FILÉAC represents an entry point into Central African markets characterised by limited infrastructure but growing creative dynamism.
The International Book and Publishing Forum of Central Africa (FILÉAC) convenes in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on 20 March 2026, following the successful conclusion of the fourth edition of the Yaoundé Book Industry Fair (SIILY).
Context and Timing
FILÉAC takes place just days after SIILY 2026, which ran from 11–14 March at the National Museum of Yaoundé. The fourth edition of SIILY concluded with a prize-giving ceremony for publishing professionals and young laureates of various competitions, including mother tongue language contests and public reading competitions.
The fair featured special guest Djaïli Amadou Amal, winner of the 2020 Prix Goncourt des Lycéens for Les Impatientes, who presented her new novel Espoir during the closing events.
This clustering of literary events positions Yaoundé as a temporary hub for African publishing activity during March 2026, offering international visitors the opportunity to attend multiple industry gatherings within a single itinerary.
Professional Objectives
FILÉAC serves as a professional platform dedicated to structuring and developing the book chain in Central Africa. The forum addresses persistent structural challenges facing the regional publishing sector, including weak distribution networks, insufficient professional organisation, lack of standardised referencing tools such as ISBN and metadata, limited circulation of works within the francophone space, and restricted access to international markets.
The forum emerges from the African Publishing Startups Incubator (APSI), supported by the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), which has trained c. 20 industry folk and worked to strengthen the discoverability of local works.
The View From The West African Beach
For publishing professionals, FILÉAC represents an entry point into Central African markets characterised by limited infrastructure but growing creative dynamism.
The forum is organised in partnership with Éditions Adinkra, Éditions Akoma Mba, and Éditions Artkontés, with participation confirmed from publishers including Izuba Éditions.
The event is designed to become an annual, itinerant gathering across Central African countries, aiming to strengthen durable links between book industry stakeholders in the sub-region.
Participants can anticipate practical workshops and activities focused on consolidating existing synergies and launching new sub-regional initiatives.
This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.
