In a context where the publishing world in Africa and the Caribbean is thriving but still facing numerous structural challenges, the African Publishing Professionals Observatory (OAPE) launched an ambitious and strategic initiative in 2024: the African Publishing Startups Incubator, better known as APSI. This incubation programme, dedicated to young publishing houses, aims to provide a structured framework, personalised support, and a professionalisation lever for an emerging generation of African and Caribbean publishers.
The goal set by OAPE through APSI is clear: to enable young editorial structures to reach their full potential by providing them with the necessary tools for their development. In an environment often characterised by a lack of funding, weak distribution networks, and a still underdeveloped entrepreneurial training, APSI seeks to fill these gaps with a comprehensive system. Through this programme, the aim is not only to stimulate innovation in the book sector, but also to support cultural diversity by promoting the stories carried by local publishers. APSI thus acts as a talent accelerator, a launchpad for editorial initiatives that struggle to find their place in traditional circuits.
The incubation journey offered by APSI is structured around an intensive 60-day programme, during which selected young publishing houses benefit from both practical and strategic support. Each startup receives tailored assistance, focusing on various modules: business management, editorial design, financial planning, marketing strategy, legal structuring of activities, and much more. One of the programme’s key strengths is the personalised mentoring provided by industry experts, as well as the facilitated access to distribution networks and funding opportunities.
For several incubated publishers, it is also the recognition of their work that made a difference. “We felt isolated, barely visible. APSI gave us credibility, a platform to make our projects heard,” explains Constant David Guire, editorial manager at éveil Livres in Burkina Faso.
A developing ecosystem
The publishing houses selected in 2024 demonstrate the richness and diversity of editorial creation in Africa and the Caribbean. Among them are éditions Azur and Éditions Kanari from Togo, Ikilivre and Rasin Éditions from Haiti, Éditions Sedogo and Éveil Livres from Burkina Faso, as well as Plumics from Cameroon, Spirupresse from Benin, Kitabu Voice from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and éditions Repérage from Haiti. Each of these structures has proposed an innovative editorial project, rooted in its local context but with the potential for international impact.
In fact, two of these ten publishing houses were invited as APSI fellows to the International Children’s Book and Comics Fair in Yaoundé (SALIJEY), thanks to the support of OAPE Africa and the French Institute of Cameroon.
“It’s an honour and a great opportunity for me to participate here in Yaoundé at SALIJEY with my publishing house, Spirupresse. Thank you to APSI,” shared its founder, Emmanuelle Marie Berny.
A sustainable vision, beyond incubation
Beyond immediate support, APSI also plans for post-incubation follow-up. The goal is to ensure the sustainability of the progress made, and to consolidate the achievements of each company.
“What I appreciate is that even after the programme, we continue to receive support. We are not alone in the storm,” says Ludovic Tankeu, founder of Plumics (Cameroon).
However, the programme is not without its challenges. The jury of this first edition highlighted the importance of expanding the geographical scope of the initiative to include more publishing houses from English-speaking and Lusophone areas. It also noted the need to increase the number of startups supported, to meet the growing demand. Another issue identified was the need for stronger long-term follow-up, to ensure that young structures can truly consolidate their business models and sustain themselves in the long run.
A bet on the future of African and Caribbean books
Despite the adjustments to come, APSI is already proving to be an essential tool in building a stronger, more structured, and more autonomous editorial ecosystem in Africa and the Caribbean. By offering young publishers tangible resources, targeted training, and visibility opportunities, this programme helps renew editorial practices, while affirming the importance of narrative sovereignty.
In a world where stories circulate at great speed, it is becoming increasingly necessary for publishers from the Global South to have the means to make their voices heard — freely, independently, and sustainably. APSI provides a tangible response to this imperative, by investing in the sector’s driving forces. It’s not just about incubating companies; it’s about cultivating visions, consolidating structures, and enabling new generations of publishers to fully participate in the global narrative.
In this way, APSI is not just an incubator: it’s a bet on the future of African and Caribbean literature.
Additionally, at the request of numerous publishing professionals, a complementary programme will soon be launched — this time aimed at more experienced publishers, with modules adapted to their specific needs. The next round of incubation is scheduled to begin in the coming weeks.
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