The Lagos Action Plan (LAP) was developed at the first IPA Regional Seminar in Lagos (May 2018) and represents the most comprehensive roadmap ever created for the development of African publishing. Originally called the Lagos Action Plan Committee, it evolved into the Africa Action Plan Committee — responsible for delivering on an expanded brief to address the major challenges stifling the continent's vast potential to be a world publishing powerhouse.
Gbadega Adedapo was central to its creation: he called on participants to develop the plan during his opening address, then served on the committee that took it forward.
The 5 Transformation Goals
Goal 1 — Enhancing Stakeholder Collaboration and Coordination
Fostering relationships among stakeholders in the African publishing industry. The LAP identifies initiatives with parallel vision and leverages the African Publishers Network (APNET) to improve collaboration. MOU signed with APNET. IPA formalising member assistance programmes to facilitate increased membership for national publisher associations.
Goal 2 — Advancing Innovative Solutions to Longstanding Challenges
Dubai Cares committed $1 Million+ to address pressing needs of the African publishing ecosystem. This birthed the African Publishing Innovation Challenge — channelling funds to creative projects in Africa over 4 years. At the Nairobi seminar, prospective grant recipients were met and shortlisted.
Goal 3 — Making Africa's Copyright Framework Fit for the Digital Era
Africa's publishing industry struggles with a poorly functioning copyright ecosystem. The LAP takes a systematic approach: creating systems that support the digital economy while implementing national measures to tackle the print segment. Working closely with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (Director General John Asein) and conducting stakeholder meetings across regions.
Goal 4 — Leveraging Data for Advocacy and Digital Transformation
Data on African publishing is scarce — making it impossible to track progress or develop indicators. The LAP partnered with Insight Wells Research for an industry survey and with Nielsen Book Research International to launch a demo data system in Nigeria and Kenya as a model for the continent.
Goal 5 — Promoting Diversity and Inclusiveness in Global Publishing
Partnership with PublisHer (founded by Bodour Al Qasimi) to develop a global agenda featuring women publishers. Ensuring involvement of women in committee formation and decision-making. MOU signed with ADEA (Association for Development of Education in Africa).
The Committee
8 members from 7 African countries:
Gbadega Adedapo
Nigeria — NPA; IPA Executive Committee
Lawrence Njagi
Kenya — Committee Chair; KPA; IPA
Brian Wafawarowa
South Africa — PASA; IPA
Ernest Oppong
Ghana — APNET
Aminata Sy
Sénégal — Nouvelles Éditions Africaines
Amina Hachimi Alaoui
Morocco — Éditions Yanbow Al Kitab
Isabelle Kassi Fofana
Côte d'Ivoire — Akwaba Culture
Lily Nyariki
Kenya — ADEA
Committee Priority Issues
Pilot Programmes
The committee developed pilot programmes requiring elaborate stakeholder partnerships. The African Publishing Innovation Challenge channels Dubai Cares funding to creative projects through thematic calls for proposals. By 2021, 5 projects across Africa received $170,000 in the second grant cycle, with applications from 18 countries.
Lagos Action Plan Update Panel: Brian Wafawarowa (South Africa), Jose Borghino (IPA Secretary General), Gbadega Adedapo (Nigeria), Anges Felix Ndakpri (Ivory Coast).