The management of the Algiers International Book Fair (Salon International du livre d’alger ‘SILA’) has received 800 applications for participation from publishers from around the world. Organised by Algeria’s Ministry of Culture, the 22nd edition of SILA is set to be held from 25 October to 4 November, at the capital’s fair grounds Palais des Exposition des Pins Maritimes d’Alger.
South Africa will be hosted as this year’s guest of honour. SILA will celebrate renowned South African writers, authors and poets through an array of events, which will be held in the presence of senior diplomats and officials from South African embassies, in Algeria and other Arab and North African countries.
The previous edition of SILA was themed ‘The Book, Total Connection’ (Le livre, totale connexion), and saw participation of 966 Arab and foreign publishing houses, of which 290 were local. Visited by 1.3 million visitors, SILA is the largest book fair in North Africa and Maghreb in terms of footfall.
