Challenges and Innovations in the Comoros Book Industry: An Interview with Naïma SOULAIMANA

At the International Book Fair of Abidjan, Christian Elongué sat down with Naïma SOULAIMANA, the director of "PARADIS DES LIVRES" bookshop, based in the Comoros Islands. In this interview, SOULAIMANA shared insights into her journey, the obstacles faced by the local book industry, and her vision for the future.From Personal Need to Public ServiceNaïma SOULAIMANA’s path to becoming a bookseller was unexpected. She explained that her mother established the "Paradis des Livres" bookshop in Moroni, Comoros, out of necessity. Decades ago, there were no local bookstores, and parents struggled to obtain textbooks for their children. They resorted to importing books from France, a challenging and inefficient process. Recognizing a widespread need, her mother decided to open a bookshop, initially focusing on schoolbooks and later expanding to children’s literature.SOULAIMANA took over the bookshop seven years ago, transforming it into a specialized establishment catering to young readers. Her involvement has provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the book distribution challenges in the Comoros.Challenges in Book DistributionNaïma SOULAIMANA highlighted the primary challenge in the Comoros: the necessity to import all books, whether local or international. Most Comorian publishing houses are based abroad, primarily in France, and print their books there. This dependence on imports significantly affects the local book economy.Books become expensive due to high import costs, including freight and customs duties. For instance, a book bought for 2 euros can end up costing two to three times more by the time it reaches the consumer. This makes books a luxury item, affordable mainly for mandatory school textbooks, with little room for recreational reading.Lessons from SILA and Other CountriesDuring her time at International Book Fair of Abidjan (SILA), SOULAIMANA observed several practices from other countries that could benefit the Comoros. She noted that in Madagascar, imported books are not taxed, allowing for a more flexible and affordable book market. In contrast, the Comoros imposes taxes on books, driving up prices and limiting access.She also mentioned Senegal’s local book chain, which integrates authors, publishers, printers, and distributors. This local production system reduces costs and supports the local economy. SOULAIMANA sees the potential for the Comoros to develop a similar model but acknowledges the added complexity of being an island nation with logistical challenges.Advocacy and Future AspirationsSOULAIMANA expressed the need for an organized association to advocate for the book industry in the Comoros. She has been contemplating the formation of a book trade association that would include writers, publishers, booksellers, and possibly printers. Such an association could work towards professionalizing the industry, ensuring quality standards, and advocating for policy changes like tax exemptions on books.Despite the challenges, SOULAIMANA remains optimistic about the future. She emphasized the importance of South-South collaboration and learning from other African nations. Highlighting the cultural relevance of local stories, she advocates for content that resonates with Comorian children’s experiences and environments.Naïma SOULAIMANA’s dedication to the "Paradis des Livres" bookshop and the broader book industry in the Comoros is evident. Her efforts to overcome the significant challenges of book importation and distribution demonstrate a commitment to making literature accessible. As she continues to push for industry reforms and collaborations, there is hope that the Comoros will develop a more robust and affordable book market, enriching the cultural and educational landscape for future generations. Listen to the podcast here.