Africa’s $7 billion book industry could more than double in value if governments prioritized local publishing, according to a new UNESCO report. By investing in homegrown publishers—especially for educational content—countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa could unlock an $18.5 billion opportunity. The report also highlights the cultural power of publishing in African languages, echoing the legacy of literary icon Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who passed away in May. Momentum is building: in 2023, Afreximbank launched the CANEX Book Factory and a new prize to boost African publishing. With the right support, Africa’s publishing sector could thrive both economically and culturally—reshaping the continent’s literary future through internal innovation and ownership.
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