AGP Executive Report

New African Fiction: South African storyteller Puseletso Tsotetsi has turned her six-minute TikTok love story into the novel Good Things Keep Happening to Me, showing how online audiences can carry stories into print. Book Trade: The Algiers International Book Fair brings together 1,567 publishers from 51 countries, with Saudi Arabia as guest of honour. Literacy and Access: DP World and the Motus Community Trust opened their 100th school library in Gauteng; the programme reaches 125,000 learners daily. Blind SA is also pressing the government to join the Marrakesh Treaty, which would improve access to books for people with print disabilities. Publishing and Technology: South African author Coral Hart is defending her use of AI after publishing more than 370 books in 20 months, fuelling debate over AI-assisted writing. Bookshops and Reading Rooms: New reports spotlight an independent bookseller drawing interest in Angola and a Liberia reading room stocked with more than 2,000 books.

Accessible Books: Blind SA is pressing South Africa to join the Marrakesh Treaty, which would ease cross-border sharing of accessible books. It says only about 0.5% of published works are available in accessible formats. Bookshops and Reading Rooms: An inner-city Johannesburg bookseller is breaking barriers, while a new reading room at Liberia’s Barnesville Public High School opens with more than 2,000 books. Angola’s basement bookstore is also drawing fresh interest. Books for African Libraries: Toledo Museum of Art has launched an initiative to donate art books to libraries across Africa. AI and Authorship: South African romance author Coral Hart is defending her AI-assisted output of 370 books in 20 months, amid debate over the limits of AI in publishing. Separately, AI detector Pangram’s flags on award-winning stories have intensified questions about how publishers can verify authorship.

Literacy: KEEP Liberia has opened a reading room at Barnesville Public High School, stocked with more than 2,000 books, and added five laptops for digital learning. New Releases: Vusi Thembekwayo and Michael Hinton’s Underdogs, from Jonathan Ball Publishers, offers practical advice for small businesses competing with larger rivals. AI and Publishing: South African author Coral Hart is defending her use of AI after publishing 370 romance books in 20 months and reportedly earning R16 million, reigniting debate about authorship and publishing practices. Bookshops: A basement bookstore in Angola is drawing fresh interest in reading and local bookselling. Rights: A society is seeking royalties for books photocopied at universities and other institutions. Books and Culture: Kemide Lawson’s House Proud explores homes and design through a wide-ranging Black cultural lens. Language Learning: A French-language project in Uganda trained 230 teachers, expanded the language to 22 schools and developed two locally relevant learning books.

AI and Authorship: South African writer Coral Hart says she used AI in producing more than 370 books in 20 months, defending her workflow amid backlash and threats. Her rapid output is sharpening debate over authorship and the technology’s place in publishing. Publishing History: Daily Times will draw on its archives for a 700-page commemorative volume as it marks its centenary with a Lagos national conversation on November 3. Copyright: A society is seeking royalties for books photocopied at universities and elsewhere, highlighting a persistent challenge for authors and publishers. Accessible Reading: BlindSA is taking the government to court over delayed accession to the Marrakesh Treaty, which would improve access to books for blind and print-disabled readers. Bookshops: A Nigerian bookstore known for hosting live music offers a lively example of how book venues can build community beyond the shelves.

Publishing Business: South Africa’s Caxton remains committed to newspapers despite falling print advertising; local newspaper revenue dropped 11%, while its digital channels are growing. AI and Authorship: South African writer Coral Hart defended using AI to produce more than 370 books, saying she guides their concepts, characters and outlines. Copyright: A society is seeking royalties for books photocopied at universities, renewing debate over author compensation and educational access. African Languages: A new feature spotlights translation’s often-overlooked role in sustaining languages. Literary Heritage: In Mauritania, one family continues to safeguard an ancient library, preserving a collection across generations.

AI and Publishing: South African author Coral Hart says she has used AI to publish more than 370 books since early 2025, selling over a million copies. Her success has reignited debate about authorship, quality and AI’s place in publishing. Reading and Literacy: Goethe-Institut director Cristina Nord discusses her pursuit of literacy and love of demanding books, while describing concern about “under-intellectualising” complex issues. Books in Nigeria: A father and son have unveiled books on religion and morality in Abuja, and a Nigerian bookstore known for hosting live music is drawing attention to the ways bookshops can become cultural hubs. Language and Heritage: A call for publishers to take cultural productions seriously, alongside a feature on translation’s unsung language workers, highlights the importance of bringing local stories and voices to readers. Libraries: In Mauritania, one family has safeguarded an ancient library for centuries, keeping a remarkable store of knowledge alive.

New Books: Nigerian Christian author Edward Akobi and his 12-year-old son launched books on faith, morality and religious life in Abuja. Independent Publishing: Sierra Leonean-American author and publisher Freddy Will was named Content Creator of the Year at the Influencer Magazine Awards, recognising two decades of storytelling across books, music and theatre. AI and Authorship: South African author Coral Hart defended using AI to produce more than 370 books in 20 months, bringing fresh attention to questions of craft and authorship. Industry Pressures: South Africa’s new 5% tariff on imported newsprint has prompted debate over whether it can protect local printing or push up costs. Fairs and Access: More than 1,500 publishers are expected at the Algiers International Book Fair, with Saudi Arabia as guest of honour; Tanzania has also launched a digital library system, as its education minister urges the library board to prioritise books.

Reading Drive: The Arab Reading Challenge will name its winners on October 29 after drawing a record 40 million students across 60 countries, including African participants. African Archives: In Mauritania, a family has safeguarded more than 1,400 manuscripts at Chinguetti’s Habott Library for generations, preserving some of West Africa’s oldest texts. AI and Books: South African author Coral Hart is defending her AI-assisted output of more than 370 books in 20 months amid criticism of the practice. Literary Legacy: Actor Pete Edochie has unveiled an autobiography in Ghana as part of a project combining a book, documentary series and international tour. Publishing Trade: More than 1,500 publishers are expected at the Algiers International Book Fair, with Saudi Arabia named guest of honour. Industry Costs: South Africa’s new 5% newsprint tariff is intended to support local production, but publishers warn it could raise printing costs. Digital Access: Tanzania has launched a digital library system as officials urge a stronger reading culture.

Literary Publishing: Kenyan publishers’ focus on textbooks is leaving less room for fiction and other cultural works. The shift may help explain why only nine English-language titles entered the Jomo Kenyatta Prize, with too few entries in other categories for awards. Language & Access: Translator Jane Bosibori Obuchi’s work bringing Chinua Achebe and Shakespeare into Ekegusii highlights the often-unrecognised work of sustaining African languages. AI & Books: South African author Coral Hart defended publishing 370 AI-assisted books in 20 months, prompting debate about authorship and quality. Print Industry: South Africa has imposed a 5% tariff on imported newsprint in a bid to support local production, raising questions about effects on publishers’ costs. Book Fairs: Algeria’s 29th International Book Fair is expected to bring together 1,567 publishers from 51 countries, with Saudi Arabia as guest of honour. Libraries: Tanzania has launched a digital library system as its education minister urges the board to prioritise books over buildings.

AI and Authorship: South African author Coral Hart is defending her use of AI to publish more than 370 books in 20 months, amid backlash and threats. Her output has reignited questions about authorship and the future of writing. Children’s Books: Nigerian writers and publishers at Abuja’s ReadBug Literary Festival called for more stories rooted in children’s lives and cultures, while stressing that authors need to hone their craft. Bookshops: Lagos’s Jazzhole has blended books, records and live music since 1991, building a loyal following as both a bookstore and cultural hub. New Releases: Street Photography Africa, a new survey from Thames & Hudson, brings together work by 33 photographers documenting everyday life across the continent. Book Fairs: Algeria’s 29th International Book Fair is expected to bring together 1,567 publishers from 51 countries.

AI and Authorship: South African writer Coral Hart says she has produced more than 370 books with AI in 20 months, defending her process amid fierce criticism and threats. Her case sharpens questions about AI’s place in publishing. Book Fairs: More than 1,500 publishers are expected at the Algiers International Book Fair, one of the week’s biggest industry gatherings. Print Costs: South Africa has introduced a tariff on imported newsprint, adding pressure to publishers already facing production costs. New Voices: A new essay collection gives teenage mothers in Kenya space to tell their own stories. Publishing Tools: A Tanzanian publisher is promoting AI adoption with a tool that converts scripts into local languages. Ghanaian Books: Retired journalist Smith-Asante has turned a popular Daily Graphic series into a book.

New African Titles: Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu endorsed The Shaibu Doctrine, a book on army chief Waidi Shaibu’s leadership and military reforms. In Accra, business leader Tucci Ivowi launched a two-book series on leadership under pressure, drawing on 25 years of experience. Publishing Milestone: Cameroon’s The Guardian Post unveiled plans for its 25th anniversary celebration on November 14. Readers and Access: Tanzania launched a digital library system as Education Minister Jacob Mkenda called for more focus on books; a new Kenyan essay collection gives 28 teenage mothers space to tell their stories. Print Industry: South Africa imposed a 5% tariff on newsprint imports, a measure aimed at supporting the print sector. Book Fairs: More than 1,500 publishers are expected at the Algiers International Book Fair, with Saudi Arabia as guest of honour. Legal Publishing: The University of Ghana School of Law launched two works, including a review of landmark Supreme Court judgments.

Book Fairs: Algeria’s 29th International Book Fair is set to bring together 1,567 publishers from 51 countries, while Saudi Arabia will be guest of honour. Print Industry: South Africa has introduced a 5% tariff on newsprint imports to support local printing, but publishers are questioning whether the measure can save the sector. Reading and Access: Tanzania has launched a digital library as officials urge greater investment in books and reading culture. In Nigeria, Spotify has expanded its audiobook service, opening another channel for readers and publishers. New Voices: Nigerian writers Oreoluwa Ore, Oluwadamilola Taiwo and Peter Adekunle won a flash-fiction contest, while 21-year-old author Doreen Otaru has published her debut novel, Seasons of Blooming. Education: Zambian authors are bringing local stories into new curriculum textbooks.

Print Industry: South Africa’s 5% tariff on imported newsprint is intended to protect local production, but could raise costs for publishers and newspapers. Library Access: Tanzania has launched a digital library system, with Education Minister Mkenda urging the board to prioritise books over buildings. Nigeria’s Copyright Commission is also moving to establish a national accessible-book portal. Book Fairs: Algeria’s 29th International Book Fair is expected to host 1,567 publishers from 51 countries, with Saudi Arabia named guest of honour. Publishing Innovation: A Tanzanian publisher is using AI to convert social scripts, while a Ghanaian journalist has turned a popular Daily Graphic series into a book.

Library Access: Tanzania has launched an integrated digital library system, bringing services such as lending and ISBN applications online. Education Minister Adolf Mkenda urged the library board to spend more on books and distribution than new buildings, while officials said physical libraries remain vital for people without internet access. Print Industry: South Africa has imposed a 5% tariff on imported newsprint to protect local production and jobs. The duty will be reviewed after three years. Book Fairs: Saudi Arabia will be guest of honour at the Algiers International Book Fair, running October 28 to November 7, with literary events and a showcase of Saudi culture. Sharjah’s ruler says the upcoming International Book Fair will feature the next instalment of a major Arabic encyclopaedia, bringing its total to 130 of a planned 500 volumes. Digital Reading: Spotify has expanded its audiobook service to Nigeria, opening another route for readers to access books.

Kenyan Book Launch: President William Ruto unveiled The Price of Freedom, Barrack Muluka’s biography of independence leader Achieng Oneko, at Mashujaa Day. Algiers Book Fair: The 29th fair expects 1,567 publishers from 51 countries, with Saudi Arabia in the spotlight. Publishing Technology: A Tanzanian publisher is adopting an AI-powered social-script converter, bringing new tools to the region’s publishing sector. Bookselling & Audio: Spotify has expanded its audiobook service to Nigeria, widening access to digital books. Local Publishing: Zambian authors are producing textbooks for a revised curriculum, while Ghanaian journalist Smith-Asante has turned a popular Daily Graphic series into a book. Access & Reach: Nigeria’s Copyright Commission is working to establish a national accessible-book portal. Meanwhile, search accounted for 46% of African publisher pageviews in Q3, as AI-led changes to discovery pose a growing industry concern.