Ouagadougou: The 18th edition of the Ouagadougou International Book Fair (FILO) is set to take place from November 25 to 30, 2025, as announced by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Communication, Fid¨le Aymar Tamini. This year’s event will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the biennial fair, emphasizing cultural identity and national sovereignty.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the announcement was made by Fid¨le Tamini during a press conference at the National Library of Burkina Faso. He highlighted that the event will be held under the high patronage of the President of Faso and will focus on the theme: “Book, cultural identity and national sovereignty.” The government aims to use this edition as a platform to reclaim Burkina Faso’s history, stories, and values.
Tamini revealed that one of the major innovations for this year’s fair is the increase in major book prizes from six to ten. The new awards include the Grand Prize for Children’s Literature, the Grand Prize for Journalistic Literary Criticism, the Grand Prize for Scientific Literary Criticism, and the AES Grand Prize for Integration.
In addition to showcasing books, the 18th edition of FILO will serve as a venue for exchanges, free expression, and committed reflection. The Secretary General called upon all Burkinabe, both from within the country and the diaspora, as well as friendly nations, to engage in this cultural celebration.
The Ouagadougou International Book Fair, initiated by the Burkinabe government in 2000, aims to promote reading and literature. The previous edition of the fair took place in November 2023.