SBA and NYU host 161 Arab, African publishers

The Training Programme for Arab and African Publishers 2025 began on Saturday, bringing together 161 publishers; including 75 from across Africa; along with authors and publishing professionals from around the world.

The programme addressed key industry priorities, including managing audio content, building effective audiobook strategies, scaling family-run publishing businesses into international brands, and exploring new digital distribution models.

Organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) in collaboration with New York University (NYU) at Expo Centre Sharjah, the event reflected a broader push for innovation in publishing; with the purpose of supporting Arab and African publishers in expanding their global reach.

In his opening remarks, Mansour Al Hassani, Director of Publishing Services at the SBA, said the programme is part of the Authority’s broader initiative, under the leadership of Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA; to support publishing professionals; and stressed the importance of learning from international industry leaders and of building cross-border collaboration to raise the standards and effectiveness of publishing in the region.

Andrea Chambers, Associate Dean of the NYU SPS Center for Publishing, Writing, and Media; welcomed the guests and outlined the programme’s agenda.

She stated, “For this year, we are focused on sharing best practices and strategies, hearing your challenges, and exploring how you can achieve growth, expand your reach, and find new audiences. Our goal is to help you advance that process by learning from leading executives in the field of publishing.”

She concluded by highlighting the significance of the partnership with SBA, and for Sharjah’s important role and efforts within the global publishing industry, helping to shape the future of storytelling.

In his keynote presentation, “Global Book Industry & Publishing in Emerging Markets,” Markus Dohle, CEO Emeritus of Penguin Random House, connected global trends to opportunities in the Arab World and Africa. He underscored that 86% of the world’s population lives in emerging economies, which boast higher GDP growth, creating a vastly larger opportunity for publishing. He cited booming markets in India and Southeast Asia, as well as Africa which is projected to reach $18.5 billion by 2050, driven by population growth, rising literacy, and digital access.

While acknowledging challenges like complex supply chains, language and cultural nuances, and lack of IP protection, Dohle argued this is “the best time in book publishing since Gutenberg invented the printing press,” citing record 2024 global revenue, the healthy coexistence of print and digital, and the rapid growth of children’s books and audiobooks.

He urged collaboration, stating, “Partnerships among publishers... we all share similar goals,” and called on attendees to become industry ambassadors, spreading a positive message backed by the data that shows that publishing is on the rise.

Amanda D’Acierno, Global President of Penguin Random House Audio, led a session titled “Bracing Audio: Effective Strategies for Publishers Big and Small,” and urged publishers to capitalise on the “borderless” potential of audiobooks.

While around 30% of the global population have listened to at least one audiobook in their lives, she revealed a massive opportunity for the Arab world with 400 million speakers, and only around 12,000 available titles in Arabic.

Her strategy for emerging markets focused on localised production and ensuring ultimate quality and standards. “A customer that has a positive experience with audiobooks will return time after time,” she stated, advising publishers to invest in skilled narrators and educate consumers on the value of paid, quality content over inferior AI-generated or pirated material.

She also highlighted unique marketing angles, noting that a well-known narrator can dramatically extend a campaign’s reach and that promoting the format’s versatility; for commutes, chores, or exercise; is key to driving adoption. Following the session, attendees broke out into groups to develop and present their own audiobook campaign concepts; with input and guidance through D’Acierno’s expertise.