APIF to create accessible books for visually impaired readers in 2022

The Africa Publishing Innovation Fund (APIF) – a grant-giving program co-led by Dubai Cares, a UAE-based global philanthropic organization, and the International Publishers Association (IPA) – has selected five new projects across Africa to receive part of US $200,000 in funding in 2022 aimed at fostering a love of recreational reading among visually impaired and print disabled children and young people.

This is the third iteration of the APIF program, which is funded by a multiyear, US $800,000 donation from Dubai Cares. The APIF Committee, chaired by IPA President Bodour Al Qasimi and comprising renowned publishers from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia, selected the winners from scores of applications submitted from 18 African countries.

IPA President Bodour Al Qasimi said, “As part of Dubai Cares’ support this year, we are directing APIF financing towards reading for pleasure and accessibility, both being priorities with the power to unlock the literary landscape to everyone, regardless of level of education or ability.”

While, Dr. Tariq Al Gurg, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman at Dubai Cares said,“Our support to the Africa Publishing Innovation Fund in 2022, through our partnership with the International Publishers Association, enables us to promote a love of reading among visually impaired young readers and provide access to books for disadvantaged children and young people.”