APSI 2024

Origin of the Project

APSI (Africa Publishing Start-ups Incubator) is a dynamic hub dedicated to fostering the growth of publishing start-ups across Africa and the Caribbean. Our mission is to catalyse innovation, support professionalisation, and nurture the development of the publishing sector by offering strategic and operational support to emerging enterprises.

This initiative marks the first tangible step in the broader vision to professionalise the book industry in Africa(s)—a programme launched by the African Observatory of Publishing Professionals (OAPE) during the 2023 Yaoundé International Children’s Book and Comics Fair.

Created in response to the needs expressed by young publishing entrepreneurs, APSI provides essential tools, resources, and guidance to help them navigate and overcome the many challenges inherent in the publishing landscape of the Global South. Through this initiative, selected start-ups will benefit from customised support, targeted training, and expanded access to professional networks—empowering them to build resilient, innovative businesses.

Moreover, APSI promotes collaboration between established professionals and emerging players in the industry. By fostering partnerships and shared learning, the programme aims to create a more sustainable and inclusive publishing ecosystem in Africa and the Caribbean.

Our Objectives

• Stimulate Innovation
  We are committed to identifying and supporting start-ups that bring fresh, creative approaches to storytelling, content distribution, and reader engagement—transforming the publishing sector through innovation and professionalism.

• Promote Diversity of Voices
  Africa and the Caribbean are rich in untold stories and unique perspectives. APSI supports companies that champion underrepresented voices, contributing to a more inclusive and representative publishing landscape.

• Strengthen Entrepreneurial Capacities
  Through tailored mentoring and training, we help editorial entrepreneurs build strong foundations in areas such as business management, editorial design, marketing strategy, and financial oversight.

• Facilitate Market Access
  We build strategic partnerships with distributors, bookstores, digital platforms, and other key industry actors to open local, regional, and international markets to our incubated start-ups.

Our Action Plan

• Rigorous Selection Process
  Start-ups are selected through a competitive application process that evaluates the originality, scalability, and societal impact of each project.

• Customised Incubation Programme
  Selected start-ups enter a bespoke incubation pathway including personalised mentoring, training sessions, access to expert resources, and collaborative workspaces.

• Facilitated Access to Finance
  We connect start-ups with our network of investors and funding opportunities to help them secure the financial resources they need to scale.

• Networking & Strategic Partnerships
  APSI fosters collaboration among start-ups and facilitates connections with sector experts, professionals, and fellow entrepreneurs to build a thriving, supportive community.

Provisional Timeline

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for the APSI incubation programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Legal Status: Must be a legally registered start-up in accordance with national regulations.

• Sector Focus: Active in the book publishing industry in Africa or the Caribbean.

• Stage of Development: Early-stage start-ups (ideation, launch, or initial growth). Priority will be given to companies less than 3 years old.

• Innovation: Demonstrates originality and creative problem-solving in publishing.

• Relevance: Aligns with APSI’s mission and contributes to the development of the local publishing ecosystem.

• Commitment: Shows a strong dedication to building a sustainable publishing business and fully participating in the programme.

• Team Capacity: Has a motivated and capable team to implement the proposed action plan.

• Language Proficiency: Able to participate in programme activities conducted in English and/or French.

Application Deadline

Applications are open until 15 May 2024, 23:00 GMT.
Submit your application through the official form available at:
👉 https://oapeafrica.org/apsi/