18th Edition of “72 Hours of the Book” Festival Opens in Conakry
The 18th edition of the “72 Hours of the Book” festival kicked off in Conakry on April 15, 2026, drawing writers, students, teachers and culture enthusiasts from across Guinea. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Arts and Heritage in partnership with the Guinean Publishers’ Association, the event has become a national symbol of literary vitality and community engagement.
Background and Significance
Since its inception in 2009, the festival has grown from a modest street‑fair into a week‑long celebration that blends readings, performances, workshops and the now‑iconic “dance with books” parade. This distinctive tradition helped earn Conakry the UNESCO World Book Capital designation in 2017[1] and, more recently, its inclusion in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for Literature in 2025[2]. Both recognitions underscore the city’s long‑standing commitment to fostering a literate, creative populace.
Miss Literature Competition: Celebrating Intellect Over Appearance
A centrepiece of the festival for the past four years has been the Miss Literature competition. Unlike conventional beauty pageants, the contest evaluates contestants on their intellectual depth, creative expression and genuine passion for reading. Organizers stress that the title is awarded to those who can articulate how literature shapes personal growth, community values and national identity.
Former participants and spectators repeatedly note that the competition shifts the focus from physical appearance to substantive cultural contribution, encouraging young Guineans to see reading as a tool for empowerment.
Winners and Their Stories
This year’s title went to Aïssatou Kamano, a third‑year dental student at Université Gamal Abdel Nasser de Conakry. In her acceptance speech, Kamano described how novels by Camara Laye and Chinua Achebe have inspired her to pursue both scientific excellence and storytelling.
- First runner‑up: Kadidjatou Barry, a literature major who highlighted how poetry helped her overcome personal adversity.
- Second runner‑up: Mariama Camara, a high‑school teacher who uses storytelling to improve literacy in rural classrooms.
All three laureates emphasized a shared vision: to expand access to books and foster reading clubs in schools and community centres nationwide.
Expansion Beyond the Capital
Recognizing the demand for literary outreach, the festival organizers have satellite events in Forecariah, Kindia and Kankan this year. Activities include mobile book fairs, author‑led workshops in local languages (French, Pular, Malinké) and storytelling circles for children. The program will run through April 28, 2026, ensuring that the festival’s impact reaches beyond Conakry’s urban core.
Looking Ahead: Festival’s Role in National Cultural Policy
Guinean cultural officials cite the “72 Hours of the Book” as a model for integrating literature into broader development strategies. By aligning with UNESCO’s Creative Cities framework, the festival contributes to measurable goals such as increasing youth literacy rates (currently 62 % according to the 2023 World Bank report[3]) and nurturing a creative economy that values intellectual property.
As the festival continues to evolve, its blend of celebration, education and community participation offers a replicable example for other nations seeking to harness literature as a driver of social cohesion and economic opportunity.
References
- UNESCO. “World Book Capital 2017 – Conakry.” Accessed April 2026. https://unesco.org/world-book-capital
- UNESCO. “Creative Cities Network – Literature – Conakry 2025.” Accessed April 2026. https://unesco.org/creative-cities
- The World Bank. “Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) – Guinea.” 2023. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.ADT.LITR.ZS?locations=GN
