Books For Africa remains the largest shipper of donated text and library books to the African continent, shipping over 64 million books to all 55 countries on the African continent since 1988. Last year alone, Books For Africa shipped over 2.8 million books, valued at over $28.5 million, to 36 countries—a 78% increase over the previous year. Over half a million digital books were also shipped on 163 computers and e-readers. Approximately $2.5 million was raised to ship these books to partners across Africa. Over 9,000 volunteers joined BFA staff in helping to pack these books for shipment to Africa.
To learn more about groups currently fundraising to ship books to specific African countries, view the Projects page.
To learn more about the Girls Empowerment Collections, BFA Publishing, Law & Democracy Initiative, Agricultural Libraries, or French Books view the Special Initiatives page
Books For Africa is a simple idea, but its impact is transformative. For us, literacy is quite simply the bridge from misery to hope.
— Kofi Annan, former U.N. Secretary-General
EIN 41-1627391
The Latest
Books For Africa Founder Tom Warth Leads Climb of Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minnesota
On September 20, 2025 Tom Warth led a fundraising climb of Barn Bluff in Red Wing, Minnesota. It was a great day and the event was a big success. Approximately 30 people participated in the event, and approximately $14,000 was raised to ship books to Uganda.
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Ghana Library Authority: Reading Fights Poverty in Ghana
Books For Africa partnered with BetterWorld Trust and the Ghana Book Trust to deliver 18,000 books to schools, libraries, and orphanages in Ghana. Together, they have provided more than 590,000 books over the past eight years to expand access to education.
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Red Wing hike to raise money for books for youth in Africa
"A Minnesota organization is making its way to Red Wing this Saturday to raise money for books for youth in Africa. Books for Africa plans to lead a community hike up Barn Bluff to enjoy great views of the city while also helping to fill bookshelves in Uganda.
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A Team Effort: Books For Africa Partners with Zambezi Schoolbook Project to Bring Nearly 350,000 Books to Zimbabwe
Earlier this year, Books For Africa partnered with the Zambezi Schoolbook Project to ship 5 containers with nearly 350,000 books to Zimbabwe. Distribution is now underway and Books For Africa is pleased to share feedback from some of the partners on the project.
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Books For Africa’s 2nd Annual Georgia Luncheon Draws Guests from Diplomacy, Sports, Business Worlds
Books For Africa recently held its 2nd annual Georgia fundraiser luncheon, which was a great success! Attended by a total of 115 guests, which included a diplomat, a state representative, board members, corporate sponsors, volunteers, and even a former NBA player, it was a chance to reaffirm our shared commitment to education across the continent.
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