Cameroon: Textbook Photocopying Copyright Threatens Publishing

• Ferdinand Nana Payong's Bourse du livre is celebrating its 35th anniversary in Yaoundé on August 11, 2026.
• Nana Payong highlighted widespread textbook photocopying as an ethical problem causing the "programmed death" of publishers and booksellers.
• He urged media and cultural figures to educate parents on promoting "noble solutions" beyond cheap photocopies.
• Nana Payong believes expanding book market access could significantly increase returns for publishers and praised public authorities for seeking solutions.
• The Bourse du livre was founded in 1991 by Nana Payong to assist disadvantaged families during a period of economic recession.

Nana Payong emphasized that if publishers, who finance and invest in educational materials, cease to exist due to widespread unauthorized copying, then booksellers, who depend on their output, will inevitably follow.

The Bourse du livre (Book Exchange), an initiative promoting literature and knowledge, is set to commemorate its 35th anniversary in Yaoundé, Cameroon, on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. Ahead of this significant milestone, Ferdinand Nana Payong, the event's promoter and a specialist in communication and marketing, engaged with national and international press in Yaoundé. His discussions centered on critical issues, including the democratization of access to books and the pervasive problem of unauthorized photocopying.

Nana Payong highlighted a severe issue observed in educational institutions: a significant number of students, lacking textbooks for subjects such as French, Mathematics, Natural Sciences, Physics, and Chemistry, resort to photocopying entire books. This widespread practice, he warned, constitutes an "ethical problem" that leads to the "programmed death" of publishers, directly impacting the entire literary supply chain.

The proliferation of unauthorized textbook photocopying in Cameroon poses a profound challenge to the nation's intellectual property publishing sector. Nana Payong emphasized that if publishers, who finance and invest in educational materials, cease to exist due to widespread unauthorized copying, then booksellers, who depend on their output, will inevitably follow. He articulated this as a direct consequence of students opting to photocopy entire works rather than purchasing original copies, thereby undermining the financial viability of the industry.

This issue of copyright infringement educational materials in Cameroon is not merely economic but also ethical, according to Nana Payong. He called upon media professionals, avid readers, writers, and cultural enthusiasts to educate parents. The goal is to help them understand the broader implications and encourage the adoption of "noble solutions" that move beyond the current practice of students uncomfortably photocopying pages for as little as 25 francs.

Ferdinand Nana Payong believes that expanding the market spaces for books could yield substantial benefits, potentially increasing dividends by at least fourfold for those invested in the sector. He illustrated this by noting that a publisher who places 10,000 books on a program and anticipates selling 80% of them should be assured of profitability. This vision underscores the need for robust Cameroon authors' rights protection and sustainable business models to overcome the publishing industry challenges Cameroon currently faces.

Nana Payong also commended public authorities for their understanding and efforts to find solutions. He expressed appreciation for their recognition that all Cameroonians, whether residing in remote areas like Bambili or Yoko or in major cities like Yaoundé or Douala, and regardless of their economic means, should feel connected to and concerned by Cameroonian stories and educational content.

The 35th-anniversary celebration of the Bourse du livre will feature additional insights from other distinguished speakers. Professor Alice Fomen, a university lecturer from Canada and a specialist in education technologies, is slated to discuss the importance of not resisting digital disruption but rather finding a balanced approach, likening artificial intelligence to a "double-edged sword." Additionally, Chetah Bile, a journalist with CRTV, will address parents, exploring why these primary agents of family socialization may not be adequately familiarizing their children with reading and writing.

Ferdinand Nana Payong first conceived the idea for the Bourse du livre in 1991. This initiative emerged during a period of significant economic recession and "dead cities" in Cameroon, serving as a crucial opportunity for disadvantaged families. Launched with a modest budget of 18,000 FCFA and supported by several sponsors, the Bourse du livre has since grown into a long-standing commitment to literacy and access to knowledge.

This story highlights the pervasive issue of copyright infringement through unauthorized textbook photocopying in Cameroon, posing a significant threat to the publishing industry. Lawyers should advise publishers and authors on enforcement strategies and potential legal reforms to protect intellectual property rights and ensure economic viability.

Source: Original reporting via Actu Cameroun