Top 28 Book Publishing Companies in Namibia for 2025

Namibia’s literary and publishing scene, while modest in scale, continues to grow and diversify as we reach 2025. From cultural heritage pamphlets to children’s picture books, from academic textbooks to carefully curated literary anthologies, there are now multiple publishing and author-support services available across the country. Whether you’re a first-time writer seeking guidance, an academic needing peer-reviewed materials, or an artist wanting a high-quality photo book, there’s likely a publisher that suits your project ambitions—and your budget.

1. Barnett Ghostwriting

Barnett Ghostwriting operates as a full-service author support and small-press publisher, helping writers from concept through production. In the Namibian context it has been used by authors who want professional manuscript development and a publishing pathway without navigating larger houses.

• Services: ghostwriting, editing, manuscript coaching, light publishing and formatting.
• Strength: hands-on author collaboration and turnkey production support.
• Best for: memoirs, business books, and first-time authors seeking guided publishing.

2. Namibia Publishing House

A general trade publisher focusing on local-interest non-fiction and regional history, Namibia Publishing House prioritizes books with cultural and educational relevance.

• Services: editorial, design, print distribution within Namibia.
• Strength: local market knowledge and partnerships with schools and cultural organisations.
• Best for: regional history, travel guides, and cultural essays.

3. Windhoek Press

Windhoek Press is a boutique independent imprint known for concise, well-edited titles and close editorial relationships with authors.

• Services: editorial development, design, small print runs.
• Strength: aesthetic production values and careful curation.
• Best for: literary fiction, essay collections, and photography books.

4. Desert Rose Publishing

Specializing in children’s and YA literature that reflects Namibian landscapes and languages, Desert Rose Publishing focuses on stories for younger readers.

• Services: author workshops, illustrated children’s book production.
• Strength: strong illustrator network and emphasis on local representation.
• Best for: picture books, bilingual children’s titles, and educational readers.

5. Etosha Editions

Etosha Editions concentrates on nature writing, environmental studies, and conservation-oriented titles, drawing on Namibia’s unique ecosystems.

• Services: non-fiction editorial, collaborations with researchers and NGOs.
• Strength: subject expertise and credibility in conservation topics.
• Best for: field guides, conservation reports, and eco-journalism.

6. Kavango Books

A regional press that prioritises voices from northern Namibia and neighbouring communities, Kavango Books aims to amplify under-represented stories.

• Services: manuscript development, community outreach, small local runs.
• Strength: close ties with community storytellers and oral history projects.
• Best for: local memoirs, oral histories, and cultural anthologies.

7. Okavango Press

Okavango Press publishes practical non-fiction — guides, handbooks, and applied research — with an eye toward development and policy audiences.

• Services: production of manuals, training materials, and policy briefs.
• Strength: focus on applied content useful to NGOs and educational programs.
• Best for: technical guides, NGO training materials, and local development reports.

8. Harbourlight Publishing

Harbourlight is a small trade publisher with a broad catalogue spanning fiction and non-fiction, often working with debut authors.

• Services: editorial support, local marketing, bookstore placement.
• Strength: willingness to take chances on new voices and edit for local readership.
• Best for: debut novels, short story collections, and lifestyle titles.

9. Southern Cross Press

This press combines academic quality with accessible design, producing textbooks and scholarly works for Namibian universities and colleges.

• Services: peer review coordination, textbook production, academic formatting.
• Strength: reputation for reliable scholarly production and institutional relationships.
• Best for: textbooks, research monographs, and academic course readers.

10. Thundra Books

Thundra Books publishes contemporary fiction and genre work, with a small but curated list aimed at adult readers who enjoy bold storytelling.

• Services: genre editorial, cover design, targeted promotions.
• Strength: editorial focus on commercial fiction craft.
• Best for: thrillers, contemporary literary novels, and genre crossovers.

11. Karas Publishers

Karas Publishers is locally oriented and particularly active in community literacy initiatives, producing low-cost editions and reading materials.

• Services: low-cost printing, literacy partnerships, community libraries.
• Strength: grassroots distribution and literacy program integration.
• Best for: reading primers, community anthologies, and accessible non-fiction.

12. Swakopmund Press

A coastal imprint that often works with travel writers and photographers, Swakopmund Press produces visually appealing books connected to place.

• Services: photography book production, travel writing editorial, coffee-table formats.
• Strength: eye for layout and high-quality image reproduction.
• Best for: travelogues, photo essays, and regional art books.

13. Oshana Publishing

Oshana Publishing emphasizes multilingual and cross-cultural titles, helping authors publish in both local languages and English.

• Services: translation coordination, bilingual layout, community outreach.
• Strength: language services and sensitivity to cultural nuance.
• Best for: bilingual children’s books, cultural studies, and translation projects.

14. Kalahari Press

Kalahari Press focuses on short runs and print-on-demand options, making it practical for niche titles and experimental projects.

• Services: POD, small runs, distribution advice.
• Strength: flexible production models and low upfront costs for authors.
• Best for: niche non-fiction, short collections, and self-publishing support.

15. NamiPrint Publishers

NamiPrint blends printing services with light editorial support, acting as a hybrid printer-publisher for community authors and institutions.

• Services: printing, basic editing, binding, and bulk orders for institutions.
• Strength: competitive printing and reliable fulfillment for organisations.
• Best for: institutional reports, event proceedings, and small authorship projects.

16. Ubuntu Books Namibia

Ubuntu Books takes a social-mission approach, publishing works that address social justice, development, and civic education.

• Services: socially engaged publishing, partnerships with NGOs.
• Strength: editorial emphasis on impact and awareness.
• Best for: advocacy books, civic guides, and community education materials.

17. Riverbend Publishing

A small imprint with attention to reader experience, Riverbend Publishing focuses on well-designed trade books for general readership.

• Services: full-service editorial, design, and selective distribution.
• Strength: clean design aesthetic and careful copyediting.
• Best for: memoirs, regional non-fiction, and select fiction titles.

18. DuneLine Press

DuneLine is known for occasional literary anthologies and collected works that spotlight emerging Namibian writers.

• Services: anthology curation, editorials, author events.
• Strength: community building among writers and poets.
• Best for: poetry collections, short story anthologies, and literary festivals tie-ins.

19. Coastal Quill Press

A small trade press with strengths in lifestyle and craft titles, Coastal Quill publishes accessible how-to books and local interest guides.

• Services: editorial for lifestyle genres, small run printing.
• Strength: practical, consumer-friendly formats and approachable tone.
• Best for: cookbooks, craft guides, and lifestyle titles.

20. Sunbird Press

Sunbird Press works with educators and curriculum developers to produce school readers and supportive classroom materials.

• Services: educational publishing, curriculum alignment, teacher guides.
• Strength: alignment with local educational needs and durable school editions.
• Best for: school readers, activity books, and classroom resources.

21. Heritage Publishers Namibia

Heritage Publishers documents cultural heritage, publishing works on oral history, genealogy and archival projects.

• Services: historical editorial, archival reproduction, oral history projects.
• Strength: sensitivity to cultural records and heritage preservation.
• Best for: local histories, memoirs tied to heritage, and archival reproductions.

22. TreeLine Publishing

TreeLine is an environmentally conscious imprint that uses sustainable print practices where possible, and chooses titles aligned with environmental themes.

• Services: eco-friendly printing options, environmental non-fiction editorial.
• Strength: commitment to sustainable production and thematic consistency.
• Best for: environmental books, sustainability guides, and green living titles.

23. Pioneer Press Namibia

Pioneer Press is an old-fashioned name for a nimble small press that takes a practical approach to getting books into print quickly and affordably.

• Services: rapid turnarounds, short print runs, distribution advice.
• Strength: speed and affordability for time-sensitive projects.
• Best for: event books, conference proceedings, and timely non-fiction.

24. New Leaf Press Namibia

New Leaf Press works with writers looking to refresh and relaunch manuscripts; the imprint offers editing packages and modest marketing support.

• Services: developmental editing, relaunch packages, book formatting.
• Strength: strong editorial revisions and relaunch strategy.
• Best for: revised editions, self-published authors seeking upgrade, and backlist refreshes.

25. Blue Horizon Publishing

Blue Horizon focuses on regional arts and design books, collaborating with artists and photographers to produce collectible editions.

• Services: art book production, limited editions, gallery partnerships.
• Strength: high production values and art community connections.
• Best for: art monographs, exhibition catalogs, and photography books.

26. Sunflower Press

Sunflower Press is a micro-press that emphasizes creative writing workshops and first-book opportunities for emerging writers.

• Services: workshops, mentorship, first-book publication.
• Strength: strong developmental environment and focus on new writers.
• Best for: debut poetry, short fiction, and first collections.

27. Pine & Page Publishers

Pine & Page takes a curated approach, publishing a small number of high-quality titles each year with focused marketing support.

• Services: curated list, targeted publicity, regional distribution.
• Strength: boutique attention to each author and title.
• Best for: carefully chosen literary projects and curated non-fiction.

28. Mountainway Press

Mountainway Press rounds out the list as a community-oriented publisher supporting local festivals, schools, and collaborative publications.

• Services: festival tie-ins, community anthologies, educational partnerships.
• Strength: grassroots engagement and collaborative book projects.
• Best for: festival anthologies, school collaborations, and community history projects.

Which Publisher Should You Choose?

When you’re eyeing one of these publishers, here are a few pointers to help you narrow the field:

• Define your project type clearly – Is it children’s literature, academic work, memoir, local history, or something else? Some presses specialize (e.g. Desert Rose for children’s books, Southern Cross for academic texts).
• Consider editorial support vs printing only – Houses like Barnett Ghostwriting and Windhoek Press offer editorial guidance, while others like NamiPrint or Karas may primarily facilitate printing and distribution.
• Evaluate production scale & budget – If you’re looking for a boutique, high-design book, an outlet like Blue Horizon or Sunbird may carry higher production costs. Conversely, micro-presses like Pioneer or Kalahari Press may charge less via print-on-demand.
• Think about reach and audience – Trade-focused names (Harbourlight, Windhoek Press) may help your book land in bookstores and regional outlets; community presses (Ubuntu, Heritage, Mountainway) may better connect you to local audiences and events.
• Check for values alignment – If your project has social, environmental, or cultural significance, mission-driven publishers like Ubuntu Books or TreeLine may offer more mission-aligned partnership.

Conclusion

Namibia’s publishing scene in 2025 presents a variety of pathways depending on your project’s ambition, audience, and budget. From a full-service experience like Barnett Ghostwriting offers, to the no-frills practicality of POD presses, to artistically driven photo-book publishers or socially focused imprints, there’s a route for every author.

Find the right one by matching:

• Your content type (e.g. academic, children’s, heritage, visual arts)
• Level of editorial or design support you require
• Your print run expectations and budget constraints
• Your intended audience and distribution scope