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
Over 42,000 books delivered to South Sudan’s universities, as UNESCO hands over more learning materials in Bor
UNESCO has handed over 194 boxes of academic books, around 2500 in total, to the Dr. John Garang Memorial University of Science and Technology in Bor, capital of Jonglei State, as part of efforts to expand access to learning materials in South Sudan.
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Books For Africa Partners with Ethiopian Diaspora to ship 33,000 books to Girls Schools in Ethiopia
Books For Africa Partners with Ethiopian Diaspora to ship 33,000 books to Girls Schools in Ethiopia Books For Africa was pleased to partner with Resources Enriching African Lives (REAL) to ship over 33,000 books valued at $484,000 to girl’s schools across Ethiopia. This shipment was sent in June of 2025. The container was received and distributed in Ethiopia. BFA commends the good work of REAL…
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35,000 Books Arrive at Addis Ababa’s Abrehot Library, Expanding Access to Knowledge
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - In a powerful demonstration of global partnership and community-driven impact, a shipment of approximately 35,000 books has arrived at Abrehot Library, Ethiopia’s premier public library in the heart of Addis Ababa.
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Explore literacy beyond borders and Black History Month
For many communities across Africa, books are the primary engine for educational growth. Books For Africa Board President Fatima Lawson writes an editorial published by Minnpost in honor of Black History Month.
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Libraries For Kids Partners With Books For Africa to Get More Books To Kids In Africa.
Books For Africa is proud to partner with Libraries For Kids. See the journey of a book by viewing this video.
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