canex book factory

AFRICA'S LITERARY ENGINE


A dedicated platform for African and Caribbean publishing, writing, and literary culture, built to strengthen the continent's creative economy from the ground up. Where stories are written, published, traded, and read.

about

BUILDING AFRICA & THE CARIBBEAN'S LITERARY INFRASTRUCTURE


CANEX Book Factory is dedicated to building Africa and the Caribbean's literary ecosystem from the ground up. We exist to ensure that Africa and the Caribbean stories are not left behind by strengthening the entire literary value chain: from creation and publishing to distribution, readership, and adaptation. Through our interventions, we nurture emerging writers, recognise publishing excellence, and provide the resources Africa and the Caribbean's book industry needs to thrive.


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PROGRAMMES

Built to invest in African literary talent at every level


From first-time writers to established publishers, CANEX Book Factory runs programmes that recognise excellence, build capacity, and create the conditions for African and Caribbean intellectual property to thrive, on the continent and across the world.

CANEX Creative Writing Workshop

Our Creative Writing Workshop is an immersive programme designed to nurture emerging writers from Africa, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora. Held in inspiring locations with travel and accommodation covered, the workshop brings together expert-led sessions, one-on-one mentorship, and peer exchange, giving writers the tools, community, and confidence to thrive in the global literary ecosystem.


CANEX Publishing Prize

The CANEX Publishing Prize celebrates excellence in African, Caribbean, and Diaspora publishing. Awarded annually to outstanding trade books in fiction, non-fiction, and poetry produced on the continent, the prize recognises exceptional storytelling, quality production, and editorial innovation, giving authors and publishers the global recognition their work deserves and opening doors to wider markets.

events

meet the author session

Get up close and personal with authors through intimate conversations that reveal the stories, inspirations, and processes behind their work. These sessions allow readers, writers, and industry players to connect directly with the creators shaping today's literary landscape.

CANEX Book Fair

An exhibition and marketplace for Global African publishers, authors, booksellers, and literary organisations.

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Various
Publishers & exhibitors from across Africa and the Caribbean
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4
Days open to trade buyers and the public
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FREE
Entry for readers and the wider literary community
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5 - 8 NOVEMBER
Lagos, Nigeria — CANEX WKND 2026
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