African publishing still underrepresented on the global stage

African publishing is still struggling to gain a foothold on the global stage, according to a UNESCO report published Wednesday, June 18. Africa accounts for 18% of the world's population but generates only 5.4% of global publishing revenue, or just $7 billion (€6.07 billion). And yet, educational publishing accounts for nearly 70% of the market on the continent.

Driven by "a rapidly growing young demographic" , the latter represents "the greatest opportunity" , relying on already existing markets in Nigeria , South Africa , Kenya , Ghana and Cameroon , the authors of the report underline. A segment which could reach $13 billion "if every student had a physical textbook for each subject," they estimate. Among other encouraging signs, the study highlights the emergence of a "rising generation of African writers who are redrawing the continent's narratives," and the holding of 270 literary festivals and book fairs each year in Africa.

But African publishing continues to face a "major trade imbalance" that " continues to limit its development." In 2023, the continent imported $597 million worth of books while exporting only $81 million. Apart from South Africa, Kenya, Egypt , Ghana, Ivory Coast , and Senegal, which are the leading exporters within the continent, most countries remain heavily dependent on French or British publishing houses.

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