Catalyst Press and Modjaji Books have announced a new international publishing partnership set to begin in May 2025. The collaboration marks a significant step in expanding the global reach of southern African literature, with Catalyst Press set to take on international publishing and distribution responsibilities for Modjaji’s extensive catalogue.

This partnership builds on a long-standing relationship between the two independent publishers, which began in 2016 when Catalyst acquired international rights to five Modjaji titles.

Under the new agreement, Modjaji Books will continue its operations in South Africa and the southern African region, maintaining its editorial independence and regional focus. Catalyst Press, meanwhile, will manage international rights and distribution for Modjaji’s catalogue, which includes more than 100 titles. This arrangement is set to enhance global visibility for Modjaji authors while preserving the press’s unique editorial voice and strong local foundation.

“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Modjaji Books,” said Colleen Higgs, founder and publisher of Modjaji Books. “While we’ll continue our independent operations in southern Africa, partnering with Catalyst internationally opens up new possibilities for our authors globally. Their proven track record in international markets and rights sales makes them an ideal partner for taking Modjaji’s distinctive literary list to a wider audience.”

Jessica Powers, Publisher at Catalyst Press, expressed equal enthusiasm. “We’re thrilled to deepen our relationship with Modjaji Books,” she said. “Colleen has built an extraordinary legacy of publishing powerful voices in African literature. I’ve always admired the work she does, the books she publishes, the authors she represents. Secretly, I’ve often wished I could be her, doing the work she does! Catalyst has had a broader approach to African voices, and I love Modjaji’s focus on women writers in Southern Africa. I’m excited that this partnership will allow Catalyst Press to bring all of Modjaji’s important works and voices to an international audience while respecting Modjaji’s independent identity and operations in southern Africa.”

The first titles to be released under the new partnership are Unseen: Listening to Visually Impaired South Africans by Joanne Bloch and Limbo Circus, a short story collection by M.A. Kelly. Both are slated for publication in 2025 and signal the beginning of a broader rollout of Modjaji titles to international readers.

Founded in 2007, Modjaji Books has played a pivotal role in publishing southern African women writers. The press has published over 200 titles spanning fiction, poetry, memoir, and academic genres. Modadji is respected for launching the careers of debut authors and its commitment to bold, boundary-pushing writing and for reviving interest in short story collections in South Africa. Its catalogue reflects a dedication to high editorial and production standards, with a focus on nurturing underrepresented voices.

Catalyst Press, founded in 2017, has quickly established itself as a vital channel for African and African-influenced literature in the global publishing world. With a diverse list that includes fiction, non-fiction, and children’s books, Catalyst has brought notable works like The History of Man by Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, Small Mercies by Bridget Krone, and Bom Boy by Yewande-Omotoso to international audiences. Its partnership with Ingram Publisher Services ensures wide global distribution across retail and library channels.

This new collaboration between Catalyst Press and Modjaji Books marks a significant development in the landscape of African publishing. It represents a shared commitment to amplifying authentic, diverse voices from the continent while fostering cross-border literary dialogue.