Marketsquare Africa 2010, a three-country convention organized earlier this month by Christian Trade Association International (CTAI), was well-received, according to organizers.

Held April 12-13 in Lagos, Nigeria, Marketsquare Africa drew 118 Nigerian Christian publishers, distributors and retailers, who met with suppliers from China, Denmark, South Africa and the United States.

"It was standing-room only," said Modupe Ehirim, president of CBA Nigeria and the committee that organized Marketsquare Africa in Lagos. "We thought we were being optimistic, but the attendance far surpassed our expectations. We have had an economic downturn, but even so, our market has not been saturated. We have not made a dent yet. There is a great need for more Christian books and materials for our shops."

CTAI Director Kim Pettit added: "The opportunities in Nigeria are incredible. It is a high-risk environment, but suppliers around the world need to be aware of the possibilities that exist in this market."

Mary Moore, international sales director for Destiny Image, said the Pennsylvania-based publisher has "broken new ground" in Nigeria. "In two years we will see that today made a difference," she said. "The workshops have been invaluable. As a result, booksellers and publishers will be more open to unified efforts to build the body of Christ."

Destiny Image was one of 14 exhibitors representing 20 Christian suppliers at Marketsquare Africa, which included AMG Publishers, B&H Publishing Group, Thomas Nelson and Whitaker House.

"We have had excellent feedback," said CTAI President Jim Powell. "There is a lot of support for holding Marketsquare Africa again. I am very encouraged by this."

Marketsquare Africa was also held April 9-10 in Ghana and April 16-17 in Kenya. The convention in Ghana was organized by CTAI together with Challenge Enterprises and the Ghana Book Publishers Association.

"We hope for lasting impact," said Ben Boateng of Challenge Enterprises in Accra, Ghana. "Marketsquare Africa (in) Ghana was ... a success. Feedback was very positive and encouraging. I can say people have a better perspective on what the Christian trade is all about. It changed their way of understanding how Christian entities operate."

Marketsquare Africa in Ghana featured training for both booksellers and publishers by local and international trainers, including Lawrence Darmani of Step Publishers, Woeli Dekutsey of Woeli Publishing Services, James Elwell of Tyndale House Publishers and CTAI's Jack Scott and Kim Pettit.

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