Karen Bugingo on the rise of book publishing in Rwanda

Rwanda, a country known for its rich oral storytelling tradition, is now witnessing a shift towards a culture of reading and book publishing. Karen Bugingo, the author of 'My Name is Life', has been a trailblazer in this emerging sector, defying the odds and making a mark in the industry. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Bugingo shared insights into her journey as an author and the challenges and opportunities present in Rwanda's book publishing landscape. Bugingo reflected on the challenges she faced when she first printed her book in 2018. She highlighted the struggle of introducing a new concept to the Rwandan market, where reading was not as prevalent. Despite the initial difficulties in gaining traction, Bugingo expressed optimism about the growing reading culture in Rwanda. She noted that over the years, Rwandans have shown an increasing interest in books, as evidenced by the rising sales of 'My Name is Life'. One of the key factors contributing to Bugingo's success has been the profitability of the Rwandan publishing industry. Bugingo emphasized the financial viability of investing in publishing, citing her own experience of funding the second reprint of her book. She acknowledged the role of sponsorships in kickstarting her publishing journey but highlighted that even self-investment in reprinting has led to significant returns. Bugingo's story serves as a testament to the potential for authors and publishers to thrive in Rwanda's evolving literary landscape. In discussing future trends in the industry, Bugingo acknowledged the rise of alternative communication mediums like podcasts and audiobooks. While there is a growing demand for audiobooks among younger audiences, Bugingo underscored the enduring appeal of physical books for many readers. She noted that while there is a market for audiobooks, her focus currently remains on producing hard copies. However, Bugingo expressed openness to exploring audiobook formats as the industry continues to evolve. Bugingo also shed light on the relaunch of 'My Name is Life' and the reasons behind it. She clarified that the reprinted copies were aimed at reaching audiences who missed out on the initial release due to limited availability and marketing. The relaunch has been met with positive reception, with Bugingo revealing that nearly 100 copies have already been sold out of the 1000 reprinted copies. The collaboration with bookstores has further propelled sales, despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic. As Bugingo continues to make strides in the Rwandan book publishing scene, her success story serves as inspiration for aspiring authors and publishers. With a growing reading culture and a supportive market, Rwanda's book publishing industry is poised for further growth and innovation. Bugingo's journey exemplifies the resilience and determination required to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities in Africa's burgeoning publishing landscape.