Cultivating the next generation of readers in Africa

next-generations

It was once said that, “if you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book”. Such a statement could be said to be true when oral tradition was at its peak in Africa and very few were being introduced to reading by missionaries.

Over the years, Africans have not only got better at reading, but the continent has produced its fair share of celebrated authors, including Nobel laureates who are telling their own stories. Yet one cannot claim that a reading culture across Africa has been established.

This is partly the case because most books found in Africa are still written by authors in Europe and North America, who fashion their narratives within the context of their cultural milieu. Secondly, as most of these books are imported, they are perceived to be expensive or overpriced relative to other consumer items.

Meanwhile, the generations of Africans who are growing up with modern electronic gadgets are insisting that books targeted at them should not only be relevant in content and be affordable, but should also be conveniently delivered in new media that they are already familiar with such as computers, smart phones and other devices.

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