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Article By Africa Speaks

CLEF Ministries

In January 2023, the third batch of the Editing Course will begin at the CLEF Professional Training Center, Yaoundé, Cameroon, in collaboration with Africa Book Development Foundation (ABDF) and its training department, the African Book Institute.

The Editing Course is one of many activities carried out by CLEF Ministries (Christian Literature and Education Foundation), an action-oriented, non-governmental, non-profit organization that seeks to initiate projects and facilitate interfaith exchanges and cooperation between Christians and churches in Cameroon.

CLEF Ministries aims to promote understanding and cooperation among Christians of all denominations by undertaking development projects for the common good, and to promote Christian literature through the production and distribution of Christian literature and other support materials.

The beginning of the CLEF Ministries

“The idea to start a ministry came from my wife and myself, in order to evangelize through her music and my activities in distributing and publishing of Christian literature,” said Mr. Buma Kor Dickson, founder and executive secretary of CLEF Ministries. Mrs. Buma-Kor Claudia, known by her artist’s name, Aunty CLO, is a gospel singer who has to date 7 albums of Christian music to her credit, most of which can be found on YouTube.

Mr. Buma Kor Dickson is a Publisher and Book Development Consultant in Yaoundé, Cameroon. He conducts writing and publishing training workshops and lectures at the Advanced School of Mass Communication of the University of Yaoundé I, the University of Buea, and the Cameroon Christian University in Bali, Bamenda, North-West Region of Cameroon. Previously, he was the Operations Manager for Oxford University Press, UK, in Cameroon, and was in charge of publishing training programmes at the UNESCO Centre for Book Promotion in Africa (CREPLA).

Mr. Buma Kor is also a trainer with Media Associates International (MAI) and formerly APNET, the African Publishers Network. With the support and encouragement of MAI, CLEF Ministries organized the first seminar of Christian writers in Cameroon in March 2020 at the Presbyterian Church Hall (PCC) of Bastos in Yaoundé, followed by an online conference in 2021. Following these seminars, a forum of Christian writers from Cameroon was created, and the first joint project accomplished was the writing of a collection of articles on “What God has taught us through the COVID-19 health crisis”.

CLEF Ministries in book publishing and distribution

One of the mandates of CLEF Ministries is to publish, produce and distribute Christian literature and other materials for education and general reading. Books produced and published by CLEF include:

The Family Prayer by Rev. Dr. Michael Bame Bame (1982) – A reflection on the Lord’s Prayer and what each phrase means to encourage us pattern our own prayers accordingly.
In Defense of the Cross by Buma Kor (Elder) – collection of sermons encouraging Christian growth and understanding of the Gospels of Jesus Christ.
Revival Palava by Buma Kor (Elder) – A narrative on the revivals that took place in Cameroon during the 1970s and 1980s, one by Dr. Zacharia Fomum and the other by Rev. Dr. Bame Bame.

CLEF flagship publication has been Morning Glory – a non-denominational daily meditation for Christian living, edited by Mr. Buma Kor and written by various pastors and Christians; published also in French and distributed through various churches in Cameroon.

“For some time now, cost of printing regularly forced us to stop printing the hard copy,” says Mr. Buma Kor. “Now in its seventeenth year, it’s being published online through Facebook and WhatsApp by free subscription.”

Prior to Morning Glory, CLEF had also published and distributed in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon, as well as in Douala, Bafoussam and Yaoundé, the weekly Christian Times newspaper, which stopped at the 10th issue, for financial reasons. However, it is hoped to be relaunched in the years ahead, for its existence is still relevant.

As for the distribution of CLEF books, it is done through existing bookstores, secular and Christian, throughout the country, by obtaining the books at the distributor’s price and selling them at wholesale to bookstores, especially Bibles and other books of Christian literature from foreign publishers. In some cases, notably for Christian Times and Morning Glory, they were distributed through churches, before church services began and immediately after the service.

CLEF strategies to meet the challenges of Christian publishing in Cameroon

The challenges faced by Christian publishers are numerous, as Mr. Buma Kor notes in these words: “I must say that there are challenges in publishing at all levels of the process – from creation, printing to the marketing of books. How publishers in Cameroon, talk less of Africa, manage to survive in a hostile situation and continue to get on is evidence of passion, dedication and the love for the profession. It’s not the money but, especially for Christian literature, the passion.”

One of the challenges is that of authorship. It is difficult to obtain good manuscripts and find good editors that could help authors produce publishable material. “In my own case, I often did the editing myself after acquiring what, I may say, is a good manuscript,” says M. Buma Kor. The training of writers and editors is still a far cry in Cameroon. For this reason, the CLEF Professional Training Center has been organizing training workshops for editors for several years to reduce the manpower deficit in the publishing industry. This September 2022, the combined two batches wrote the National Qualifying exams supervised by the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. The third batch is on their way to begin their studies in January 2023. Next year also, translation and conference interpretation at GCE A levels/BAC and first-degree levels will be introduced.

To provide a more global solution to the problems encountered by publishers, Mr. Buma Kor advocates for the putting in place by governments in respective African countries, National Book and Reading Policies (NBRP) and National Book Development Councils (NBDC) as instruments for the propagation, training and development of personnel of the African book industry. “UNESCO has been concerned that these measures be put in place since the 1960s to the 1980s and now, it is the African Union and ADEA (the Association for the Development of Education in Africa) and partners that is coming up with the AU Continental Framework for National Book and Reading Policies in Africa. We hope this sees the light soon,” says Mr. Buma Kor.

Article By Africa Speaks

The Start

It all started with a blog, PaulieMugo.com, which received a nomination in the category: “Religion and Spirituality” at the BAKE Awards in Kenya. While attending the bloggers’ award ceremony in May 2018, Ms. Paulie Mugure Mugo, Christian Writer & Entrepreneur, was inspired to start a Christian writer’s network.
“Though I appreciated the recognition,” Paulie says. “I felt that Christian writing was significantly broad and warranted much wider effort and attention. So, I contacted Ms. Jane Harel, whom I knew to be working on a book, and shared with her the idea of starting a community of Christian writers. Jane in turn contacted Ms. Rose Kainda on the same. Within a few weeks we had reached out to a number of other Christian writers and agreed to hold a meeting to discuss the way forward.”
The first meeting was held in June 2018, and by the next month, at least twenty Christian authors had committed to joining the community, with the three initiators serving as chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary respectively. The Kenyan Faith Writers Network has since grown to more than fifty members and look forward to continued growth.

Annual Joint Book Launch

One of the KFWN’s core mandates is to enable their writers to reach as wide an audience as possible. In this regard, one of their key activities is the organization of an annual book launch, during which members publicize the books they have been working on in the course of the year. This enables each of them to launch and market their publications, together with other writers, at an affordable cost.
The first of these events was held in November 2018, and they have since held a similar event every year. The event brings Christian writers, bloggers, publishers and other practitioners together for a time of vibrant networking and celebration.
“Through this, we hope to draw wide attention to our authors, books and partners via print, broadcast and online media,” says Ms. Paulie Mugo.
The Annual Joint Book Launch provides the following benefits to the members:

• Members are able to interact and share the journey of authoring new books together in the course of the year
• Members are able to launch these books at a joint ceremony, thus sharing the attendant costs and efforts
• Members are able to access a wider audience for their books, as each author brings their networks to the event, who then interact with all the publications, both on the day of the launch and thereafter.

Since inception in 2018, KFWN has held a joint book launch each year, and to date has brought close to fifty new Christian titles to market.
The books launched at this event are selected and published following a specific process.
In early January of each year, KFWN issues a call to members, asking those who intend to publish one or more books during the year to register their project. At this point, they are asked to send in at least one working title of the book. Authors then continue to work on their books for the next six months, and are asked to send a first draft, in electronic form, to the editorial team by June 30. Books received by this date are then checked by the editorial team to ensure that each book meets KFWN standards and requirements. Any comments/corrections are sent to the author by July 31. The authors then incorporate the comments/corrections and proceed to print a first draft. This draft must be returned to the editorial team by September 30. A second and final quality check is performed, and authors receive feedback in a week or two. The authors then print their books, which can now carry the KFWN seal, and are launched together in November.
In addition to the Annual Joint Book Launch, the KFWN also organizes public book reading events during which they promote books that have been recently published by their authors to a live listening audience. Another of their key initiatives is the training of authors on an ongoing basis, and Let’s Shine! Magazine, one of Kenya’s first online Christian publications.

Quality Stamp and Significant Accolades

The KFWN seal signifies that a book has been reviewed and approved by the KFWN editorial team and certifies that: the author is a member of KFWN; the content is based on Scripture and is biblically sound; the writing, formatting, design and printing of the book meet KFWN and other quality standards.

Several publications that have been authored by KFWN members, and have undergone the above process, have gone on to fare very well. Two of these publications have attracted significant accolades: When Tears Almost Tear by Eva Mumbi who has been featured in several broadcast media, as a consequence of the testimony she has shared in her book; and Managing Your Finances God’s Way by Gladys Juma. This book won an ACABA award in the Business/Finance category in 2021.

The 2020 and 2021 events were held virtually due to the Covid pandemic. This year 2022 will mark the return of the in-person event, which will include both a joint book launch for KFWN authors and a book fair open to all Christian authors, including non-KFWN members. It will take place on December 3 in Nairobi under the theme “Writing to Transform”. Please contact KFWN at kenyafaithwriters@gmail.com for more information

Join us in prayer for the Kenyan Faith Writers Network as they strive to positively impact society through the gift of writing, for the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

Article By Africa Speaks

After the last conference in Abidjan in 2019, Magazine Training International continues the MTI in Africa program with the Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course in Accra, Ghana, November 13-18, 2022. The Magazine Publishing Course is designed for Christians on staff with a magazine or who consistently freelance, specifically Christian editors, designers, and publishers. It’s a unique opportunity to learn the essential steps for successful magazine publishing from highly respected Christian publishing professionals. Read the course and session descriptions.

The Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course will cover the three main areas of magazine publishing: magazine editing, management, and design. An international team of six trainers will teach the course. The benefits are many. By bringing in your staff, you allow everyone to learn the skills necessary to work well as a publisher, editor, or designer. As a team, you will learn how to work together to create an effective publishing plan in order to produce an influential magazine.

It’s also an opportunity to meet or reconnect with Christian publishing professionals from around the world and learn in a supportive, friendly environment. You will share victories and fears and learn from one another. Christians working in magazine publishing scattered throughout Africa often feel isolated and may become discouraged. A conference like this offers encouragement and renewal. The course will be offered in English with simultaneous interpretation into French.

Editing, design, and management—skills in all these areas are essential to the success of your magazine. In the Introduction to Magazine Publishing course, you will learn how each discipline influences and collaborates with others. And you’ll gain the tools you need to successfully launch a magazine or update your process for more effective and influential publication. All participants will also receive a 212-page book with 24 chapters full of ideas for practical application.

Following this course is a one-day Hands-on Workshop. This will be a limited enrollment one-day hands-on workshop for participants in the Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course who are planning to start or re-start a magazine. Trainers from the Introduction to Magazine Publishing Course will speak about practical steps in starting a magazine and then will work with participants as they begin to make specific plans for starting or re-starting their magazines.

Enrollment is limited to 10 proposed or existing magazines with up to three staff or volunteers each. Enrollment is on a first-come, first-served basis. All participants must have taken part in the Introduction to Magazine Publishing course preceding the workshop.

The course will be held at the Presbyterian Women’s Centre in Accra, Ghana, from 13 to 18 November. Click herefor the full schedule.

Please pray for all the participants, as well as our brothers Gathuku Kibunga and James Mbugua who will attend the conference and share the mission of Africa Speaks.

Article By Africa Speaks

Today, there are more Christians in Africa than on any other continent. By 2050, there will still be more followers of Christ in Africa than on the next two continents combined.

If these numbers translate into a significant mission force to complete the Great Commission in this century, then mobilizing African mission would require urgent and effective transformation. Transformation implies a renewed vision and imagination, the reformation and retooling of the entire process of mobilizing mission itself, and the end product to profoundly change the church and the world. This means rethinking our theology and practice of mission for the global, transnational, and multinational communities of the 21st century.

The impact of the COVID – 19 pandemic and the Russian-Ukrainian war on mission and mission mobilization in and from Africa calls for deeper mission reflection. How can the African mission differentiate itself by taking the lead? What is our creative and innovative edge that can help address the challenges facing African and global missions? What quality of mission will African Christianity leave to the world in 2030 and 2050? What skills, capacities and training do African mobilizers need? What should our mobilization priorities be in the next 10 years? What do we need to do now to be the most effective, innovative and productive mobilizing force?

SEND AFRICA NETWORK (SAN) believes that God has raised His church in Africa and among people of African descent to be a blessing to all the nations of the world in line with the promise of God to Abraham (Genesis 12). Africa has enriched the nations of the world through coercion, force, exploitation, migration etc. Through it all, Africa has become the recipient of God’s grace and the bearers of His grace to the nations of the world. It is in this context that SEND AFRICA is organizing the SAN 2022 Summit.

The SAN 2022 Summit is about going deep and thinking long-term, dealing with the hard questions, and seeking transformation of mission mobilization in the wisdom, power, and enablement of the Holy Spirit.

It will be held November 2-3, 2022, in Accra, Ghana. Participants should plan to arrive on November 1 and depart on November 4.

Summit Fees are as follows:

1. International Participants $ 250 (2 sharing room. Includes airport pickup and drop off)
2. Ghana Residential GHC 2,000 (2 sharing room)
3. Non-Residential GHC 1,000
4. Limited single room occupancy $350

Kindly register via the link below.
https://forms.gle/ZTHbqwwR9d5rsSWN9

For more details visit www.sendafricanetwork.org or write to info@sendafricanetwork.org or WhatsApp +256756155527

Pray for Africa Speaks’ Executive Secretary Gathuku Kibunga, as he will be speaking at the SEND AFRICA SUMMIT 2022 on the state of Christian Publishing in Africa.

Article By Rev. Pastor Agbèdè Afolabi Ghislain

God’s mission to people on the move

Migration is one of the great global realities of our time. People are on the move like never before. An estimated 200 million people live outside their home countries, either voluntarily or involuntarily. The term “diaspora” is used here to refer to people who have left their country of birth for whatever reason. This diaspora impacts the host country in one way or another; as such, it is on a mission. In this regard, the Global Diaspora Network of Lausanne met from August 23-27, 2022, for the Diaspora Mission Conference in Cape Town, South Africa, to discuss contemporary Christian mission by and through African diaspora communities around the world. The theme of the conference was: Africans in Diaspora and Diasporas in Africa.

The Global Diaspora Network is a catalytic movement that motivates and mobilizes followers of Christ to fully participate in God’s mission to, through, and beyond the diaspora peoples. It operates under the Lausanne Movement and embraces its philosophy of ministry: “Together we seek to bear witness to Jesus Christ and all his teachings, in every part of the world—not only geographically, but in every sphere of society and in the realm of ideas”.

The challenges of the Diaspora Africans in Africa and elsewhere were presented from several angles during the consultation. The principal question was ‘How Christian Publishing can help to bring hope to the Diaspora Africans?’ To highlight the role of Christian publishing among Africans in the diaspora, it is important to begin by noting the problems they face.

A high-risk integration

The picture and the description of Diaspora issues is bleak. In fact, Africans in the Diaspora are often accused of being responsible for all the wrongs that happened in the various places they immigrated to. They face segregation, rejection, xenophobia, and many difficulties while integrating into the new societies. Therefore, the literature ministry must act as a voice (Proverbs 31.8-9) and speak for the Diaspora Africans and raise awareness about their challenges, difficulties and conditions of life. Christian Publishing must facilitate the Africans in Diaspora within Africa and outside Africa to be more connected, united and able to defend their rights, and give them a voice to respond to some of the unique challenges that they face.

Christian publishing as a means to restore hope

Christian Publishing must have the role of educating, informing, and, teaching the diaspora in their various categories (refugee, asylum seeker, migrant) to seek the good of the host country (Jeremiah 29.7). Christian publishing is called to be a tool of hope, a call for mercy, counselling, restoration, transformation, bringing healing from various trauma. The policies of immigration need to be made known by all diaspora to avoid discrimination, injustice and fake laws coming from immigrations officers. In the same line, literature ministry will be a tool to encourage, and motivate social workers to assist the various categories of migrants.

Christian publishing is called to focus on the different African diasporas abroad and in Africa with the specific issues and challenges of each area. Another aspect to consider is the dynamics of reverse migration; the returning diaspora and the challenges of readjustment in the country of origin. Theological institutions need to be deeply involved in issues related to African diasporas within and outside of Africa. We must find a way forward for new horizons in theological education in Africa.

Diasporas in Africa: Hospitality as a Platform for African Urban Migratory Theology.

The paper I presented focused on: “Diasporas in Africa: Hospitality as a Platform for African Urban Migratory Theology.” As I said in my presentation, the African DNA, which is characterized by hospitality, needs to be at the heart of moving forward with conversation, dialogue, and practical steps to find the best way to view and welcome the African diaspora in Africa. Therefore, it is up to Christian publishing to bring this reality to light. In doing so, Christian literature will become a tool for peace and the protection of human dignity, as will the theology of migration that I develop below.

The South African philosophical concept of “Ubuntu” (I am because you are), shows the link between humans and the need to give space to the diaspora in Africa; it is therefore necessary to highlight this concept in the ministry of publishing. It is also the responsibility of Christian publishing to invite the media to play their role in informing, producing documentaries on the problems of migrants in various geographical locations in Africa and the world.

An appeal must be made to the Church regarding its duty in the face of the issue of African diasporas. Likewise, the various states of Africa must be involved in the actions of the Christian publishing sector. Ultimately, churches, states, and the African Union must take responsibility for protecting African diasporas in several ways. It is good to know that Global Diaspora Network will publish all the conversations that took place in Cape Town in 2023. 

Article By Africa Speaks

Last Friday, September 30, Burkina Faso experienced another coup, only 8 months after the previous one. In a statement read on national television, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, the country’s new strongman, announced the dismissal of Lieutenant Colonel Paul-Henri Sandaogo Damiba, the dissolution of the government and the suspension of the constitution, as well as the closure of the country’s borders until further notice, and a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Friday was a very tense day in the capital of Burkina Faso, with gunfire heard around the presidency and the junta’s headquarters. Several roads in the city were blocked all day by soldiers posted at the main crossroads of the city, including in front of the headquarters of the national television. Dr. Joanna Ilboudo, founder of ACTS-Burkina and Editions CONTACT, expressed concern for the fate of the population in the likely acts of resistance. “We thought it was over, but with these new statements and the heavy gunfire we are hearing, we really need your prayers,” she said.

This coup is taking place in an already troubling context. Jihadist violence in Burkina Faso has increased rapidly in recent years. The terrorists, who have destroyed much infrastructure, now control nearly two-thirds of the country. Burkina is located in a region where Islamic extremist groups have great influence. Christians in the north and east of the country face the most pressure and violence, especially outside the major cities. Attacks and kidnappings have been common lately.

Let us join our brothers and sisters in Burkina Faso in praying to the Lord to intervene and grant a political solution and peace in Burkina Faso.

Article By Africa Speaks

Bob Reekie’s Legacy Continues

After more than two decades of dedicated service as the CEO of Media Associates International (MAI), John Maust is preparing to retire.

Media Associates International recently announced the posting for the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The new CEO will succeed current CEO John Maust when he retires in July 2024.

Andy Rogers, Chairman of MAI International Board of Directors, pays tributes to him with these words:

“As Board Chair for the International Board, and on behalf of the entire Board, I wish to thank John for his incredible work at MAI since he began serving in 1995, and most importantly, for his contributions as President since 1998, when he took over the post from MAI co-founder Bob Reekie. John is a man of authentic faith, a consummate servant leader, and a dear friend or mentor to all who know him. His steady leadership and active participation in the search will be invaluable as we go about the process of finding his successor to the role.”

The Board has been prayerfully considering all aspects and attributes of their next leader. Their hopes are to find someone who not only aligns with MAI’s mission to “satisfy global hunger for the written word,” but who has vision to build on all that God has done around the world through the MAI network, including the triennial LittWorld Conference.

Application Details

For more information on the position description and attributes of the ideal candidate, please click here.

If you are interested in being considered for this position, please send by email a cover letter and resume to mai@littworld.org. If you know of a good candidate who should be considered, please complete and return this form where all candidates will be processed by the MAI International Board.

MAI and Africa Speaks are partners in growing the development of Christian publishing and Christian literature training in Africa.

Join us in prayer for this important next step for MAI. Pray for divine guidance, wisdom and inspiration for the board members as they work through this transition. And let us give thanks to God for the wonderful plans He has in store for MAI in this new phase.

Article By Africa Speaks

Basics

The old proverb is, “You can’t tell a book by its cover.” Book publishers add, “But you can sell a  book by its cover.” 

Marketing is positioning a book in the purchaser’s mind,  while sales (and distribution) is getting the product into the customer’s hands in exchange for a fair price. Both are essential for successful book publishing.  

The marketing of books includes the three “P’s”—the right product at the right price at the right  place. It includes the new digital realities of marketing as well as more traditional ways to create awareness and desire to purchase.  

Covers & Catalogues

Covers are tremendously important in marketing. They urge customers to purchase a particular book or to choose between multiple options. Some believe that subtitles are also important,  convincing the reader that this book is a worthwhile investment of time and money. The cover needs to attract the customer and to give a promise. Many do this by featuring an endorsement  by a famous or respected person on the front and also on the back cover. Publishers sometimes ask famous authors to endorse each other’s books. 

Which brings us to marketing books by showing the covers. Publishers’ catalogues or web pages  are designed to show off their products. Catalogues are expensive to print and distribute, but  now, electronic distribution is a big help. The ultimate “catalogues” are designed by eSellers such as Amazon, who not only display books from many publishers, but also give reviews,  endorsements, chapter readings, and “other books you might like.”  

How do you get your print catalogue to potential customers? Some put it in a shipment with  other books. Others actually print a mini-catalogue in the back of other titles, filling out the  pages with similar titles. What has worked for you, or hasn’t worked? Do you need a print catalogue, or can you stay with an electronic version? 

Can you join your catalog with other publishers to increase the choices for readers as well as  saving costs? Years ago Tyndale House placed racks of books in non-bookstore markets. When they increased the number of titles on display from 32 to 48, sales dramatically increased  because people had more choices. The more choices the buyers have the more likely it is that they will find titles they want. 

Sampling

In all marketing, we know that word-of-mouth advertising is very powerful, whether it is one  customer telling another, or a noted person or pastor recommending a book.  

We also know that sampling is powerful. Book purchasers standing before a display of books  first look at the front cover, then turn it over to look at the back cover, then tend to leaf through the book—possibly seeing if something inside catches their eyes. This is the ultimate  sampling. 

How do we harness these two powerful concepts for greater sales and distribution? What can we do to promote reading, both of our own company’s titles and those of other Christian  publishers? Perhaps as we exchange our ideas we will spark unique ways of marketing our Christian books. 

The Africa Leadership Study research shed light on some of the challenges publishing and book distribution efforts face. Africa Speaks seeks to understand and have objective data that clarifies these challenges further. To that end the Africa Booksellers Survey 2022 project has been launched. It comes hot on the heels of the Africa Leadership Study with an in-depth study of the publishing in 19 countries. Africa Speaks will be visiting local booksellers to collect accurate data on the state of publishing in African cities between February 2022 to July 2023. The survey will gather input to understand:

• How are books distributed in a country?
• Which are the best-selling titles?
• What’s the price the locals are willing to pay to purchase a book?
• Who are the leading local authors?
• What genres are the most popular among Christians in the country?
• What role digital books play and how are they accessed?

Among the first surveys already conducted, the survey of booksellers in Tanzania provided detailed information about the players in the Christian publishing industry, the structure of the industry, the problems they face, and the opportunities and challenges that exist. It also provided a unique opportunity for an audience with leading Christian publishers.

Findings from the ALS

An encouraging finding from the ALS was its substantiation of the high level of importance books and reading have for leaders in Africa. Many of the survey respondents indicated a strong desire to read books that are both Christian and written by Africans. However, only 9.5% of the respondents surveyed were able to identify a favourite author that was both Christian and African. An in-depth analysis of this study was made and presented in the book: African Christian Leadership: Realities, Opportunities, and Impact by Kirimi Barine and Robert J. Priest.

In Chapter 10, entitled “Reading and Leading – Challenges for African Christian Leaders,” the authors outline the key factors contributing to a situation where an otherwise vibrant African Christianity has not produced the literature that African Christians seem to want and need. Among these factors are the following:

• Publishing and marketing are expensive and require adequate economic underpinnings. Most African Christians live within socioeconomic settings that are quite different from those faced by Christians in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. The current global financial market patterns related to Christian publishing work against the flourishing of Africa Christian authors.
• Publishing is a competitive arena, where those with a greater presence on television and radio are better positioned with major publishers.
• Christian missionaries historically distributed publications that were subsidized or free. Given such patterns, authors were understood to be making a gratuitous spiritual contribution through writing. They were not expected to make an actual living by writing excellent books that would sell in a competitive market. One result is that African Christian expectations about Christian publishing sometimes work at cross purposes to the cultural habits, competencies, and values needed for writing success in the modern world.
• Most books by African authors are published locally, seldom marketed across their own country, much less beyond, and rarely see a second printing.

However, a fair number of the top leaders interviewed indicated a desire to write and had taken initial steps toward this end, but they also expressed a measure of uncertainty about how to proceed.
Considering all of this, the authors concluded that change will only occur if the broader structural factors are understood, and if a wide variety of Christian stakeholders, both in Africa and around the world, come to recognitions and commitments such as:

1. A reading culture must be supported and fostered.
2. The flourishing of African Christian writers is essential to the long term strength of the African church in addressing the realities that African Christians need help with. Deep commitments on the part of diverse stakeholders are necessary to help bring about such an outcome.
3. Christian publishing and book distribution in Africa must be strengthened and prioritized.
4. A culture of writing must be fostered.
5. A wide variety of support for writers should be expanded from current levels.

These are virtually the same terms found in the Africa Speaks Accord, in which African publishing professionals committed to a thriving Christian publishing industry in Africa.

The Rationale and Implementation of ABS 2022

One of the findings of the ALS data analysis is the problem of book distribution, as can be read in the same chapter 10:

“Book distribution in Africa is a problem (Chakava 1996, 2007). Most books by African authors are published locally, seldom marketed across their own country, much less beyond, and rarely see a second printing. Of the twenty-three Anglophone countries in Africa, only four have fairly adequate wholesale book distributors—Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. In those countries bookshop owners can acquire their stock locally. Since most English-language titles come from other countries, in the other nineteen countries local booksellers need to import most of the books they sell—a daunting task. To complicate matters further, it is often difficult if not impossible to import books from neighboring African countries (because of border tensions, weak or nonexistent infrastructure, import duties, and bribes being extorted at customs). Thus, it is often far easier to acquire books from the United States or Great Britain.”

The Africa Booksellers Survey will therefore provide a better understanding of the implications of book distribution in these countries. For any meaningful building of the Christian publishing in Africa as an industry, accurate, objective and updated data will be indispensable. The survey involves face to face meeting of publishing professionals, data collection using questionnaires and recorded interviews to share the state of publishing in each country as shared by the local practitioners.

The Goals of ABS

By visiting local booksellers and engaging with them, Africa Speaks is looking to gather accurate data on the state of publishing in African cities. This data is crucial for decision making in building a flourishing Christian publishing industry.
Another major goal is to put together a comprehensive directory of Christian publishing professionals on the continent. This will be organized and structured into a listing of the talent available among publishing professionals in Africa and help the players understand the various expertise available and geographical coverage.
The survey will also help establish an in-depth understanding of the history of Christian publishing in each country and the contextual dynamics that influence the present practice.
As the study continues, join in prayer that more booksellers may be reached and heard. And may the findings of this research help establish a thriving publishing industry in Africa.

Article By Africa Speaks

A Rich History and Strong Foundation

Africa is a continent with a rich history of centuries of varied cultures, people groups, natural wonders and resources, amazing art, and music. Throughout that long history storytellers, teachers, scholars, artists, and leaders have inspired and nurtured a hunger for learning and wisdom. Earliest recorded history includes events and documents from Africa. Their wisdom and knowledge are a rich resource; a unique African treasure that has impacted the world through the ages. The Africa Study Bible: God’s Word Through African Eyes (Published by Oasis) includes extensive information and a timeline on the History of Christianity in Africa. It is a unique resource that combines the clear and precise text of the New Living Translation – with 2600 study tools and notes written by 350 contributors from 50 African countries, reflecting unique African ideas and experiences. Thomas C. Oden, author of How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity is a wonderful resource on this topic.

The contribution of Africa in global Christianity continues to shape the church around the world as this rich tradition lives on. Across Africa, men and women have stories to tell and wisdom to teach the Church and the wider culture. It is then necessary to have a robust publishing industry that assures these important African voices can be heard. Various publishing efforts are thriving, but the Christian publishing industry across the African continent as a whole faces many challenges.

Writers, editors, and publishing administrators have a vision to collaborate in nurturing and encouraging each other. After a gathering of African publishers in 2018 to evaluate and share information from their work, the group identified the realities and challenges. The objective data from the ALS research documented and confirmed their experiences. Collectively they crafted and signed The Africa Speaks Accord pledging to work together in determining strategies to overcome them. The implementation of the Africa Booksellers Survey will inform these efforts. More importantly, it will strengthen the Africa Speaks network.

Tyndale House Foundation (THF) has been part of this rich African tradition since its founding in 1963. In 1962 Dr. Kenneth N. Taylor wrote that he had visited 14 of the 28 new nations of Africa that had been formed. Such travels evidenced his deep interest in, and commitment to Africa. That interest and commitment was fertile ground for THF’s development of relationships with many organizations and individuals with a heart for Africa.

The Africa Leadership Study

The Foundation’s experience over the years affirmed that its investments in Africa were wisely managed by the recipients and were strategically important. However, they recognized weaknesses in their understanding of contemporary Africa. They wanted to learn about initiatives and opportunities that might better suit current circumstances. Most of the organizations with which the Foundation had worked across a wide variety of fields had Western rather than African roots. This prompted them to seek to understand the dynamics of leadership formation, to better understand what literature was available in Africa, who had written it, how it was distributed, and what role it played in leadership development. They also wanted to learn more about what was happening in the French and Portuguese speaking countries and cultures. Most importantly, they suspected that ministries with African roots could better understand the cultural context, define programs, and address priority needs in Africa. The study would better inform strategic investments in efforts that would have contextual impact.

In 2008 THF planted the seeds that grew into the Africa Leadership Study.

The Right Reverend Dr. Joseph Garang Atem Zorial from South Sudan, once said, “Your support provides a base for us to work together to make a space for God to act.” What an elegant description of the interaction between vision, hard work, and provision. It highlights the dynamic impact that unity in relationships, the hallmark of Christian community, can have. When everyone involved works together in unity, this makes space for the Holy Spirit. This was the context for THF’s decades-long research and development project.

“Your support provides a base for us to work together to make a space for God to act.”

Reading and Leading

Christians have often been at the forefront of mass literacy. Protestants, in particular, have emphasized the need for everyone to read the Bible and interpret it competently. Wherever these Christians have been influential, this value has had a positive influence on education, literacy rates, the publication of reading materials, and reading itself. And yet, the reading habits of Christians around the world have not often been researched and studied. In the book recently published to detail, document and share this study of African leadership, African Christian Leadership: Realities, Opportunities, and Impact, the tenth chapter was devoted to the topic of reading and leading. Entitled Reading and Leading – Challenges for African Christian Leaders, this chapter was included to initiate a first step toward researching and analyzing these habits and examining how understanding these habits might be helpful to those involved in writing, publishing, and distributing Christian materials today.

An understanding of reading habits, availability of literature and authors is essential in assessing leadership development. The survey included several questions regarding these topics.

• Availability of Bibles and frequency of use
• Computer, tablet, cell phone, internet access and use
• Number of books read in a year
• Availability and purchase of books, newspapers, magazines from bookshops or vendors
• Availability of materials in digital format
• Favorite authors

Researchers also visited bookshops and street vendors in all three countries, talking to owners and reviewing available materials. 

The raw data and the findings regarding Reading and Leading are available in the ALS materials. Africa Speaks recently reviewed this research in an article entitled Popular Fallacy About Africa Debunked by The Africa Leadership Study. Insight numbers 14 through 17 in 17 Insights into Leadership in Africa specifically focus on reading. The printable PDF of the booklet is available in English, French, and Portuguese.

What Did the Research Reveal?

1. The Bible as the Word of God is important in the lives of African Christians. It plays a central role in outreach, leadership development, discipleship, and preaching. Fifty five percent of survey respondents read their Bible daily.
2. There is a strong need for local Christian authors. The individuals identified as having a significant impact on the lives of those who responded to the survey were not listed as favorite authors: because they are not in print! They have a story to tell. They understand their local context. But for many different reasons they often haven’t invested in writing and don’t have a way to distribute what they might write.
3. The need for local Christian authors is especially the case in Francophone and Lusophone Africa where it can be more difficult to acquire knowledge about leadership realities because most materials available are in English.

The Call

Africa Speaks is seeking to nurture a collaborative network of people and organizations committed to encouraging influential leaders to tell their stories. This would serve as an example and encouragement for voices across Africa to tell their stories and speak their wisdom in ways that fit their communities. These efforts are based on sound, contemporary research, done by Africans in Africa, that has identified realities related to reading, authorship, and publishing. Other effective resources for achieving this network are the experience, insight and lessons learned from long term efforts of publishers across the continent who have a vision of a flourishing publishing industry.

Africa Booksellers Survey (ABS 2022) comes hot on the heels of the Africa Leadership Study with an in-depth study of the publishing in 19 countries. The process and the first findings of this survey will be presented in more depth in the article devoted exclusively to the ABS.