A unique opportunity has opened up for African publishers of trade books to apply for the second edition of the CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa.

This initiative is part of the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), an important intervention by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), aimed at celebrating and showcasing Africa’s rich literary and publishing culture.

Showcasing African Literary Talent

Developed in collaboration with Narrative Landscape Press Limited, the CANEX Book Factory Prize highlights Afreximbank’s commitment to strengthening the publishing industry and nurturing literary talent across Africa and its diaspora.

The first edition of the prize, held in 2024, recognized Cassava Republic Press as the winner for the impactful book Female Fear Factory: Unveiling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence by Pumla Dineo Gqola.

A Grand Ceremony at the Intra-African Trade Fair

This year’s edition of the CANEX Book Factory Prize will culminate in a prestigious awards ceremony at the fourth Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), set to take place in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4 to 10, 2025.

The IATF is Africa’s premier trade and investment event, where more than 2,000 exhibitors, including global businesses, will gather to showcase their offerings and explore new opportunities.

Prize Details and Benefits

The CANEX Book Factory Prize celebrates exceptional African publishers and authors.

With a total prize fund of $28,000, the winner will receive $20,000, while the four finalists will each be awarded $2,000.

This prize is an incredible recognition of the contributions African publishers are making to the literary world.

Eligibility and Submission Guidelines

To be eligible for the prize, the trade book must have been published by an Africa-based publisher in the year prior to the award.

The book must also be published in one of the African Union’s official languages—Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, Swahili, or any indigenous African language.

The submissions will be evaluated based on writing quality, editing, and production, with a particular emphasis on books printed and produced on the African continent and those written in indigenous African languages.

Publishers who wish to apply can do so by visiting https://canex.africa/canex-book-factory. The application window is open from March 17 to April 30, 2025.

Key Dates

Application Period: March 17 – April 30, 2025
Deadline: April 30, 2025

Don’t miss this chance to be part of this prestigious event and to gain recognition for the outstanding work you’re doing in the African publishing industry.