UNESCO urges Africa to tap into $18.5 billion book publishing potential

In Africa, the book publishing industry is on the brink of significant growth, yet remains significantly underdeveloped. As of 2023, the industry's revenue sits at $7 billion, representing only 5.4% of the global market valued at $129 billion. A UNESCO report for 2025 indicates that with the right policies and investments, the publishing sector could soar to $18.5 billion. Weak policies, lack of tax incentives, and an over-reliance on imported materials are hindering growth. The report emphasizes the critical need for national book policies to promote literacy and enhance book circulation, which, if implemented, could catalyze the growth of Africa’s literary landscape. In light of these challenges, a focus on public libraries is essential. Currently, there are around 8,000 public libraries scattered across Africa, many of which require urgent revitalization to enhance facilities and digital access. UNECSO officials recommend that libraries establish clear governance and funding principles. Ananda highlights the restoration of the McMillan Memorial Library as a vital effort, aimed at providing state-of-the-art facilities to serve the needs of the community. Encouraging early reading habits in children through improved library systems will be key to fostering a culture of literacy. Amidst this landscape, Africa’s literary festival scene is burgeoning, with approximately 270 events occurring annually, often centered on children's literature. This vibrant cultural movement reflects a new generation of creators eager to express their narratives. By embracing digital platforms, publishers can reach this tech-oriented audience more effectively. Noting that 90% of UNESCO’s partner content is in English, Ernesto Ottone Ramírez suggests that leveraging artificial intelligence for translations can help ensure that diverse stories are accessible in many of the continent's 2,000 languages. Yet, caution is warranted concerning the legislation surrounding AI, which is still largely underdeveloped in Africa. Ultimately, activating Africa's publishing industry involves more than just financial backing; it requires concerted policy efforts and community engagement to fully realize the continent's rich cultural stories and promote literacy as a fundamental aspect of society.