Algeria’s Minister of Culture and Arts, Malika Bendouda, officially opened a training day for young publishers on Monday at the National Library of Algeria. Organized by the National Book Center under the theme “From Idea to Book Production,” the initiative forms part of the ministry’s strategy to support and develop Algeria’s publishing sector.
In her opening remarks, the minister stressed that strengthening the book industry begins with developing skills and expertise, describing books as a fundamental pillar in promoting knowledge, cultural awareness, and national identity. She emphasized that investing in the training of young publishers is an investment in the future of Algerian culture.
Bendouda also highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by digital transformation, urging publishing professionals to modernize their tools and improve the quality of cultural production. She noted that the ministry’s vision extends beyond building a professional publishing industry to establishing an integrated national ecosystem capable of ensuring that Algerian books reach readers more effectively.
As part of this vision, the minister announced plans to establish a specialized institution responsible for managing the Algiers International Book Fair, national book exhibitions, and the distribution of books across the country. She also revealed that the ministry will join the government’s unified electronic services platform to simplify import and export procedures for publishers while improving transparency.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s continued support for Algerian publishers through various programs and institutions, including a policy allocating at least 75 percent of public book procurement to works published by Algerian publishers. Additional support for arts and literature programs, she said, will help sustain the national publishing industry and encourage greater investment in Algerian books.
Concluding her address, Bendouda described publishers as more than intermediaries between writers and readers, calling them cultural and economic actors, creators of knowledge, and essential partners in strengthening Algeria’s cultural influence both regionally and internationally. She encouraged publishers to prioritize quality, professionalism, translation, and international cooperation to expand the global reach of Algerian literature.
