Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
The III Congress of the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN), held in Abidjan, marked a historic moment for African theological scholarship with the official unveiling of the African Catholic Press (AfriCaP). The newly founded publishing house, established in 2025, aims to amplify African voices in theology, spirituality, and pastoral life.
“AfriCaP is committed to planting the seeds of faith by telling the stories of Catholicism on the African continent and amplifying the voices from the peripheries,” said Fr. Dr. Ikenna Okafor, a research professor of intercultural theology at the University of Vienna and Head of Publishing at AfriCaP.
AfriCaP’s launch was one of the most anticipated highlights of the congress, which brought together theologians, scholars, clergy, and lay leaders from across the continent. The press promises to publish a diverse range of works—from academic and theological texts to devotional and pedagogical materials for all age groups engaged in pastoral ministry.
Mission and Vision
With a mission to “reignite the flames of scholarship”, AfriCaP seeks to foster deep reflection on Scripture and the human condition within the African context. Its bold vision is to shape a renewed Christian intellectual tradition that is rooted in African realities and inspired by Gospel values of hope, unity, and compassion. AfriCaP extended a call to African thinkers, theologians, and storytellers to contribute to its growing library. “Turn your manuscript into a masterpiece with AfriCaP,” reads the press’s invitation, promising a full suite of publishing services—from editing to global distribution.
A Platform for Global Reach
More than just a publisher, AfriCaP positions itself as a lighthouse for African scholarship, illuminating the global Church with insights from the continent. As one participant at the congress noted, “This is more than publishing—it is Africa writing itself into the story of the universal Church.”
In an interview granted to Voice Afrique in Abidjan, Dr. Okafor notes that the African continent is long in need of such hope as the African Catholic Press enkindles. In his words, “we are building writing talents and invariably promoting reading culture in Africa. The journey to Africa’s self reliance and true freedom is the responsibility of Africans. And for us at African Catholic Press, it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness.“ The unveiling of AfriCaP signals a new chapter in African Catholic thought; one where the continent’s theological reflections are not only preserved but projected onto the world stage.
