Experts advocate innovation, collaboration to secure Africa’s publishing future

By Celina Chinwemmeri Ikechukwu

PUBLISHERS, writers, editors, scholars and culture advocates have called for innovation, stronger collaboration, improved distribution systems and strategic adoption of technology to reposition African publishing for sustainable growth. The call was made during the 15th edition of Authors’ Hub Monthly Panel Discussion, held virtually on Saturday, 25 July via Google Meet. With ‘The Future of African Publishing: Challenges, Innovations, and Opportunities’ as theme, the discussion examined the changing dynamics of the continent’s publishing industry amid rapid technological advancement, shifting reading habits and emerging opportunities within the creative economy.

Moderated by the poet and literary critic Paul Liam, the discussion featured theChief Executive Officer of Kraft Books Limited, Steve Shaba, award-winning writer and editor Mike Ekunno, author and journalist Mairo Muhammad Mudi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University, Professor Lanre Olaolu Amodu, and Literary Dungeon Publishers Editor, Jeff Iwu.

Founder and Coordinator of Authors’ Hub, Sumaila Isah Umaisha, reaffirmed the platform’s commitment to promoting informed conversations capable of shaping the future of African literature and publishing.

While speaking on the challenges confronting the industry, Mr. Shaba described African publishing as being threatened by “a combination of challenges” rather than a single existential danger. He identified poor educational policies, low literacy levels, weak reading culture, rising production costs, dependence on imported printing materials, piracy, inadequate access to finance and inefficient distribution networks as major obstacles to the industry’s growth.

He also lamented the bureaucracy publishers face in accessing bank loans and called for consistent government policies to strengthen the publishing ecosystem.

Offering a different perspective, Mr. Ekunno argued that technological advancement and independent publishing had significantly reduced the exclusive advantages once enjoyed by traditional publishing houses. He maintained that virtually every stage of the publishing process could now be outsourced, encouraging writers with quality manuscripts to embrace independent publishing where appropriate while acknowledging that traditional publishers still retain the advantage of scale.

On the role of social media, Mudi said digital platforms have transformed how African writers build audiences and market their books. However, she warned writers against equating online popularity with literary excellence or allowing audience expectations to dictate creative decisions. She advocated stronger collaboration between writers and publishers to ensure quality editing, professional standards and wider distribution.

Addressing concerns over Artificial Intelligence, Professor Amodu urged publishers and writers to embrace rather than fear the technology. He argued that AI represents another stage in technological evolution and should be deployed to improve efficiency, reduce production costs and support research and publishing processes. He stressed, however, that originality and a clear understanding of readers’ needs must remain central to successful publishing.

Iwu called on publishers to rethink the life cycle of literary works beyond the printed page. According to him, books should be viewed as intellectual properties capable of adaptation into films, stage productions, podcasts, television series and other creative formats. He emphasized the need for stronger copyright management and collaboration between publishers and the wider creative industry to unlock the commercial potential of African stories.

During the closing session, Professor Amodu highlighted the dependence of African scholars on foreign journals, urging governments and research institutions to develop indigenous research and publishing agendas that reflect Africa’s realities and developmental priorities.

Mudi also stressed that African publishing cannot become globally competitive without investing in indigenous-language publishing and translation. She called for translation funds, institutional support and the use of AI-assisted translation under human supervision to preserve African languages and expand readership.

Ekunno charged writers to see AI as an inevitable tool rather than a threat, insisting that authentic fiction remains rooted in human imagination and emotional depth beyond the reach of machines.

Iwu concluded that future publishing success should be measured not merely by the number of books produced but by their enduring relevance, discoverability and long-term impact on readers.

Participants also contributed to the discussion. Dr. Awele Ilusanmi described weak distribution as Africa’s greatest publishing challenge, observing that “content is king; distribution is the kingdom.” She called for greater collaboration among writers, publishers and other stakeholders.

Dr. Dame Joan Oji advocated the revitalization of libraries to rebuild the continent’s reading culture, particularly among young people.

During the interactive session, participants raised concerns about declining reading habits, the examination-driven educational system and the challenges confronting emerging writers seeking publication.

Responding, Shaba challenged aspiring authors to resubmit quality manuscripts to Kraft Books, explaining that the company offers multiple publishing models, including traditional, subsidized and author-financed publishing. He also advised creative writers against relying on AI to generate literary manuscripts, warning that publishers could detect AI-generated creative works.

The monthly Authors’ Hub panel discussion continues to serve as a platform for robust engagement on critical issues affecting literature, publishing and the creative industries across Africa.

* Ikechukwu, an award-winning writer, is a student at the University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State