Local book publishers demand national policy

The Cameroon book publishing industry is fairly young, but waxing strong in spite of challenges and the hitherto strong competition from foreign counterparts.

Meeting at the Cameroon Cultural Centre, CCC, in Yaounde, on Friday, April 22, 2016, to celebrate this year’s World Book Day, members of the National Association of Cameroon Book Publishers, ANELCAM, revisited the challenges of local publishing.

With theme, “The Book Problem in Cameroon,” ANELCAM President, Nforgwei Rogers, explained that the choice was informed by the absence of a national book policy, thereby making the profession an all-comers’ affair. “As a result, you have books with wrong facts, so many errors and even tending to promote immorality. Publishing school textbooks demands a lot of caution because learners need to receive the right information and facts,” Nforgwei noted.

“Our members need regular refresher courses to update their knowledge and also discuss with government how to bring down the cost of books. The rumoured one textbook per primary school subject policy will not necessarily bring down prices. The problem of local book publishing requires more constructive and transparent dialogue to resolve.

Dr Thomas Essono, Head of Department of Publishing, Advanced School of Mass Communication, ASMAC, Yaounde, spoke on the challenges of training publishers and getting them actively involved in the industry. Other speakers included Menyeng Awono, ANELCAM Vice President, Jean Claude Awono, the Secretary General and Najiber Daniel, a book distributor.

They discussed challenges hindering local book publishing like the cost of printing, import of papers and book distribution.