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.

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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.