Kiswahili adult fiction publishing in South Africa, how SMME’s can contribute and benefit

Abstract

The research report will observe a sample of publishers that engage in cross border trade in a well-established platform, and the extent to which this promotes intra-Africa trade. The research will also look at how the expansion of Kiswahili fiction as a cross boarder endeavour for small publishers, will contribute to the mandate of the African Union cultural renaissance and the African Union. This study will use a mixed method research approach. The quantitative method will include collection of data from Nielsen Bookscan, the collected data from will assist in identifying trends and establishing a timeline of Kiswahili fiction trade sales. This study aims to discuss how small publishing houses can contribute to a market already in existence by producing content that can be exported and imported. Additionally, the researcher aims to investigate the sale and distribution of Kiswahili literature that is already available in South Africa. I hope to find data on the background of the publishing industry in the various countries I have chosen to understand how cross border trade between these countries may work and benefit SMME’s.