For immediate Release
Lagos, Nigeria
Some of the most prominent and influential figures from the world of publishing will be attending the International Publishers Association (IPA) seminar in Lagos on May 9th to discuss the major challenges and opportunities that could dictate the future of the industry across Africa.
The seminar will be structured around the theme ‘Publishing for Sustainable Development: The Role of Publishers in Africa’, and will consist of six panel discussions to be held on the side lines of the Nigeria International Book Fair.
Topics of discussion include: the publishing industry’s socio-economic contribution to Africa; strengthening African educational publishing; bringing the voice of African writers and publishers to the world; the role of technology in overcoming illiteracy and promoting reading; addressing freedom to publish challenges in Africa; and enhancing enforcement of copyright and IP laws.
Dr. Michiel Kolman, President of the IPA said: “This seminar reflects the importance of the African publishing industry and its potential in terms of both cultural and economic progress. The topics up for discussion not only highlight the challenges being faced; they also explore a diverse set of possible solutions.”
He concluded: “While every nation is different and each market unique, there are still many common goals for publishers across the African continent and this gathering of such distinguished and accomplished guests will certainly help to establish those and move forward in both ambition and action.”
Highlighting the global importance of the seminar, international panelists will meet in Lagos from across the continent and beyond, representing many of the IPA’s 76 members from 65 countries.
In addition to Dr Kolman, the seminar will host Gbadega Adedepo, President of the Nigerian Publishers Association; Brian Wafawarowa, President of the Publishers Association of South Africa; Elliot Agyare, President of the Ghana Book Publishers Association; Kristenn Einarsson, MD of the Norwegian Publishers Association; and José Borghino, Secretary General of the IPA. Bodour Al Qasimi, President of the Emirates Publishers Association will deliver the closing speech.
During the press conference, Gbadega Adedapo, President of the Nigerian Publishers Association, said: “This event is extremely important for the International Publishers Association, the African publishing industry, and Nigeria in particular. Not since the 29th International Publishers Association Congress, held in 2012, has there been a more important international event that focuses on the significant progress the African publishing industry is making.”
He added: “Publishing, literacy, and access to books are prerequisites for success in life and the development of our countries and continent. We must always remember that strong publishing industries and national cultures of reading are the foundations for socio-economic development and are critical for participation in most areas of life.”
The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) is the only collective voice of publishers in the nation. It has been in existence since 1965 and is a rallying point for all books, journals, and electronic publishers in the country.
The association provides a forum through which publishers come together and deliberate on various issues affecting the book and publishing industry. It is at the NPA that policies are made to create an enabling environment and secure favorable trade terms both within Nigeria and overseas.
The IPA Seminar will be held in collaboration with sponsors and partners including the Emirates Publishers Association; Sharjah Publishing City; Emaar Properties PJSC; the London Book Fair; National Aviation Services; the American Association of Publishers; the Norwegian Publishers Association; the Frankfurt Book Fair; and the Publishers’ Association.
About International Publisher Association IPA
The International Publishers Association (IPA) is the world’s largest federation of publishers associations with 76 members in 65 countries. Established in 1896, the IPA is an industry body with a human rights mandate. The IPA’s mission is to promote and protect publishing and to raise awareness of publishing as a force for economic, cultural and social development. Working in cooperation with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and numerous international NGOs, the IPA champions the interests of book and journal publishing at national and supranational level. Internationally, the IPA actively opposes censorship and promotes copyright, freedom to publish (including through the IPA Prix Voltaire), and literacy.
About The Nigerian Publishers Association NPA
The Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) is a professional association of publishers in Nigeria and the only collective voice of the publishers in Nigeria. It has been in existence since 1965. It is a rallying point for all book, journals, and electronic publishers in the country since its inception.
The Association provides a forum through which publishers come together and deliberate on various issues affecting the publishing industry and the book trade at large. It is at the NPA that policies that would create an enabling environment and secure favourable trade terms both within Nigeria and overseas are made.
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For further information contact James Taylor: taylor@internationalpublishers.org