Harare publishers have raised alarm over a surge in photocopied textbooks on the streets, warning that the practice is undermining legitimate sales and threatening the local publishing industry.
One of Zimbabwe’s leading producers of Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education approved textbooks, College Press, said whilst demand for its Ventures and Focus series remain strong, many learners are now turning to cheap, illegally reproduced versions being sold informally.
“Photocopied textbooks are flooding the market,” said the sales representative who spoke on condition of anonymity.
“These copies violate copyright laws, compromise the quality of learning materials, and deprive local publishers of income needed to continue producing quality, locally relevant books.”
He added that illegal sales have surged in recent weeks as parents look for more affordable options. “There has been a significant seasonal rise in demand this year, likely due to the rollout of Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) textbooks, which were introduced late last year during the third term. However, this increased demand has been matched by a sharp rise in pirated copies.”
Informal vendors have been spotted selling black-and-white photocopied editions of popular primary and secondary textbooks at USD $3-$5 per copy, compared with $15 for the original versions.
Publishers warned that unchecked piracy could jeopardize the long-term sustainability of educational publishing in Zimbabwe. Unlike pirated books, which require minimal investment and no royalties, legitimate textbooks involve significant upfront costs, including author payments, editing, and printing. Persistent piracy has forced reduced print runs, raising unit costs and further straining the industry.
Parents, however, say high education costs are driving demand for cheaper alternatives. “The photocopied books are cheaper,” said one parent in Harare.
