The 2nd African Publishers Conference to be held in Zimbabwe from 3rd to 4th June, 2024 (2 days)

The 2^nd edition of the African Publishers Conference will be held in Harare, Zimbabwe from 3^rd to 4^th June, 2024 (2 days). The Conference will be hosted by the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO) and Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association (ZBPA) at ARIPO Headquarters, Harare, Zimbabwe. “Enhancing the Capacity of African Publishing Industry for the Promotion of Literacy” is the theme of this important regional meeting.

Partners

The 2^nd African Publishers Conference is organised by African Publishers Network (APNET) with the support of the following partners/co-organisers:

• World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO)
• International Federation of Reproduction Rights Organisations (IFRRO) 
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO)
• African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO)
• Zimbabwe Book Publishers Association (ZBPA)
• International Publishers Association (IPA) 

Participants

Over 70 participants from about 40 countries are expected to congregate at the Conference. Officials and speakers from the above partnering organisations will participate and also facilitate various sessions of the programme. The Conference will also involve the following high-profile dignitaries: the Guest of Honour, Minister for Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs – Hon. Ziyambi Ziyambi. Special Guests will be Hon. Kirsty L. Coventry, Minister for Sports Recreation Arts and Culture, Hon. N M. Ndlovu, Minister for Industry and Commerce; and Mr Willie Mushayi, the Chief Registrar of The Deeds, Companies and Intellectual Property under the Ministry of Justice.

Conference Objectives

The African Publishers Conference and post collaborative activities seek to achieve the following objectives to drive progress in the publishing industry in Africa:

1. To build the capacity of publishers’ association, African publishers and the publishing industry at the national and regional level.
2. To strengthen copyright and existing Reprographic Rights Organizations (RROs) and establish new ones in Africa.
3. To strengthen national and regional advocacy for the promotion of national book and reading policies, publishing and distribution of books in African languages.
4. To advance the knowledge and understanding of African and International stakeholder organizations on the African publishing industry.
5. To sensitize and promote the execution of pilot projects and projects which include research and book publishing innovations for the growth of the industry.
6. To update the conference action plan for implementation to promote and improve the publishing industry in Africa.

• To empower the participants to lead the implementation of the knowledge acquired and to share materials and knowledge acquired with the publishers in their respective countries.