Togo's Lomé International Book Fair Returns After Years-Long Hiatus

Culture

Friday, 24 April 2026 11:33

Togo's Lomé International Book Fair Returns After Years-Long Hiatus

(Togo First) - Togo's Lomé International Book Fair (FI2L) resumes this weekend at the Centre togolais des expositions et foires (CETEF). The event runs Friday and Saturday, April 25 and 26, 2026, marking its comeback after several years of interruption.

Organized by the Association des écrivains du Togo (AET) and Club Le Littéraire, in partnership with CETEF, this sixth edition marks a long-awaited revival as Togo's book industry seeks to strengthen its structure.

Backed by the culture ministry, the event will welcome a delegation of Beninese authors. It aims to bring together authors, publishers, booksellers, institutions and readers, while raising the profile of Togolese literature and developing a still small local market.

“The fair will offer a platform bringing together all players in the book industry,” said Prof. Kouméalo Anaté, president of the AET.

Held under the theme “Writing the World Ahead,” the 2026 edition examines the role of literature in the face of social, technological and cultural change. The program includes conferences, panel discussions, writing workshops, literary talks, book signings and a day dedicated to schoolchildren.

Beyond the fair itself, FI2L aims to promote reading across the country. For the AET, it represents the culmination of a literary caravan organized since March, during which Togolese authors travelled across the country, visiting schools to encourage reading among students.

Organizers expect more than 1,000 visitors, with around 20 exhibitors already confirmed.

The revival of FI2L comes amid ongoing challenges in distributing local works, limited access to libraries, and broader efforts to build a sustainable book ecosystem in Togo.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi

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