The fifth edition of the African Book Fair in Paris, launching on March 21, features 150 publishers and 400 African and Afro-descendant authors aiming to showcase a burgeoning literary scene. Souleymane Gueye, a Senegalese youth publisher and founder of Saaraba Editions, has taken center stage as the African guest at RFI, underscoring his commitment to promoting literature from his country.

In a conversation with RFI, Gueye noted the alarming global trend of declining readership, referencing findings that only 40% of Americans read a book annually. He expressed concern that Senegal is not immune to this phenomenon, as preferences shift toward screens and digital distractions, leading to a decrease in the love for reading among the populace. He emphasized the pressing need for quality literary production and targeted activities to foster a culture of reading.

Gueye believes there is a growing awareness in Senegal about the significance of national languages, which plays a crucial role in preserving cultural identity and promoting local literature. He advocates for cultivating a literary ecosystem that not only acknowledges but also celebrates these languages, aiming to engage Senegalese readers and writers more deeply in their native tongues, thus enriching the nation's cultural fabric and literary landscape.