LAGOS , NIGERIA – NOV 5 – 8, 2026
CANEX BOOK FACTORY
Africa’s Literary engine.
A dedicated platform for African 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.
6
PROGRAMMES
55+
COUNTRIES
4
DAYS
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 intellectual property to thrive — on the continent and across the world.
APPLICATION OPEN 23 MAR 2026
CANEX Prize for Publishing in Africa
Recogising and rewarding excellence among African-owned publishers. A continental prize that invests directly in the institutions producing, owning and monetising African intellectual property.
EXPLORE & APPLY ➜
APPLICATION OPEN 23 MAR 2026
CANEX Creative Writers WorkShop
An Intensive, curated programme for emerging African and Carribean writers, Craft and development, Industry knowledge and professional networks – built to launch literary careers
EXPLORE & APPLY ➜
IN PARTNERSHIP
CANEX
BOOK FACTORY
BOOK FACTORY
From the page to the world.
In collaboration with the Caine Prize for African Writing, CANEX Book Factory hosts a curated series of sessions that take African short fiction further — into publishing, theatre, film, and beyond. A partnership rooted in craft, and pointed toward industry.
SESSION 01
Pitch your Manuscript
A live pitching session where writers present their manuscripts directly to a panel of industry experts — publishers, agents, and producers — for on-the-spot feedback and professional positioning.
SESSION 02
From Page to Screen
Writers and producers in conversation about what makes literary work attractive to film and television — and how to navigate the road from manuscript to adaptation.
AT CANEX WKND
Panels & Masterclasses
Industry conversations and hands-on craft sessions across all four days of CANEX WKND. Open to delegates and the wider literary community.
MASTERCLASS
The Business of African Publishing
Rights, distribution, and building a publishing house that lasts. Practical insight from publishers operating at the frontier of African literary trade.
REGISTER INTEREST ➜
PANEL
Literature & the African Diaspora
Rights, distribution, and building a publishing house that lasts. Practical insight from publishers operating at the frontier of African literary trade.
REGISTER INTEREST ➜
PANEL
IP & the African Creative Economy
Rights, distribution, and building a publishing house that lasts. Practical insight from publishers operating at the frontier of African literary trade.
REGISTER INTEREST ➜
MASTERCLASS
Editing for Excellence
Rights, distribution, and building a publishing house that lasts. Practical insight from publishers operating at the frontier of African literary trade.
REGISTER INTEREST ➜
AT CANEX WKND 2026
CANEX
Book Fair
A marketplace for African publishers, booksellers, and literary organisations — open to the public and trade buyers. Four days of books, rights conversations, author signings, and direct commerce between African publishers and the world.
50+
Publishers & exhibitors from across Africa and the Caribbean
50+
Publishers & exhibitors from across Africa and the Caribbean
50+
Publishers & exhibitors from across Africa and the Caribbean
50+
Publishers & exhibitors from across Africa and the Caribbean
CANEX BOOK CLUB
FEBRUARY 2026 PICK
Homegoing
Yaa Gyasi
Two half-sisters, one sold into slavery, one married to a slave trader. Their descendants’ stories span three continents and three hundred years — a sweeping, shattering debut that traces the fractures of family across the African diaspora.
YAA GIASI
Author, Homegoing
YAA GIASI
Author, Homegoing