The CANEX Book Factory, an initiative of the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), has announced the shortlist for the inaugural CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa. The publishers and their shortlisted titles are as follows:
- Cassava Republic Press (Nigeria) for Female Fear Factory: Unravelling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence by Pumla Dineo Gqola
- Jacana Media (South Africa) for Paperless by Buntu Siwisa
- Kachifo Limited (Nigeria) for Half Hour Hara by Ugo Anidi
- La Case des Lucioles (Côte d’Ivoire) for Reine Or by Fatou Sy
- Masobe Books (Nigeria) for When We Were Fireflies by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim
Chaired by Dr. Wale Okediran, the five finalists were chosen from 85 entries submitted by 45 publishers across 10 countries in Africa, with the judges ‘evaluating each book as a physical object while also considering its editorial work, including topical relevance and editorial risk’, to ensure the selection represents exceptional quality and professionalism.
The CANEX Book Factory aims to spotlight and elevate the African book value chain. It consists of the CANEX Prize for Publishing, the CANEX Creative Writing Workshop, and the CANEX Book Factory Newsletter with the ultimate aim to create a vibrant and educated class of creatives and entrepreneurs to whom Afreximbank may offer financial support in fulfilment of its mandate to finance and promote intra- and extra-African trade.
CANEX WKND 2024 is set to take place from October 16-19 at the Algerian Company of Fairs and Exports (SAFEX) in Algiers, Algeria. This exciting event will foster vibrant discussions and create valuable networking opportunities among industry professionals through a 4-day gathering that will be held under the theme: One People, United in Culture, Creating for the World. The highlight of the gathering will be the announcement of the Best Trade Book publisher, who will receive a cash prize of US$20,000, with each of the four finalists being awarded US$2,000.
Visit www.wknd.canex.africa to register for the event NOW!
Congratulations to all shortlisted publishers on this great win!
Bakare Oluwatobiloba
I write to educate, motivate and define history with literature. Just being me!
