The African publishing industry is set to converge once again, as the third edition of the African Publishers Conference is scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco. Hosted by the Professional Union of Moroccan Publishers (UPEM), a member of the African Publishers Network (APNET), the event will run for three days in late June 2025. With the overarching theme “Promotion of Books for National Development in Africa,” this year’s conference aims to bring together a wide spectrum of stakeholders including African publishers’ associations, book industry professionals, partner organisations, and both African and international participants.
This gathering promises a rich blend of activities designed to stimulate conversation and collaboration. Attendees can expect panel discussions, presentations spotlighting developments in various African countries, breakout sessions in the form of roundtable discussions, engaging workshops, business meetings, and even a guided tour, all in a welcoming and interactive environment. A key feature this year is the submission of country reports by participating African delegates. These submissions will be compiled into a publication, highlighting diverse perspectives and strategies across the continent.
The African Publishers Conference has steadily gained traction since its inception. The inaugural edition was held in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, organized by the Côte d’Ivoire Publishers Association (ASSEDI) in Abidjan. It gathered dozens of participants from across the continent and was supported by global organisations such as the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) and the International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO). The theme of the maiden edition emphasized the role of the publishing industry in driving economic growth in Africa. One of its major outcomes was the development of an action plan to guide collaborative efforts moving forward.
The second conference took place in Harare, Zimbabwe, in 2024, with support from ARIPO (African Regional Intellectual Property Organization), ZBPA (Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association), WIPO, UNESCO, and IFRRO. This edition focused on enhancing the capacity of Africa’s publishing sector to promote literacy. The outcomes and resolutions from Harare were integrated into an updated action plan that continues to guide APNET and its partners in implementing strategic publishing initiatives.
The upcoming edition in Morocco is expected to draw even more participants and broaden the scope of discussion. The conference will address a variety of pressing issues in the African publishing ecosystem, including book policy development, copyright and reproduction rights, marketing, procurement, and the promotion of African languages in publishing.
The core objectives of the conference are manifold. It aims to build the capacity of publishers and their associations at national and regional levels, bolster the legal and structural frameworks around copyright and reproduction rights, and foster advocacy for inclusive book policies. The event also seeks to enhance stakeholder knowledge, support innovative publishing research and projects, and empower participants to implement the strategies and insights gained upon returning to their respective countries.
Organisers have opened the door for additional participants, inviting any African publisher, stakeholder organisation, or interested individual to join the event at their own expense. Interested parties are encouraged to contact the APNET Secretariat via email for participation details. The conference stands as a testament to the growing unity and ambition within Africa’s publishing landscape. Those who are interested to participate in the Conference at their expense should contact APNET Secretariat – info.africanpublishers@gmail.com
