Best Self Publishing Platforms in Africa Compared
The African publishing landscape is changing fast. More authors are choosing self-publishing platforms to bypass traditional gatekeepers, reach readers directly, and earn higher royalties. If you’re an African writer ready to share your stories with the world, selecting the right platform is crucial.
Self-publishing has opened doors for African authors, offering a faster, more profitable way to share stories with a global audience.
Below, we break down our best self-publishing platforms for African authors— Afrireads, StreetLib, Amazon kdp, ITAN Global Publishing igp, Smashwords and LuLu, highlighting their strengths, and weaknesses to African writers.
Here’s a detailed comparison of the best self-publishing platforms available in Africa, with a spotlight on ITAN Global Publishing (IGP)—a rising platform designed specifically for African authors seeking global visibility.
1. Afrireads
Overview: Afrireads is a digital reading platform in Ghana with a focus on African literature. It offers readers an affordable way to access African stories, and authors can upload their books directly to reach readers on mobile devices.
Pros:
1. Dedicated focus on African literature.
2. Affordable pricing for readers
3. Regional audience reach
Cons:
1. Limited global marketing reach.
2. Fewer tools for international distribution.
3. Less visibility compared to bigger platforms.
2. StreetLib
Overview: StreetLib is a global publishing platform that allows authors to distribute ebooks and print books worldwide, including in Africa. It provides professional publishing tools for authors and small publishers.
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Pros:
1. Wide international reach and distribution.
2. Offers print-on-demand and ebook services.
3. Multi-language support for global audiences.
Cons:
1. Less focus on African authors.
2. Royalty structure and platform fees can be complex.
3. Requires more self-management from authors.
3. ITAN Global Publishing (IGP)
ITAN is a revolutionary African-owned self-publishing platform de3.3signed specifically for African authors seeking global access.
With AI-driven tools, targeted marketing strategies, and plans to partner with Western book distributors, ITAN is bridging the gap between African writers and international readers.
ITAN Global Publishing (IGP) is more than a self-publishing platform—it’s a literary ecosystem built for African writers. The platform focuses on empowering authors with cutting-edge technology and connections to international readers.
It specifically addresses issues such as content visibility and monetization which has kept African literary work hidden, and unmonetized.
Key Features:
1. AI-powered book visibility and audience targeting
2. Plans for partnerships with Western bookstores and distributors.
3. Royalty transparency and easy payment options for African authors.
4. Marketplace dedicated to African stories and genres.
5. Multilingual support for African and global languages.
6. Right Audience Targeting: Unlike generic platforms, ITAN focuses on connecting African authors with Western audiences that appreciate and seek out African stories.
7. Authors receive royalties in local currency
8. Multiple revenue sources for authors –through : Subscriptions, pay-as-you-go and others.
Pros:
1. Built for African authors from the ground up.
2. Strong marketing focus on Western audiences who love African literature.
3. AI-driven tools to improve book discovery.
4. Early-mover advantage in the African self-publishing space
Cons:
1. Platform is newer and still scaling its international reach
2. Still a new platform, with features and partnerships rolling out in phases
3. Onboards only fictions writers at the moment, with plans to welcome non-fiction at a later date.
With its African-first approach, IGP stands out as a game-changer for writers who want to maintain control of their work while reaching an international audience hungry for authentic African voices.
Visit https ITAN igp to start your publishing journey.
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4. Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP)
Amazon KDP is the most popular self-publishing platform worldwide. Authors can publish eBooks and print-on-demand paperbacks for free, gaining access to millions of readers globally. However, KDP doesn’t specifically target African authors or promote regional literature.
Pros:
1. Massive international audience.
2. 70% royalty rate on eBooks in select regions.
3. Easy-to-use publishing tools.
Cons:
1. Highly competitive.
2. No special focus on African content.
3. Its Algorithms do not favour writers based in Africa
4. Unfair royalties for African writers and high fees. While paying 70% royalties to writers from other countries, African are paid just 30% after deducting 30% taxes.
5. High funds transfer rates for writers based in Africa.
6. Payment barriers for African authors.
7. Limited marketing support unless you invest in ads.
5. Smashwords (Draft2Digital)
Smashwords is an aggregator that helps authors distribute ebooks to multiple retailers and libraries. It’s ideal for those seeking broad distribution without managing multiple accounts.
Smashwords, now part of Draft2Digital, offers easy distribution to multiple online retailers. It’s perfect for authors who want their books in many stores without uploading separately to each platform.
Pros:
1. Distributes to Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, and more.
2. Simple formatting and uploading.
3. Strong analytics and royalty reporting.
Cons:
1. Not tailored for African markets.
2. Marketing support is limited.
3. Less brand recognition compared to Amazon.
4. Interface feels outdated.
5. Limited promotional tools.
6. Lulu
Lulu specializes in print-on-demand services, making it ideal for authors who want high-quality print copies.
Pros:
1. Professional printing and distribution.
2. Global shipping options.
3. High customization.
Cons:
1. Complex setup for beginners
2. Not Africa-focused.
Why ITAN Should Be Your Top Choice
While platforms like KDP and Draft2Digital are great for international exposure, ITAN Global Publishing offers a unique blend of African-centered focus and international reach.
With AI-driven book discovery, global distribution plans, and a strategy to target Western audiences who love African literature, ITAN stands as the future of African publishing.
If you’re an African author ready to share your voice with the world, ITAN is the platform that prioritizes your growth, visibility, and access to global readers.
Start your self-publishing journey.
Visit https://publish.itan.app
and join a growing movement of African authors rewriting the global literary narrative.