New Research Reports Unveil Insights into Children’s Book Industry Across Africa

– Muna Kalati, an advocate for increasing access to children's books and enhancing the visibility of children's book professionals in Africa, announces the launch of comprehensive research reports detailing the state of children’s literature and publishing in eight African countries. The virtual launch events, scheduled from April to June, aim to engage publishers, writers, book sellers, researchers, teachers, and specialists in children’s books, both within Africa and beyond. Funded by Google News and implemented by Muna Kalati , the reports delve into the dynamic landscape of children's literature within the publishing industry of Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, Guinea Conakry, Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, and Liberia. The research aims to provide a thorough overview, highlighting key aspects such as industry growth, influential authors and illustrators, distribution networks, and the impact of children's books on literacy and education in these countries. These are the first comprehensive reports with credible data, analysis and findings on the children’s publishing industry for these countries. It will enable policymakers and publishing professionals to make more informed cultural and literary interventions, advocacy and training to strengthen the publishing industry. Data collection for the reports was facilitated through interviews and field connections, with a particular focus on the children's book databases developed by Muna Kalati for each of the eight countries. The research initiative is proudly supported by the Google News Initiative, underscoring its commitment to offering a comprehensive perspective on the state of children's literature across the African continent. Google also intends to increase diverse content about children literature, by increasing insights from Africa. These reports serve as invaluable resources for scholars, publishers, educators, and stakeholders interested in the children's book industry. They provide a holistic view of the industry's evolution, challenges, and potential, reflecting the growing significance of children's literature within the broader cultural and educational landscape of the eight countries. For more information, enquiries or to access the research reports, please contact: Eno Kwatemaa Antwi-Boasiako Communications and Marketing Officer communication@munakalati.org About Muna Kalati Muna Kalati is a thriving international book publishing community established in 2017 as a way to help children book publishing professionals (writers, illustrators, publishers, booksellers etc.) to feel connected, learn new things, grow professionally, and improve their prospects. We increase access to children's books and enhance the visibility of children's book professionals in Africa through research, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives. In 2024 we launched Muna Kalati Agency, a marketing arm offering event management and programming, digital and social media marketing, book launches, project management, book translation, copywriting, and copy-editing services. Muna Kalati strives to foster a literary ecosystem that celebrates African storytelling and promotes literacy and education for children across the continent. We have a small in-house team, supported by a larger team of skilled freelancers. Everyone we work with is passionate about the publishing industry and we work together across the community and the agency to deliver great content, events and campaigns for both our members and clients. More about us here. END