The Digital Debate: A New Era of Reading & Publishing?

Saturday 2 July

10:30 – 12:00

Elliot/ Ogot Room

The advent of e-book readers including the Kindle, Nook and Kobo has revolutionised reading habits. Readers who were historically limited to physical copies are now able to buy and instantly access thousands of books in a device that weighs less than one hard copy novel. Reading styles have changed and we consume much more digital content than ever before. It is not only e-readers which have caused this shift – most of us today own smartphones and tablets. We’re more likely to read an update about our friends, or a breaking news article, or the latest book release on a digital device than in its physical form. This digital debate will discuss: are e-books here to stay? Will the digital world spell the end of physical books, and what will this mean for African literature? How are publishers shifting their business models to adapt to this trend and how are new digital challengers in the market like Bahati Books, Okadabooks and Digitalback Books making African literature more accessible to a wider audience?

Join our roundtable discussion hosted by Barbara Njau and Kudakwashe Kamupira (Bahati Books) with Nancy Adimora, Afreada; Gersy Ifeanyi Ejimofo, Digitalback Books; Kiru Taye, author and others TBC. – it is open to all and not to be missed! Register your place by emailing info@bahatibooks.com

Image Credit: Seyllou/AFP