Jimmy Kayika | Founder of Zambian ARTS Publishing House

Jimmy Kayika is a Zambian writer, entrepreneur, publisher, and literary advocate dedicated to promoting African literature and empowering authors through accessible publishing services. He is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Zambian ARTS Publishing House, a hybrid publishing company committed to helping writers publish, market, and distribute their books in Zambia and beyond.

Early Career and Publishing Vision

Driven by a passion for literature and community development, Jimmy Kayika founded Zambian ARTS Publishing House to make professional publishing services more affordable and accessible for African authors. His vision is to create opportunities for emerging and established writers to share their stories with local and global audiences.

Founder of Zambian ARTS Publishing House

As the founder of Zambian ARTS Publishing House, Jimmy has led the company in providing a wide range of publishing services, including manuscript editing, book design, ISBN assignment, printing support, book marketing, and distribution. The company works with authors across Zambia and internationally through a remote-first publishing model that combines digital collaboration with professional publishing expertise.

Leadership and International Experience

Jimmy Kayika is a Mandela Washington Fellow, a flagship leadership program of the U.S. Department of State. As part of the fellowship, he completed advanced leadership and business studies at the University of Texas at Austin in the United States, where he collaborated with emerging African leaders and expanded international partnerships that continue to support literary development and entrepreneurship in Zambia.

Co-Founder of the COPPA Book Awards

Jimmy is also the Co-Founder of the COPPA Book Awards, one of Zambia’s annual literary awards initiatives established to recognize excellence in writing, publishing, and literary contribution. The initiative promotes reading culture, celebrates authors, and encourages the growth of Zambia’s creative and publishing industries.

Recognition and Achievements

Under Jimmy Kayika’s leadership, Zambian ARTS Publishing House was selected among the top three youth-led startups nationwide in the 2025 UNDP Youth Empowerment Seed Fund, demonstrating the company’s innovation and contribution to youth entrepreneurship and creative enterprise in Zambia.

He has also built strong professional relationships with partners, mentors, and collaborators across Africa and the United States, strengthening opportunities for authors and expanding international collaboration in the publishing sector.

Supporting African Authors

Jimmy’s work focuses on empowering writers by providing affordable publishing solutions and creating platforms that increase the visibility of African literature. Through publishing, mentorship, and literary initiatives, he continues to support authors in transforming manuscripts into professionally published books that reach readers around the world.

Vision for the Future

Jimmy Kayika envisions a future where every African writer has access to professional publishing opportunities regardless of location or financial background. Through innovation, collaboration, and technology, he aims to position Zambia as a leading contributor to Africa’s growing publishing industry while inspiring the next generation of writers and entrepreneurs.

Connect and Learn More

To learn more about Jimmy Kayika’s work and the publishing services offered through Zambian ARTS Publishing House, explore the website’s services, projects, and literary initiatives or connect through his professional social media platforms especially LinkedIn.