Cameroon is currently suspended from accessing ISBNs (International Standard Book Numbers), a crucial 13-digit code for placing books on the market, due to non-payment. This situation, which has persisted for over six months, represents a significant setback for the Cameroonian book industry.
Cameroonian book professionals are privately expressing concern about this situation. The inability to obtain ISBNs is blocking the publication of new books and hindering the sale of existing works on the international market. The international site that generates these numbers is currently inaccessible for Cameroon, according to an internal source at the Ministry of Arts and Culture (Minac).
Douala-based publisher Martin M. confirmed that Cameroon has not paid its fees to the international agency responsible for issuing these numbers. This directly affects local publishing houses, which can no longer specifically identify each edition of printed or digital books. The ISBN is comparable to an identity card for a book, allowing its integration into sales channels and distribution platforms.
The consequences of this suspension are manifold. Publishers face difficulties in publishing new works, while readers and researchers are denied access to recent books. Adrien Mengou, a subscriber to digital book platforms, testifies to his inability to access an important book for his university research.
This crisis highlights the financial difficulties encountered by Minac and its impact on the cultural sector. The accumulation of payment arrears to international institutions compromises book policy in Cameroon and further weakens an industry already facing economic challenges. Pending a resolution of this situation, the future of Cameroonian publishing remains uncertain.
Speculation about the date of payment of international fees continues within the Book Directorate, with no concrete solution in sight.
