The 4th edition of the Salon du Livre Africain de Paris opened its doors on Thursday March 14, 2025, marking this year a new venue, the Hall des Blancs Manteaux, located at 48 rue Vieille du Temple in the 4th arrondissement of Paris. The three previous editions were held at the 6th arrondissement town hall.

Under the theme “voyage(s) en diaspora(s)”, this year's edition features Cameroon, while Brazil is the special guest. The fair brings together key players in the book production chain from Africa, Europe and America, including authors, publishers, booksellers and many other industry professionals.The program for this year's event includes a wide range of activities, such as conferences, meetings, round tables, workshops and master-classes.

The Salon du Livre Africain de Paris will be awarding two prizes on Saturday and Sunday.  At 4 p.m. on Saturday March 15, the Grand Prix Afrique (for French-language writers) will be awarded.This is the former Grand Prix littéraire d'Afrique noire created by Adelf. 
This year's finalists are: Le harem du Roi, Djaili Amadou Amal, Éditions E. Collas. Le Testament de Charles by Christian Eboulé, Éditions les lettres Mouchetées. Je remercie la nuit, Véronique Tadjo, Éditions Mémoire d'encrier. Le bouddhisme est né à Colobane by Felwine SARR, Éditions Philippe Rey and Jimsaan. Le blues du dimanche soir by Eric Mukendi, Éditions Gallimard. Le rêve du pêcheur by Hemley Boum, Éditions Gallimard.

At 3pm on Sunday March 16, the Maison de l'Afrique's Beau Livre Africain prize will be awarded. The prize is awarded to beautiful books on Africa (art, culture, architecture, design, photography, cuisine, fashion), published in Africa, Europe and the rest of the world in 2023 and 2024.

Tatiana Kuessie