The Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX), a flagship initiative by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), has officially announced the 2nd edition of the CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa.
Imagine a continent where stories matter, where books aren’t just pages but bridges to culture, identity, and progress. That’s exactly what the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) is celebrating with its 2nd Edition of The Prize for Publishing in Africa. Launched by the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank), this award isn’t just about books, it’s about honoring the people who bring African voices to life.
Why This Prize Matters
Last year, Cassava Republic Press won the inaugural prize for publishing Female Fear Factory: Unveiling Patriarchy’s Culture of Violence by Pumla Dineo Gqola. The book sparked conversations about gender violence, proving how powerful stories can be. This year, CANEX wants to find more books like that, ones that challenge, inspire, or simply tell stories that need to be heard.
The prize isn’t just about winning money (though $20,000 for the top publisher and $2,000 each for four finalists is a big deal!). It’s about giving African publishers a platform to shine.
As Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, put it:
“We are delighted to announce the 2025 CANEX Book Factory Prize for Publishing in Africa. Building on last year’s successful edition, this landmark initiative celebrates African publishing excellence. Through the CANEX Book Factory, we aim to put a spotlight on the enormous contribution of African authors and publishers to Africa’s cultural identity and economy.”
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Who Can Apply?
The rules are simple:
- Books must be published by African publishers (based in Africa).
- They must have been released in 2024.
- Language matters: Books can be in Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Swahili, or any African language.
- Bonus points: Books printed in Africa or written in local languages get extra attention.
Publishers have until April 30, 2025, to submit their entries. Just visit the CANEX website to sign up.
Judges Are Looking for…
What makes a winning book? Judges will check three things:
- Writing: Is the story well-told?
- Editing: Are the ideas clear and polished?
- Production: Does the book look and feel professional?
But here’s the twist: CANEX cares about where books are made. If your book was printed in Africa, that’s a plus. If it’s in a language like Yoruba or Wolof, that’s even better.
The Bigger Picture: CANEX and Afreximbank
The CANEX Prize is part of a larger mission. Afreximbank isn’t just a bank, it’s a partner in Africa’s growth. Through CANEX, it supports creative industries like music, film, and publishing. The goal? Turn Africa’s creativity into jobs, money, and pride.
Dr. Eghosa Imasuen, who helps run the prize, explained why this matters:
“The first edition of the Prize greatly underscored the necessity of this intervention in the publishing value chain in Africa. We are grateful to Afreximbank and CANEX for their ongoing support of African publishing. We are excited to launch this second edition, and we hope to see submissions from more publishers across the continent than in the inaugural edition.”
The Grand Finale: Intra-African Trade Fair
Winners will be announced at the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) in Algiers, Algeria, from September 4–10, 2025. Imagine a place where thousands of businesses, investors, and artists come together. That’s IATF, Africa’s biggest trade event.
Last time, deals worth $44 billion were made there. But for publishers, it’s more than numbers. It’s a chance to meet readers, writers, and partners who care about African stories.
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A Call to Publishers: Your Story Counts
If you’re a publisher with a book that deserves attention, don’t wait. Apply now. If you’re a reader, share this news. Let’s celebrate the people who keep African literature alive.
As Afreximbank says, “Africa’s stories are its future.” Let’s make sure they’re heard.
For more details, visit CANEX’s website.
