** The first forum of African youth publishers: a literary renaissance in fertile terrains **
From March 6 to 8, 2024, the city of Lomé, in Togo, will have a new experience with the holding of the first forum of youth publishers in Africa (Feja). This event brings together fifty-two publishers from sixteen countries on the continent, marking a significant turning point in the evolution of youth publishing in Africa. Despite a boiling sector, there are important challenges that underline the fragility of this literary ecosystem.
At first glance, one might wonder why a forum dedicated to youth edition is so crucial. However, the issues go far beyond the simple promotion of children’s books. Indeed, youth edition in Africa faces not only distribution and production costs, but also a war of perception. The emblematic figures like Ravaka Mihamina, founder of Karné editions in Madagascar, insist on the importance of weaving solid networks between publishers to promote co -edition and the exchange of rights. According to her, her titles have the capacity to resonate beyond the Malagasy borders, thus suggesting an update of the cultural and educational dimensions of the literature for young readers.
** A dynamic of sharing and collaborations **
Feja aims to solidify a continental network which transcends local particularisms. Speeches within this forum will not be limited to promotion. They will be articulated around enriching debates on the purchase of publication rights, an essential practice for diversifying catalogs while lightening the burden of creation. Serge Grah, editorial manager of Valesse, an Ivorian publishing house, underlines the strategic role of this mechanism in the diversification and enrichment of literary offers. In this regard, a preexisting book requires only a low workload for its rehabilitation, which brings the reality closer to the writer and that of the public.
Statistically, the youth publishing market in Africa has shown growth of almost 20 % per year for a decade. However, this growth also indicates disparities according to the country. For example, Côte d’Ivoire has asserted itself as a pole of excellence in publishing, capable of mastering the entire value chain of literary production, from illustration to printing. This could serve as a model for other countries that are struggling to build a solid infrastructure.
** The book, vector of education and culture **
The actors present in Feja have the heavy responsibility for convincing not only readers, but also educational and cultural institutions, that children’s literature is not only an entertainment product, but a real educational vector. Far from the often conveyed shots, children’s books can play a key role in the linguistic and cognitive development of young people. The impact of early reading on future academic performance is a proven fact; Hence the importance of investing in tales adapted to African realities.
Initiatives such as the implementation of reading clubs, writing workshops and even promotional reading campaigns in schools would benefit from being supported by publishers. By collaborating with educational institutions, publishers can encourage young people to discover the richness of literature and develop a taste for reading. In addition, the stories told by African authors can offer children an authentic representation of their culture, thus strengthening their identity.
** Conclusion: towards a promising literary future **
Feja represents a unique opportunity to redefine the future of children’s literature on the continent, while laying the foundations for more resilient industry. It is a call for unity and collaboration between publishing houses with various but complementary visions. It is also a crucial moment to rethink the perception of children’s literature, as an engine of education, culture and intercultural dialogue.
While a new breath is looming for youth edition in Africa, it only remains to hope that this forum is the catalyst for a deep and lasting change. The repercussions of this event could well shape a generation of young readers eager for knowledge and literary adventures, thus enriching the African cultural landscape.