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Build reading culture from childhood —Experts
Experts in Africa’s book industry have stressed the need to build a strong reading culture from childhood if the continent is to develop a vibrant publishing sector.
This call was made during a panel discussion in Accra on the theme “The State of the Book and Publishing Industry in Africa”.
The panel featured Dr Martin Egblewogbe, Co-Founder of Writers Project-Ghana; Dr Mrs Lucy Ry-Kottoh, Head of the Department of Publishing Studies at KNUST; Dr Wale Okediran, Secretary General of the Pan African Writers Association (PAWA); and Mr Kwabena Agyapong, Chief Executive Officer of Education Logistics.
Mr Agyapong argued that developing a love for books must begin early in life. “When books are given to children early, they grow up loving to read,” he said.
He urged government to enact policies that would ensure books were available in schools and homes, stressing that this was key to nurturing future readers and sustaining the industry.
The panelists agreed that accessibility and inclusiveness were also critical.
Dr Mrs Ry-Kottoh said publishing should serve everyone, regardless of background or ability.
“Nobody should be left out because they cannot see, hear, or read in the usual way,” she noted, calling for wider use of audiobooks, braille, and other inclusive formats.
She added that technology was already helping to expand access. “Audiobooks now give opportunities to people who are blind or too busy to read. These innovations can help grow our market,” she said.
Dr Egblewogbe highlighted how reading habits are shifting, especially among young people.
“Many now enjoy stories on phones, social media, and even through games. If we do not move with the times, we will lose our young readers,” he warned.
For his part, Dr Okediran of PAWA raised concerns about the profitability of publishing in Africa.
He cited high production costs, weak distribution systems, and low reading culture as barriers to growth, and called for government support and private sector partnerships to sustain the industry.
The panelists concluded that while publishing faces many challenges, building a strong reading culture from childhood is the foundation upon which a thriving book industry can be built.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu