African Literature Going to the Paris African Book Fair

The upcoming session of the Silk Road Literature Creative Online Meeting will bring together leading voices from Africa to discuss “African Literature Going to the Paris African Book Fair.” The event will be hosted by Egyptian poet, novelist, and translator Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, continuing the dynamic literary dialogue that connects writers across continents. The meeting will highlight the growing international presence of African literature and its participation in one of Europe’s most vibrant cultural gatherings dedicated to African and Afro-descendant writers.

The Silk Road Literature Creative Meeting series, launched in 2025, aims to foster cultural exchange among writers, translators, and scholars from diverse literary traditions. The inaugural session featured six distinguished authors from China, India, Azerbaijan, Russia, Taiwan, and Nigeria, whose works were translated into Arabic by the host, Dr. Ashraf Aboul-Yazid. Since then, the series has evolved into a platform where literature becomes a bridge linking cultures along the symbolic Silk Road—connecting Asia, Africa, and the wider world through dialogue, translation, and creative collaboration.

At the center of this upcoming discussion stands the Salon du Livre Africain de Paris, widely known as SLAP, which has rapidly grown into the largest European gathering dedicated to African and Afro-descendant writers. In only a few years, the fair has become a major cultural platform that celebrates both established literary masters and emerging voices. Blending tribute with discovery, the event creates a vibrant environment where literature becomes a vehicle for dialogue, creativity, and cultural exchange.

Founded by Erick Monjour, the fair has steadily expanded its reach and influence. Its move from the salons of the Mairie du 6e arrondissement to the larger Halle des Blancs Manteaux marked a significant milestone, enabling the event to host hundreds of authors and dozens of publishers from across Africa, Europe, and beyond. The fair’s growth reflects the rising global interest in African literature and the powerful voices shaping its future.

More than a book fair, SLAP has become a vibrant space for exchange and discovery. Visitors can meet celebrated authors—from laureates of the Prix Goncourt to emerging independent voices—while exploring the works of publishers from across Africa whose books are often rarely available in Europe. The fair also hosts prestigious distinctions such as the Grand Prix Afrique and the Prix du Beau Livre Africain, celebrating excellence in writing and publishing.

Among the featured participants in the online meeting is Babacar Ndiaye, a publisher, visual artist, poet, and storyteller from Dakar, Senegal. Born in Mbatal, a district of Dakar, Ndiaye’s artistic journey spans multiple creative forms, including storytelling, graphic design, photography, and video production. At the heart of his work lies a deep engagement with poetry and lyrical narratives rooted in Senegalese oral traditions. Through his art, he celebrates Africa’s cultural heritage and explores themes of community, spirituality, and the profound relationship between humanity and nature.

The event will also feature Arwa Ben Dhia’, a poet whose literary voice resonates across cultures. Recognized as a Peace Ambassador, she advocates for human rights, intercultural understanding, and the transformative power of language. Her poetry—characterized by emotional depth and lyrical clarity—has been widely anthologized and translated. Through her work, she builds bridges between literary tradition and the urgent conversations shaping contemporary global society.

Another distinguished guest is Ismael Diadié Haidara, a poet and cultural figure from Mali living in Spain; whose work reflects the intellectual and spiritual heritage of West Africa. Known for his dedication to preserving African manuscripts and cultural memory, Haidara represents a living connection between historical scholarship and contemporary literary creativity. His poetry and cultural engagement highlight the enduring influence of African knowledge traditions in today’s literary world.

The host, Ashraf Aboul-Yazid, is an Egyptian poet, novelist, translator, and journalist widely recognized for his contributions to Arab literature. A scholar of English literature and the sociology of literature, he earned his PhD researching Crisis Management in the Arabic Novel and its Social Impact. His work bridges aesthetics and knowledge, reflecting both academic depth and creative innovation. Aboul-Yazid has received numerous international honors, including the Manhae Prize for Literature, the Arab Journalism Award for Culture, and the Eurasia Literary Festival Gold Medal. During the fair, his book A Street in Cairo, translated by Hoda Ashraf and introduced by Arwa Ben Dhia’, will be exhibited at the Paris African Book Fair, further highlighting the cultural dialogue between African and Arab literary worlds.