The Somali Publishers Association (SPA) was founded to address the challenges faced by Somalia's education sector, particularly in the aftermath of the civil war that devastated educational infrastructure and disrupted formal schooling. With recent progress towards peace, SPA supports educational reform by producing culturally relevant learning materials, contributing to the establishment of a standardized national curriculum that ensures quality learning for all children. SPA is dedicated to advancing the publishing industry and promoting literacy by supporting publishers, authors, and stakeholders. It offers training, professional development, and advocacy for members' interests at various levels, ensuring the production of high-quality educational resources and strengthening intellectual property rights. The association also encourages collaboration among book producers and supports initiatives to improve textbook availability and literacy programs nationwide.
To promote a vibrant publishing ecosystem that nurtures Somali literature empowers authors, supports publishers, and enhances reading culture through collaboration and innovation.
To be the leading force in Somali publishing, ensuring diverse voices are heard and accessible literature flourishes, thereby contributing to Somalia's cultural and intellectual growth and its diaspora.
Integrity: Committing to ethical practices in all publishing endeavours
Collaboration:Fostering partnerships among publishers, authors, and industry stakeholders.
Diversity and Inclusion:Celebrating diverse perspectives and voices in Somali literature.
Innovation:Embracing new technologies and practices in the publishing process.
Lifelong Learning:: Promoting continuous education and skill development within the publishing community.
The Resources Hub serves as a comprehensive repository for members, providing access to valuable materials, including:
Publishing guides and best practices
Marketing and distribution resources
Licensing and copyright information
Templates for contracts and agreements
Advocacy tools for promoting literacy and publishing rights
The Sustainability Committee is dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible practices within the publishing industry. It focuses on:
Encouraging sustainable printing methods
Advocating for digital publishing
Promoting the use of recycled materials
Organizing events to raise awareness about sustainability in publishing
The SPA supports all facets of publishing, including:
Traditional and self-publishing avenues
Digital and print publishing strategies
Marketing and promotional activities
Rights management and distribution guidance
The Somali Publishers Association membership is open to publishers, authors, editors, and anyone engaged in the publishing process. Member benefits include:
Networking opportunities
Access to training and development programs
Participation in industry events and conferences
Inclusion in a directory of members for visibility and collaboration
Beder Printing House
Puntland United Publishers
Sacba Publishing Company
Darwiish Stationery Compan
Bile Printing Press
Garaad Publishing Company
Saahid Publishing Limited
Hargeisa Printing House
The SPA advocates for the protection of intellectual property rights and helps members understand their copyright obligations. We provide resources about:
Copyright registration processes
Fair use and licensing agreements
Protection strategies for authors and publishers
Freelancers play a crucial role in the publishing industry, and the SPA facilitates connections between freelancers and publishers. We provide:
Opportunities for freelancers to showcase their work
A platform for publishers to find qualified freelancers
Guidelines for professional conduct and collaboration
Committed to empowering our members, the SPA offers various skill development programs, including:
Workshops on writing, editing, and publishing best practices
Training sessions on marketing, audience engagement, and digital tools
Seminars on copyright law and publishing ethics
Networking events to connect with industry professionals
Training workshops
Membership
Nationwide reading campaigns
Annual book fairs
Partner with schools to set up reading clubs
Promote Industry Guidelines
Advocate for Copyright protection
Publish books, journals and magazines in Somilia’s culture and tradition
Documentation of oral initiatives and local folklore
produce curriculum aligned textbooks
Develop supplementary learning materials to support underserved communities
Organize writing competitions for youth authors and students
Set up workshops to teach creative writing and editing skills
Host conferences and forums for publishers , writers and education to share insights and collaborate
Build partnerships with international publishing houses for knowledge exchange
Offering publishing grants or subsidies for emerging authors
Run workshops on self-publishing and market strategies
Document and publish stories of resilience and recovery in the developemnt of learning materials.
Highlight successful local publishing businesses and social initiatives