While receiving the winners of the national awards presented at the 2025 edition of the Abidjan International Book Fair (SILA) on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at her office in Abidjan-Plateau, the Minister of Culture and Francophonie, Françoise Remarck, reaffirmed the government’s commitment—through her ministry—to promoting books and literature.
The award winners included:
· Fidèle Goulyzia, winner of the Grand Prix National Bernard B. Dadié for his novel “Malo-Woussou”
· Nincemon Falle, winner of the Prix National Bernard B. Dadié du Jeune Écrivain for “Les soleils ardents”
· Serge Grah, winner of the Prix National Jeanne de Cavally for children’s literature with “La princesse Zaouli”
· Les Classiques Africains, recipient of the 2025 SILA National Prize for publishing
“This commitment is clear, all the more because the President of the Republic has made it one of his priorities, through an existing law on books, demonstrating how essential literature has always been within his vision,” stated Françoise Remarck.
Addressing the challenges ahead, the minister emphasized the need for everyone to take ownership of this law on book policy, which addresses, among other things, the accessibility of books, the structure of the book value chain, and the role of all those who contribute to promoting and valuing literary works—professional associations, booksellers, distributors, and printers.
Looking toward future opportunities, she announced that Côte d’Ivoire has been invited to participate in the Egyptian Book Fair scheduled for late January 2026, and encouraged actors in the sector to join the delegation accompanying the ministry.
In addition to celebrating the growing visibility of Côte d’Ivoire in the literary world, she praised the resilience of SILA, which remains a source of national pride by showcasing “the strength of our writers and the richness of Ivorian and global literature.”
She also congratulated the award winners whose writing, she said, contributes to the moral, intellectual, and cultural development of the nation.
“Through your works, you enrich the national spirit, nourish collective reflection, and offer Côte d’Ivoire a literary heritage destined to stand the test of time. Continue your work with the same passion, rigor, and fidelity to human truth. Continue to be beacons—awakening consciences…” she encouraged, assuring them that the ministry will remain by their side to support their work, strengthen the ecosystem, and advance Côte d’Ivoire’s literary ambitions.
Speaking on behalf of all the national award winners, Fidèle Goulyzia thanked the minister for implementing a vision that restores honor and dignity to Ivorian literature.