African authors are standing up to denounce a widely known saying that “If you want to hide something from an African, put it in a book.” This phrase is often used to suggest that people from this continent do not like to read.
Some of these writers, including those engaged in media, acknowledge that this saying holds some truth, as it reflects the low level of African participation in reading-related activities or book events.
An author named Christine Titih said, “Yes, that saying exists, and I and my fellow writers encounter it because Africans are known for not reading. We don’t attend events where writers are launching their books, we don’t buy books, and we generally don’t read. Instead, we are known for getting information from other people rather than doing our own research. But I believe the solution lies in what we are doing today—through conversations like these. As we keep repeating the same message, over time, things will improve.”
Dr. Mbonimana Gamariel mentioned that, as writers, they are committed to breaking this habit, saying, “We believe that every African household should have a book because a book holds knowledge, and now we are in an era where our country is focusing on a knowledge-based economy.”
Prof. Malonga Pacifique, who has been in the book-writing profession for a long time, agrees that this problem persists but remains hopeful for change. He said, “Rwandans say perseverance is key. Teaching is a continuous process. Even now, people still avoid books. If you were to stop every car in traffic and ask the drivers if they have a newspaper—I’ve tried this—I can’t even tell you what I found, but I left embarrassed. So, that phrase still exists, but honestly, no one should give up. Change is coming, and there is hope.”
Some people argue that one of the obstacles preventing Africans from reading or conducting research stems from colonialism and the perception that reading was meant for a different group of people.
Other factors hindering reading include the lack of time for people to sit and focus, the scarcity of written materials in African languages on topics of interest, poor-quality education, and the rapid pace of technology, which often distracts people from reading, among others.
Sam Kabera
