ABUJA — Authors’ Hub, a Nigerian writer’ collective, has announced the 15th edition of its monthly panel discussion, with leading publishers, authors, academics and literary critics set to examine the future of African publishing.
The virtual event, titled “The Future of African Publishing: Challenges, Innovations, and Opportunities,” is scheduled to hold on Saturday, July 25, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. via Google Meet.
According to the organisers, the discussion will bring together prominent figures in the literary and publishing industry to explore emerging trends, challenges and opportunities shaping the future of publishing across Africa.
Among the panelists is Steve Shaba, Chief Executive of Kraft Books Limited, Ibadan, whose publishing career spans more than four decades. Shaba, who began his career with Heinemann in 1984 before establishing Kraft Books in 1993, is widely recognised for mentoring writers and promoting editorial excellence in Nigerian publishing.
Also participating is Professor Lanre Olaolu Amodu, Professor of Public Relations and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Covenant University. Amodu, an accomplished scholar and leadership coach, is the author of Next-Level Engagement: The Self-leadership Secret to a Transformational Life of Impact and Fulfilment.
The panel will also feature author, journalist and translator Mairo Muhammad Mudi, whose published works include Diary of a Northern Single Mother, Diary of a Northern Rival, When the Wall Cracks and Hard Work Isn’t Enough (Dillaliya). She is noted for using literature to promote family values, women’s empowerment, leadership and social justice.
Award-winning writer and editor Mike Ekunno will also speak at the event. Ekunno, winner of the inaugural Harambee Literary Prize and the 2025 Native Voices Award of Kinsman Quarterly, is known for his acclaimed short story collection Soul Lounge and his work as a freelance book editor.
Another panelist is Jeff Iwu, an award-winning novelist, playwright, poet and literary critic. Iwu, an editor at Literary Dungeon Publishers and a doctoral student in Literature at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, has authored works including Files of the Heart, Cold Things, Verdict of the Gods and Gone with the Winds.
The discussion will be moderated by poet and literary critic Paul Liam, author of Indefinite Cravings, Saint Sha’ade and Other Poems, and A Feast of Bones. Liam is also a Fellow of the Ebedi International Writers Residency and a former National Coordinator of the World Poetry Movement in Nigeria.
Authors’ Hub, which organises the monthly panel discussions, was founded by literary journalist, novelist and poet Sumaila Isah Umaisha. The platform seeks to promote literary discourse and strengthen the African literary community through regular engagements involving writers, publishers, scholars and readers.
