The African Publishers Network (APNET) has called on governments across Africa to increase investment in books, reading materials and local publishing industries to address the continent’s literacy challenges.
The network made the call in a statement issued by its Chairman, Lawrence Njagi, to commemorate the 2026 International Literacy Day, marked on September 8.
APNET said access to affordable and relevant reading materials was essential to improving literacy, strengthening education and promoting sustainable development across the continent.
According to the network, literacy cannot be separated from the availability of books, stressing that children need access to reading materials to develop strong reading skills, while teachers require appropriate learning resources to deliver effective education.
Citing a 2025 UNESCO study, APNET said the adult literacy rate in sub-Saharan Africa increased from 65 per cent in 2015 to 69 per cent in 2024, compared with the global adult literacy rate of 88 per cent.
The organisation noted that approximately 739 million adults worldwide lacked basic literacy skills in 2024, including 225 million people in sub-Saharan Africa.
It also cited UNESCO’s 2025 Spotlight Report on foundational learning in Africa, which found that only 10.8 per cent of children attained minimum proficiency in reading and mathematics by the end of primary school.
The network further highlighted the gender dimension of illiteracy, noting that two-thirds of adults worldwide without basic literacy skills are women. It added that, in 18 sub-Saharan African countries, more than half of women aged between 25 and 64 could not read.
APNET said the figures represented more than educational shortcomings, warning that inadequate literacy limited people’s opportunities for employment, entrepreneurship, civic participation, lifelong learning and personal development.
The network called on African governments to increase and sustain investment in literacy and foundational learning, develop national book and reading policies, and support sustainable local publishing industries.
It also urged governments to establish transparent systems for procuring books for schools and libraries, adequately stock public and school libraries, promote reading and publishing in African languages, and support local authors, publishers, illustrators and translators.
Other recommendations included strengthening copyright protection, reducing taxes and tariffs that increase the cost of books and printing, and supporting digital publishing while ensuring equitable access to reading materials.
The organisation stressed that books should be recognised as an essential component of Africa’s education infrastructure and knowledge economy rather than merely as commercial products.
According to APNET, a strong local publishing industry can create jobs, develop professional skills, generate intellectual property and ensure that a greater share of the value created by Africa’s knowledge economy remains within the continent.
The network also called for a renewed African Compact for Literacy and Books, bringing together governments, publishers, authors, educators, librarians, booksellers, development partners and communities to make reading materials accessible to children, young people and adults.
International Literacy Day 2026 marks the 60th anniversary of the observance established by UNESCO in 1966. This year’s theme is *“Literacy for people, the planet and prosperity.”*
APNET said the anniversary offered an opportunity for African countries to renew their commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to the knowledge, skills and reading materials needed to participate fully in society and contribute to sustainable development.