OkadaBooks, a Nigerian-based digital publishing platform, announced that it is shutting down. It made this down via a post on the X platform today.
Launched by Nigerian writer Okechukwu Ofili in 2013, OkadaBooks provides a platform for authors to publish and distribute their books digitally. The platform allows users to discover, buy, and read a wide range of digital books, including novels, non-fiction, poetry, and more. OkadaBooks aims to make literature more accessible by leveraging technology to connect authors and readers. Users can access the platform through a mobile app, making it convenient for readers to explore and enjoy a diverse collection of digital content.
According to the statement by the company, “after much consideration and reflection, we have come to a difficult decision. OkadaBooks will be closing its virtual doors on November, 30 2023.”
The company stated that it explored various avenues to keep the virtual bookshelves alive, but unfortunately none yielded fruit.
“Over the years, we have experienced incredible journeys together – delving into new worlds, discovering diverse voices, and fostering a community of readers and writers that we are immensely proud of.”
On its website, OkadaBooks claims it has 55,768 books in Library and over 500,000 readers.
Okada Books was among the 12 startups selected for Google’s Launchpad Accelerator Africa programme in 2018. It has contributed to the growth of digital publishing in Nigeria and has become a popular platform in the African literary space.
