#National News

The Gambia turns the page: Kunta Kinteh International Book Festival opens now

Dec 18, 2025, 11:52 AM

The literary heartbeat of The Gambia will throb louder this 18 to 20 December as the Kunta Kinteh International Book Festival (KKIBF) takes centre stage at the Alliance Francaise on Kairaba Avenue, welcoming the public to a joyful celebration of books, culture, and ideas. Convened by the Writers’ Association of The Gambia (WAG), the festival is designed as an open, people-centred event where literature steps out of the classroom and into public life.

Over several engaging sessions, the festival will bring together Gambian and international writers, publishers, educators, students, and cultural enthusiasts. Visitors can expect book exhibitions, interactive discussions, readings, book launches, and informal exchanges that demystify writing and make authors accessible. It is a rare opportunity to see Gambian literature displayed proudly, side by side with voices from across the continent and the diaspora.

KKIBF is not just for academics or seasoned readers. It is for families, young people, and the simply curious—for anyone who believes that stories can entertain, educate, and inspire. With its relaxed atmosphere and rich programme, the festival promises learning without stiffness and culture without barriers.

In a time when screens dominate attention, the Kunta Kinteh International Book Festival offers a refreshing reminder of the enduring power of books to connect generations and spark imagination.

The doors are open. The pages are waiting.

All are invited to attend and be part of this growing literary movement in The Gambia.