Afreximbank announces launch of CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa: Apply Now

Afreximbank has officially declared the initiation of the CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa, a collaboration between the CANEX Book Factory and the Narrative Landscape Press Limited.

The CANEX Book Factory, a significant intervention within the CANEX program, is designed to foster a dynamic literary culture throughout Global Africa and promote the growth of a sustainable business environment in the literary field. Launched in 2020 by Afreximbank, CANEX serves as a crucial catalyst for development and job creation in Africa, acknowledging the importance and opportunities presented by the creative and cultural sectors.

The CANEX Book Factory will shine a spotlight on and enhance the African book value chain through a Pan-African writing workshop, an e-newsletter showcasing African literature, and the prize for publishing in Africa. This will culminate in the Award Ceremony at the CANEX WKND scheduled to take place in Algiers, Algeria from 16-19 October 2024.

A prize of USD20,000 will be granted to the publisher of the best trade book. Trade books encompass publications intended for a general audience, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, while excluding textbooks and academic books. Furthermore, four finalists will each receive USD2,000 in prize money.

In response to this announcement, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President-Intra African Trade and Export Development Bank at Afreximbank, expressed, “We are delighted to unveil The CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa, an innovative initiative by Afreximbank aimed at promoting and honoring excellence in African publishing. This prize underscores our dedication to nurturing Africa’s creative industries and bolstering the vibrant literary scene across the continent. Through the CANEX Prize, we seek to acknowledge and empower African authors and publishers who play a crucial role in shaping our cultural identity and enriching our communities through literature in what is a multi-billion-dollar industry.”

Ms. Chimamanda Adichie emphasized the significance of initiatives like CANEX, stating that they provide hope to aspiring African writers by creating a supportive community of like-minded individuals. She believes that hope is essential to the human spirit, and sees CANEX as a beacon of hope for the future of African storytelling.

In order to promote the development of creative sectors such as fashion, music, film, art, literature, gastronomy, and sport, CANEX aims to enhance the creative and cultural economy within Africa and the diaspora. Through a range of financial and non-financial tools and initiatives, CANEX is committed to supporting the growth and advancement of these industries.

CANEX is dedicated to fostering a conducive environment for various creative sectors, including fashion, music, film, art, literature, gastronomy, and sport. By utilizing a variety of financial and non-financial resources and initiatives, CANEX aims to promote the expansion and development of the creative and cultural economy in Africa and the diaspora.

Application

CANEX invites publishers in Africa to submit published trade books for the inaugural CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa. To submit your entry, please visit:  https://apo-opa.co/3WR3vgu.