(Carol Stream, Illinois, USA) – “LittAfrica was such a huge blessing to me. It took us to a deeper level of relationship with each other,” said publisher Luka Vandi Uti of Nigeria. “I gained knowledge of publishing needs across Africa.”
Pastor Luka, general manager of Africa Christian Textbooks (ACTS), was one of 120 publishing staff and writers from 21 African nations who participated in LittAfrica, MAI’s first all-Africa training conference, November 5 to 7, in Accra, Ghana.
At MAI’s LittAfrica conference in Ghana, Editions PBA of Benin was named 2019 recipient of the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award. Publishing Director Georges Late (left) came forward to accept it from MAI President John Maust (right) and Ramon Rocha, director of publisher development (middle). Photo by Prince Makaya, Liberty Visions, Kenya
Every session was led or co-led by an African resource leader, 27 in all. Plenary speakers included:Lara Odebiyi of Nigeria, founder of Dabira women’s magazine; Coby Asmah of Ghana, innovative founder and CEO of TYPE Company Ltd.; and Wambura Kimunyu of Kenya, CEO of Eneza Education; among others. More than 20 small-group workshops taught practical skills in digital publishing, writing, editing, design/illustration, marketing, management, and more.
“A high level of professionalism permeated the conference, from the quality of the sessions to even the signage and branding,” said MAI President John Maust. “Attenders quickly felt at home with one another, actively engaging in the sessions, and they came away with fresh tools and inspiration to better serve their readers through the written word.”
Agnes Singine had dreamed of launching a Christian publishing house for Zambia, where not one Christian publisher existed. A veteran editor with 25 years’ experience in publishing, Agnes wrote after the conference, “I hope to carry on bringing words to life and fulfilling the Great Commission through writing.” This week she registered Bespoke Publishing House as her business name.
“I thank the MAI-Africa team of Trustees who helped bring this conference together, Lawrence Darmani of Step Publishers, and his stellar local organizing team,” said Rose Inziani Birenge, chair of MAI-Africa.
During LittAfrica, MAI announced the 2019 recipient of the Robert B. Reekie Global Publisher Award, an annual award named for MAI’s founding president recognizing ministry excellence by a Christian publisher serving in a challenging context. MAI Director of Publisher Development Ramon Rocha III announced Editions PBA of Benin as the recipient, with Publishing Director Georges Laté coming forward to accept it. Founded in 1985, PBA focuses on publishing French-speaking African authors as the publishing arm of the IFES student ministry in Francophone Africa.
“I have learnt that there is power in unity. I have been inspired by people’s stories, and I have learnt a lot of valuable lessons both as a leader of a publishing house and a writer,” wroteLillian Tindyebwa, co-founder of Quiet Garden Publishing House in Uganda.
“This is going to change the landscape of Christian publishing in Africa for years to come and even forever!” she wrote.
Since 1985, MAI has advanced the Gospel by equipping local Christian publishers, editors and writers in 79 countries on 5 continents. These trainings have resulted in more locally published Christian books and articles written in the heart language and culture of readers. www.littworld.org
For photos or further details, email mai@littworld.org or call (630) 260-9063.
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