UNESCO has officially designated Morocco’s capital, Rabat, as the World Book Capital for 2026, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay announced on Tuesday.
“Rabat is a cultural crossroads where books help transmit knowledge and the arts in all their diversity. The growing local book industry is also playing a crucial role in advancing education. These actions resonate with UNESCO’s mandate,” Azoulay said.
Rabat boasts 54 publishing houses, hosts Africa’s third-largest international book and publishing fair, and features a growing number of bookstores, according to UNESCO. “Rabat’s book industry is not only a vital part of the city’s creative economy but also at the forefront of democratizing knowledge,” the organization said.
The recognition from UNESCO and the World Book Capital Advisory Committee reflects Rabat’s commitment to literary development, the empowerment of women and youth through reading, and efforts to combat illiteracy, particularly in underserved communities.
As World Book Capital, Rabat plans to implement a range of initiatives to promote sustainable economic growth and social benefits by improving access to books and supporting the local publishing industry. A significant initiative will focus on enhancing literacy among all residents.
A whole year of celebration will kick off on April 23, 2026, coinciding with World Book and Copyright Day.
Cities designated as UNESCO World Book Capital undertake the responsibility of promoting books and reading across all age groups and cultures and organizing a year-long program of activities. Rabat will be the twenty-sixth city to receive this title since the initiative began in 2001, joining Madrid, New Delhi, and Guadalajara, and succeeding Rio de Janeiro which holds the title for 2025.
The UNESCO World Book Capital Advisory Committee includes representatives from various organizations, including the European and International Booksellers Federation, the International Authors Forum, and the International Federation of Library Associations.