library, Transmission, Sovereignty’. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Egypt is the guest of honor at this year's fair. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The event pays tribute to the late Senegalese writer Cheikh Hamidou Kane. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The government plans to realize a National Library project. (single source)
- The government intends to relaunch the Nouvelles Éditions africaines du Sénégal (NEAS). (single source)
- The fair returned to Dakar after an eight-year hiatus. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-18: FILDAK 2026: Dakar hosts international book and didactic material fair

The 18th Dakar International Book and Didactic Material Fair (FILDAK) is underway at CICES, featuring Egypt as the guest of honor and attracting students and book enthusiasts.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fildak-2026-dakar-hosts-international-book-and-didactic-material-fair

### 2026-10-16: FILDAK 2026: Dakar hosts 18th International Book Fair after eight-year hiatus

The 18th Dakar International Book Fair (FILDAK) has reopened after eight years, featuring Egypt as guest of honor and focusing on cultural sovereignty and library expansion in Senegal.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fildak-2026-dakar-hosts-18th-international-book-fair-after-eight-year-hiatus

### 2026-10-13: FILDAK 2026 opens in Senegal with Egypt as guest of honor

The 18th Dakar International Book and Didactic Materials Fair (FILDAK 2026) has opened in Senegal, featuring Egypt as the guest of honor after an eight-year hiatus.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/fildak-2026-opens-in-senegal-with-egypt-as-guest-of-honor

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Cite as: FILDAK 2026 book fair in Senegal. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/fildak-2026-book-fair-in-senegal