The Sharjah Book Fair 2024 Publishers Conference was more than an event; it was a crucible of ideas, a platform for collaboration, and a beacon of hope for the African publishing industry. As I walked into the conference hall, surrounded by publishers from across the globe, I felt a mix of anticipation and great responsibility. I was there not just as a publisher but as a voice for African writers, readers, and the rich stories that connect us.

This experience illuminated the challenges we face, the opportunities we can seize, and the strategies we need to adopt to elevate African publishing to new heights as discussed during the roundtable discussion on creating a coalition of African publishers to publish African writers for African readers moderated by Mercy Kirui of Mvua Press, Kenya.

‍The Challenges: Breaking Down the Barriers

The conversation began with an unfiltered look at the hurdles holding back the African publishing industry. These challenges are not new, but they continue to weigh heavily on publishers across the continent:

• Lack of Distribution Networks: Many African countries have underdeveloped systems for distributing books. Without sufficient booksellers or supply chains, publishers struggle to get books into the hands of readers.

• High Printing Costs: Printing locally is often prohibitively expensive due to the cost of raw materials and outdated technology. This forces many publishers to rely on overseas printing, which can be logistically complicated and less aligned with local markets.

• Restrictive Policies: Government control over textbook publishing and delays in payments for procurement have made it difficult for publishers to operate sustainably. Furthermore, the absence of national book and reading policies stifles growth and innovation.

• Foreign Exchange (Forex) Challenges: Fluctuations in forex rates make importing books and materials costly, further complicating operations for publishers.

• Limited Resources for Marketing: With tight budgets, publishers often lack the means to promote their books effectively, leaving many great works unseen and unread.

These challenges, among others, painted a picture of an industry ready for change but in need of a coordinated effort to drive that change.

‍Opportunities: Charting a New Path

The conference was rich with ideas and inspiration. The African publishing industry is brimming with untapped potential, and the sessions offered a roadmap to unlock it

The ideas explored included diversifying beyond textbooks, in recognition of the fact that most African publishers focus heavily on educational materials. While important, there is a pressing need to expand into creative works, fiction, non-fiction, and culturally-significant literature that reflects the African experience.

Again, leveraging digital platforms is important, since the digital age offers a wealth of opportunities for publishers to reach wider audiences. From e-books to audiobooks and online marketplaces, the are plenty of tools available to bridge the distribution gap.

Moreover, cross-border collaboration by the African Publishers Network (APNET) and other regional bodies has the potential to foster collaboration among publishers. Sharing resources, expertise, and even rights across borders can create a more integrated and resilient industry.

Training and capacity building is important if African publishers are to successfully compete globally. They must invest in training their teams—mproved editing, design, and marketing skills can significantly enhance the quality of African publications.

‍Key Takeaways: Unity in Diversity

One of the most powerful moments of the conference was the collective realisation that the African publishing industry needs to unite. Collaboration, not competition, is the key to overcoming shared challenges.

Proposed solutions included establishing regional fellowship programmes for publishers to exchange ideas and learn from one another; dvocating for policy changes at the national and continental levels, including tax incentives for books and investments in reading culture; and creating African book fairs and literary festivals that prioritise intra-African rights exchanges and spotlight the richness of African literature.

At the conclusion of the conference, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. The Sharjah Book Fair was not just about identifying problems; it was about crafting solutions and building partnerships.

The highlight of activities was for me the dialogues I had with publishers who shared my passion for bringing African stories to life. Whether it was brainstorming ways to reduce printing costs or discussing the potential of audiobooks for African markets, the energy in the room was palpable. At Mvua Press, we are committed to taking these ideas forward. From creating more opportunities for African writers to leveraging technology for a broader reach, the future of publishing on the continent is one we can shape together.

The African publishing industry is at a crossroads. We have the talent, the stories, and the passion. Now is the time to combine our efforts, break down barriers, and create an ecosystem where African writers can thrive, and African readers can find themselves in the stories they consume.

Let us build bridges, foster collaboration, and turn the challenges we face into opportunities for growth and innovation. Together, we can ensure that the world not only hears but also embraces the rich, diverse voices of Africa.

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