A 2025 UNESCO report revealed that Africa contributes only 5.4% to the $129 billion global publishing market, generating no more than $7 billion annually. The report attributed this modest share to weak national policies, the absence of tax incentives, and a heavy reliance on imported books.
According to the estimates, Africa’s publishing industry could expand to $18.5 billion in the coming years if supportive policies are adopted and strategic investments are made. The report urged governments to develop national book policies that encourage reading, regulate book circulation, and provide financial incentives for publishers and distributors.
Among its recommendations, UNESCO highlighted the importance of strengthening public libraries, particularly in rural areas, through infrastructure upgrades and improved governance and funding models. In Kenya, some initiatives are already taking shape, notably the restoration of the historic McMillan Memorial Library in Nairobi, spearheaded under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, with support from the 2019 UNESCO World Book Capital and in collaboration with the non-profit Book Bunk.
The report also underscored Africa’s digital shift and thriving literary culture, with around 270 book fairs and festivals held across the continent each year, alongside a significant expansion in e-book and audiobook production. While challenges remain, Africa’s young, tech-savvy population provides a strong foundation for building a competitive publishing industry with global reach.
