Africa’s Untapped Publishing Potential: How Books Could Unlock a $18.5 Billion Industry
Sitting quietly on the shelves of the historic McMillan Memorial Library in Nairobi, a hidden financial opportunity is waiting to be tapped — books. For more than 90 years, this iconic library has been a cultural and literary hub in Kenya’s capital, but beyond its walls lies a broader story about Africa’s publishing industry and the immense possibilities it holds.
According to a new UNESCO report released in 2025, Africa’s publishing industry could reach an estimated $18.5 billion in the coming years, provided the right policies and investments are put in place. At present, the industry generates only around $7 billion, which represents just 5.4% of the $129 billion global book market.
Why Africa’s Publishing Industry Lags Behind
The UNESCO study highlights several obstacles that have stifled growth across the continent. Among them are weak national policies, a lack of tax incentives, and an over-reliance on imported books, which leaves local creators at a disadvantage.
One of the key recommendations is for countries to develop national book policies that promote literacy, expand book circulation, and offer financial incentives for authors, publishers, and distributors. Without such frameworks, many African writers gain more recognition internationally than within their own regions.
“Most African authors are better known abroad than they are across the continent,” said Ernesto Ottone Ramírez, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Culture. “Their work may be recognized in their home country, but it doesn’t easily circulate between neighboring nations — and that’s a major issue.”
Ramírez stressed that the African book industry is full of untapped potential, which could transform not only local economies but also the cultural fabric of the continent if properly supported.
The Role of Libraries in Unlocking Growth
One of the most promising areas for strengthening Africa’s publishing sector lies in public libraries. The report emphasizes the need to reinforce library networks across the continent, especially in rural areas, by ensuring sustainable governance and funding.
“It must start from the community,” said Jacob Ananda, Assistant Director at Nairobi City County Libraries. He believes children need to be introduced to libraries early so reading becomes “part of their lifestyle.”
For this to happen, Ananda highlights the need for policies focused on restoring, restocking, and modernizing libraries. The McMillan Memorial Library, for example, is currently undergoing significant restoration. Supported by the non-profit Book Bunk and the local government, the project aims to improve facilities and provide digital access to a wider range of reading materials.
“We are looking forward to being one of the state-of-the-art libraries that truly meet the needs of users,” Ananda explained.
Digital Integration: A Game-Changer for the Youth
With nearly 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under the age of 30, the continent is home to the world’s youngest population. This tech-savvy generation represents a huge market for publishers, particularly through digital platforms.
The UNESCO report notes that Africa now hosts around 270 literary festivals and book fairs each year, many of which focus on children’s literature. Alongside these cultural events, publishers and distributors are embracing digital solutions like e-books and audiobooks.
Some key players leading this transformation include African Storybook in South Africa, AkooBooks in Ghana, and eKitabu in Kenya. These platforms are helping young Africans connect with literature in innovative ways.
“The new generation of creators is determined to tell Africa’s stories in their own way, without outsiders dictating how those stories should be told,” Ramírez emphasized.
Language Diversity: Preserving Culture Through Stories
Africa’s rich culture is deeply tied to its languages. With more than 2,000 languages spoken across the continent, promoting local-language publishing is essential. Yet UNESCO found that 90% of submissions it receives are in English, sidelining many communities that do not read or write in the language.
To bridge this gap, Ramírez suggests that artificial intelligence could play a vital role in translating books and educational content into multiple languages and dialects. This would not only preserve cultural diversity but also make literature more accessible to marginalized communities.
However, Ramírez also warned that AI must be handled responsibly, noting that Africa has some of the weakest legislation in the world when it comes to regulating technology. He stressed the need for African countries to establish safeguards that protect copyrights, ensure fair compensation for creators, and regulate AI platforms.
Mapping Africa’s Creative Economy
The publishing study is part of a wider UNESCO initiative to map Africa’s creative industries, which Ramírez argues is critical to unlocking the continent’s economic future.
“The only way to achieve social cohesion across Africa’s diverse communities is by placing culture at the heart of sustainable development,” he explained.
By strengthening policies, investing in local talent, and modernizing infrastructure such as libraries, Africa has the chance to transform its $7 billion publishing sector into a booming $18.5 billion industry.
Conclusion: Turning the Page for Africa’s Publishing Future
From the historic halls of Nairobi’s McMillan Memorial Library to the buzzing energy of Africa’s growing literary festivals, the continent’s publishing industry is standing at a crossroads. With the right mix of policy support, digital integration, and cultural investment, Africa could become a global powerhouse in publishing while also nurturing its young population’s creativity and literacy.
As Ramírez put it: “Africa’s book industry is booming with untapped potential — the key is ensuring that this potential benefits African people first and foremost.”