Africa Publishing Initiative (API)

The Africa Publishing Initiative (API) was launched in 1997 by the Office of the Publisher of the World Bank in partnership with the Africa Region to strengthen the capacity of Sub-Saharan publishers. A viable indigenous publishing industry is critical to the economic development of a country, as it supports its progress in literacy, education, and empowerment. Publishing is also an important productive sector which provides a number of skilled jobs across the continent (writers, designers, artists, editors, publishers, printers, freighters, wholesalers, and retailers).

Objectives

• Expand local publishing capacity
• Use and strengthen available distribution networks
• Encourage sharing of Africa’s knowledge within the continent and with the rest of the world

Activities

1. CAPACITY BUILDING

• Staff exchange: each year EXTOP hosts a mid-level staff member from an African publishing house for a 3-month formal and on-the-job training, and reciprocates by placing suitable staff for a similar period with the African publisher to carry out tasks as needed as well as needs assessment and possible technical assistance. The program allows for important skill transfers, including training of trainers.
• Internship prize program: In collaboration with the Office of Diversity, EXTOP annually offers a 3-month attachment to a student competitively selected from publishing programs at African universities (currently Cameroon, Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya).
• Distance learning tools: Based on assesses needs, EXTOP organizes self learning programs (CDs and Manuals on publishing skills for self study + tutored assignments + face-to-face sessions) in collaboration with APNET and partner universities. Pilot on editorial skills being launched now => attach html of course and manual + image of CD cover

2. KNOWLEDGE SHARING/NETWORKING

Five workshops organized in various locations in Africa every year on topics identified through discussions with local publishers, booksellers, and development partners:
 

3. MEDIUM-LONG TERM ACTIVITIES

• Dissemination of good business practices through workshops with local Book Fairs, local Publishers’ organizations and APNET (African Publishing Network, with 47 member countries).

• North-South and South-South Networking among API “alumni” and interested parties, for on-going knowledge dissemination and collaborative practices, through e.g.:

• Representation at regional and international book fairs

• Structured links with selected university programs

• Links with PICs/Infoshop/GDLN/WBI events.

• Regional benchmarking/needs assessment at the industry-company-staff level, through staff exchange, regional seminars and surveys. First survey at the APNET General Council meeting in Cape Town, 14-15 June 2007.
• Facilitating access to critical resources: World Bank proprietary material, curriculum adaptation, pooled copyrights negotiation, topical and functional expertise also in POD and systems.
• Linkages to WB operations for improving the business climate, education reform and trade integration, in collaboration with relevant country teams.

Contacts: Richard Crabbe, Office of the Publisher, World Bank, rcrabbe@worldbank.org
Paola Scalabrin, Office of the Publisher, World Bank, pscalabrin@worldbank.org
Abdia Mohamed, Office of the Publisher, World Bank, amohamed1@worldbank.org