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Botswana’s literary landscape has flourished with a diverse array of publishing houses that cater to various genres, languages, and audiences. From academic texts to indigenous literature, these publishers play a pivotal role in shaping the nation’s literary identity. Below is a comprehensive list of the top 40 book publishing companies in Botswana as of 2025.
1. Cloud GhostWriting
CloudGhostWriting stands at the forefront of Botswana’s publishing industry. Established in 2020, this Gaborone-based company specializes in ghostwriting, manuscript development, and full-service publishing. They offer a suite of services, including professional editing, book design, ISBN assignment, and marketing support. Their commitment to quality and author-centric approach has made them a preferred choice for both emerging and established writers.
2. Printing & Publishing Company Botswana (PPCB)
Founded in 1971, PPCB is the largest and most versatile printing establishment in Botswana. Located in Gaborone, PPCB offers comprehensive services including book printing, magazine publishing, commercial printing, and binding. Their state-of-the-art facilities ensure high-quality production standards.
3. Lightbooks Publishers
Established in 1995, Lightbooks Publishers is renowned for its focus on academic and cultural publications. Based in Gaborone, they specialize in educational materials, cultural studies, and language resources, contributing significantly to Botswana’s academic literature.
4. Alpha Book Publisher
Alpha Book Publisher, with operations in Botswana, offers a range of services from book publishing to editing and distribution. Their international reach and commitment to quality make them a notable player in the Botswana publishing scene.
5. Government Printing and Publishing Services
Since 1966, this government entity has been responsible for publishing official documents, educational materials, and policy papers. Their role is crucial in ensuring the dissemination of government information to the public.
6. MathDummies Book Publishing
Specializing in educational and academic publishing, MathDummies Book Publishing focuses on creating learning materials that simplify complex mathematical concepts. Their resources are widely used in schools across Botswana.
7. Van Schaik Bookstore Publishers Botswana
Operating in Gaborone, Van Schaik Bookstore Publishers is known for its academic publications, particularly university textbooks. They serve as a vital resource for higher education institutions in Southern Africa.
8. Exclusive Books Publishers Botswana
Exclusive Books, located in Airport Junction, Gaborone, offers a blend of trade publishing and retail services. They provide a platform for both local and international authors to reach a broader audience.
9. Motswana Publishers
Based in Francistown, Motswana Publishers focuses on promoting local literature, including fiction, poetry, and cultural studies. Their works often feature content in the Setswana language.
10. Kalahari Publishing House
Situated in Maun, Kalahari Publishing House specializes in publications related to Botswana’s wildlife, tourism, and environmental conservation, reflecting the region’s rich natural heritage.
11. Diamond Publishers Botswana
Established in 2016, Diamond Publishers focuses on business and finance publications. Their books cater to professionals seeking insights into Botswana’s economic landscape.
12. Okavango Literary Press
Located in Maun, Okavango Literary Press publishes literary fiction and poetry, often drawing inspiration from the Okavango Delta’s unique environment.
13. Setswana Heritage Publishers
Based in Molepolole, Setswana Heritage Publishers is dedicated to preserving and promoting the Setswana language through literature, including historical works and traditional stories.
14. Botswana Educational Publishers
Since 2008, Botswana Educational Publishers has been a leading provider of school textbooks and educational resources, supporting the country’s educational system.
15. Makgadikgadi Press
Makgadikgadi Press, located in Mahalapye, focuses on regional literature, local history, and community-based publications, highlighting the diverse cultures within Botswana.
16. African Sun Media Botswana
Operating in Gaborone, African Sun Media specializes in academic publishing, contributing to the advancement of research and higher education in Botswana.
17. Zebra Publishing Botswana
Zebra Publishing, based in Francistown, is known for its children’s books and educational materials, aiming to foster a love for reading among young readers.
18. Desert Rose Publishers
Located in Ghanzi, Desert Rose Publishers focuses on rural literature and agricultural publications, addressing issues pertinent to Botswana’s rural communities.
19. Gaborone Academic Press
Gaborone Academic Press publishes university-level materials, including textbooks and research papers, supporting the academic community in Botswana.
20. Limpopo River Publishing
Situated in Bobonong, Limpopo River Publishing focuses on cross-border African literature, promoting cultural exchange and understanding through literature.
21. Baobab Tree Publishers
Based in Kasane, Baobab Tree Publishers specializes in tourism and travel publications, showcasing Botswana’s rich cultural heritage and natural attractions.
22. Tswana Literature House
Located in Kanye, Tswana Literature House is dedicated to indigenous language publications, preserving and promoting the Setswana language through literature.
23. Southern African Publishing Collective
Operating in Gaborone, this collective collaborates with regional publishers to promote Southern African literature and facilitate cross-border distribution.
24. Moremi Publishing Solutions
Established in 2021, Moremi Publishing Solutions offers self-publishing services, including print-on-demand and digital publishing options for authors seeking greater control over their work.
25. Chobe Publishers
Chobe Publishers, based in Kasane, focuses on environmental and conservation publications, highlighting the importance of preserving Botswana’s natural resources.
26. Kagiso Publishers Botswana
Situated in Mochudi, Kagiso Publishers specializes in educational and religious publications, contributing to the moral and spiritual development of Botswana’s society.
27. Serowe Heritage Press
Serowe Heritage Press publishes historical and biographical works, preserving the rich cultural heritage of Botswana’s communities.
28. Innovation Publishers Botswana
Established in 2022, Innovation Publishers focuses on technology and innovation publications, addressing the evolving needs of Botswana’s digital landscape.
29. Tsodilo Publishing House
Located in Shakawe, Tsodilo Publishing House specializes in archaeological and anthropological publications, exploring Botswana’s ancient history and cultural heritage.
30. Selebi-Phikwe Academic Publishers
Based in Selebi-Phikwe, this publisher focuses on mining and industrial publications, providing valuable resources for Botswana’s mining sector.
31. Pan African Publishers, Botswana
Pan African Publishers, operating in Gaborone, promotes continental African literature, fostering a deeper understanding of Africa’s diverse cultures and histories.
32. Women’s Literature Press Botswana
Established in 2018, this press focuses on women’s literature and gender studies, providing a platform for female voices in Botswana’s literary scene.
33. Youth Voice Publishers
Located in Francistown, Youth Voice Publishers specializes in young adult and youth literature, addressing issues relevant to Botswana’s younger generation.
34. Traditional Knowledge Publishers
Based in Molepolole, Traditional Knowledge Publishers focuses on indigenous knowledge systems, preserving traditional wisdom and practices through literature.
35. Botswana Business Publishers
Botswana Business Publishers, situated in Gaborone, publishes business guides and entrepreneurship manuals, supporting economic development in the country.
36. Central Kalahari Press
Located in Ghanzi, Central Kalahari Press focuses on rural development and community publications, addressing the needs of Botswana’s rural populations.
37. Thapong Visual Arts Publishers
Thapong Visual Arts Publishers, based in Gaborone, specializes in arts and cultural publications, promoting Botswana’s vibrant artistic community.
38. Mmegi Publishers
Mmegi Publishers, operating in Gaborone, publishes media studies and journalism guides, contributing to the development of Botswana’s media industry.
39. University of Botswana Press
Established in 1982, the University of Botswana Press publishes academic journals and scholarly monographs, supporting research and higher education in Botswana.
40. Botswana Institute for Development Policy Analysis Publishers
Founded in 1995, this institute publishes policy research and development studies, providing valuable insights into Botswana’s governance and development strategies.
Publishing Trends in Botswana 2025
- Botswana’s publishing industry is increasingly adopting digital formats, including e-books and print-on-demand services.
- Local authors now have better access to domestic and international audiences through online distribution channels.
- There is a growing focus on indigenous languages, especially Setswana, alongside English publications.
- Independent and self-publishing platforms are thriving, giving emerging writers greater control over their work.
- Innovative storytelling formats are gaining popularity, reflecting the creative evolution of Botswana literature.
Challenges Facing Botswana Publishers
- Limited funding for literary projects remains a major obstacle.
- High production costs and restricted access to global distribution networks affect many publishers.
- Balancing commercial viability with local cultural promotion can be challenging.
- A shortage of professional editors and illustrators sometimes impacts publication quality.
- Collaborations and government support are helping publishers overcome challenges and expand their reach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Which is the leading book publishing company in Botswana?
CloudGhostWriting is considered the leading publisher, offering ghostwriting, editing, and publishing services for diverse genres.
Q2: Are there publishers that focus on Setswana literature?
Yes, several publishers such as Motswana Publishers and Setswana Heritage Publishers focus on promoting literature in the Setswana language.
Q3: Can new authors self-publish in Botswana?
Absolutely. Companies like Moremi Publishing Solutions and CloudGhostWriting provide self-publishing and print-on-demand services, allowing authors to control the entire process.
Q4: What types of books are commonly published in Botswana?
Botswana publishers produce a variety of works, including academic textbooks, cultural studies, children’s books, poetry, fiction, business guides, and environmental publications.
Q5: Are digital books popular in Botswana?
Yes, digital publishing and e-books are on the rise, making literature more accessible and helping authors reach both local and international audiences.
Q6: What challenges do Botswana publishers face?
Common challenges include limited funding, high production costs, restricted global distribution, and a shortage of professional editors and illustrators.
Q7: How is the Botswana publishing industry evolving in 2025?
The industry is embracing digital technology, self-publishing, and multilingual content, while also focusing on promoting indigenous culture and literature.
Conclusion
These 40 publishing companies represent the diverse and dynamic literary landscape of Botswana. Each plays a unique role in promoting literature, education, and cultural heritage, contributing to the nation’s rich tapestry of written works. From major academic presses to niche cultural publishers, Botswana’s publishing scene continues to evolve, embracing both traditional and modern methods. Aspiring authors, researchers, and readers alike have a wealth of opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to this thriving literary ecosystem.
