This report highlights the critical discussions and outcomes of a high-level meeting organized by ADEA, through its Working Group on Books and Learning Materials (WGBLM), and the Global Book Alliance (GBA). The workshop convened 79 key stakeholders from 22 African countries and 12 development partners to address the challenges of providing sustainable access to books, particularly in local languages, for children in lower primary schools.

The workshop underscored the vital role of reading in personal and national development, highlighting the severe shortage of books, especially in mother tongue languages, which hinders early education in Africa. Participants established the African Publishing Collaborative and agreed on a five-point agenda: advocacy and policy dialogue, training and research, local language development, publishing partnerships, and improved bookselling and distribution. This agenda aims to transform the African book industry and promote widespread access to quality reading materials.

The report concludes with a commitment to implementing this collaborative agenda, recognizing the book as a key tool for advancing education and socio-economic development across Africa. The workshop laid the groundwork for future collaboration between ADEA, GBA, and African book industry stakeholders.