PublishingBy Nor Eleslam, Journalist at Dzwatch.dz
Algiers – The Minister of Culture and Arts, Mr. Zohir Bello, emphasized the Algerian government’s ongoing efforts to support and develop the book industry during a meeting held on Thursday, January 30, 2025, in Algiers. The event, organized at the Palace of Culture Moufdi Zakaria, celebrated the completion of the 2024 publishing support program and brought together publishers, librarians, and writers to discuss the future of Algeria’s publishing sector.
Mr. Bello called on publishers and stakeholders in the publishing industry to build on the achievements made so far, stressing the importance of advancing the national cultural scene and strengthening Algeria’s intellectual and civilizational development.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures, including Mr. Saleh Belaid, President of the Supreme Council of the Arabic Language; Mr. Cherif Meribet, President of the Algerian Academy of the Arabic Language; Mr. Abdelmadjid Zaâlani, President of the National Human Rights Council; Mr. Bousbaa Mahfouz, President of the Committee on Culture, Media, Youth, and Tourism at the Council of the Nation; and Mr. Lahcen Zeghidi, General Coordinator of the Memory and History Committee.
State Efforts in the Book Industry: A Source of National Pride
Minister Bello described the state’s efforts in the book industry as a “source of pride for the nation,” emphasizing the need for collective action to preserve and develop these achievements. He highlighted the ministry’s commitment to providing the necessary material, human, and organizational conditions to promote the book industry and support all stages of production, from writing to reading.
In 2024, the ministry allocated significant financial support for the printing of 104,000 copies of books and the acquisition of approximately 32,000 titles, totaling 209,140 copies for public libraries. This initiative aims to encourage reading and make literature more accessible to the public.
Ambitious Plans for 2025
The minister announced an ambitious program for 2025 to further support books and publishing. The program includes extending the registration period for publishing support until the end of February to ensure broader participation. He urged all publishers to engage with the ministry’s Book Directorate to benefit from these initiatives.
Mr. Bello also highlighted the legal frameworks established to regulate the book market, ensuring the necessary conditions for the industry’s growth. Additionally, the ministry plans to enhance book distribution by organizing national exhibitions and increasing Algeria’s participation in international book fairs.
Digitization of Public Libraries
In line with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s directives on digitization, the ministry is working to connect all 594 public libraries across the country. The project, which began earlier this year, has already connected 21 libraries, with plans to complete the process by the end of the first half of 2025.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to modernizing the cultural sector and making knowledge more accessible to all Algerians.
