Request a donation of books and/or computers from Books2Africa as an individual or organisation based in the UK or in any African country. We require you to raise funds to cover the cost of processing, shipping and clearing your donated items.
Complete our online application form below to request a shipment of donated books and/or computers if you are an individual or organisation based in the UK or any African country. Choose the type of books you need from the 17 book categories in our Book Catalogue suitable for nursery to tertiary readers, as well as refurbished computers. Donated items must be made available to end users and not sold.
You are required to raise funds to cover the cost of processing, shipping and clearing your donated items. Your fundraising target is determined by the type and quantity of items requested. We provide a minimum of 1,000 books shipped in a pallet box and a maximum of 40,000 books shipped in a 40ft container. Donated items are dispatched after funds are received and can take up to 60 days to arrive at the ports in Africa.
Immediately after receiving your items, you are required to send us Impact Photos of beneficiaries holding all books that have a yellow impact sticker and any laptop received. After a month of using your books and computers, organisations are also required to complete an Impact Report questionnaire online to provide feedback which is published on our website and shared with supporters and sponsors.
Choose the type of books you need from the 17 book categories in our Donated Books Catalogue suitable for nursery to tertiary readers. Our donated books are in new or used condition and have been thoroughly checked to meet quality standards before they are catalogued and categorised for donation. Click on any of the book categories below to download a sample of titles that are included in each category.
Includes picture books, early learning books, rhymes, storybooks, interactive books, first readers, and basic arithmetic and science books for children aged 0 to 10, fostering development and a love of reading.
Includes textbooks, reference books, and literature covering subjects such as mathematics, sciences, languages, social studies, and the arts, aimed at students aged 11 to 18 to support their academic growth and critical thinking skills.
Includes a diverse range of fictional works and life stories, encompassing various genres, cultures, and historical periods, aimed at providing entertainment, inspiration, and insight into different lives and experiences.
Includes a diverse range of books covering creative and enjoyable activities. It includes guides on crafting, gardening, DIY projects, travel, sports, outdoor adventures, and games. Additionally, it features cookbooks with recipes for everyday meals, gourmet dishes, international cuisine, and specialized diets, catering to both beginners and advanced enthusiasts.
Includes blank, lined, grid, and dotted notebooks designed for writing, drawing, journaling, note-taking, and organizational purposes, catering to students, professionals, and creatives.
Includes textbooks, reference materials, and scholarly works on subjects such as visual arts, music, theater, dance, film, and art history, aimed at fostering creativity, critical analysis, and an understanding of artistic disciplines.
Includes textbooks, academic journals and reference materials on subjects such as genetics, physiology, pathology, epidemiology, clinical medicine, and healthcare practices, aimed at advancing knowledge and expertise in life sciences and health-related fields.
Includes textbooks and academic journals covering topics such as finance, marketing, management, economics, entrepreneurship, and corporate strategy, aimed at advancing understanding and expertise in business practices and economic theories.
Includes textbooks and academic journals covering subjects such as ecology, environmental chemistry, conservation biology, climate science, geography, and sustainability studies, aimed at advancing knowledge and addressing challenges related to the natural world and human impact on the environment.
Includes textbooks and academic journals covering subjects such as historical events, political theory, government systems, international relations, British colonial history and social movements, aimed at deepening understanding and analysis of past and present societal developments and political dynamics.
Includes textbooks, case studies and legal journals covering subjects such as constitutional law, criminal law, international law, legal theory, and jurisprudence, aimed at advancing legal knowledge, analysis of legal principles, and understanding of legal systems and practices.
Includes textbooks, philosophical works, religious scriptures, and academic journals covering subjects such as theology, ethics, metaphysics, religious studies, philosophy of mind, and comparative religion, aimed at exploring and analyzing belief systems, moral theories, and existential questions.
Includes textbooks and academic journals covering disciplines such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, education, communication studies, and social work, aimed at advancing understanding and critical analysis of human behavior, societies, and educational practices.
The “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) category for university includes textbooks, research publications, and academic journals covering disciplines such as physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, computer science, engineering, architecture and related fields, aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and fostering innovation in technology and engineering practices.
Includes includes a variety of translations and editions of the Christian Bible, encompassing different versions, interpretations, study editions, and historical commentaries, providing diverse perspectives and insights into religious texts and teachings.
Includes dictionaries, language textbooks, grammar guides, vocabulary builders, and language learning resources aimed at facilitating language acquisition, comprehension, and communication skills across different languages.
Includes literature, textbooks, dictionaries, language learning materials, and academic works across all levels of education, providing a comprehensive selection of resources to support language acquisition, cultural exploration, and scholarly pursuits in French.
Books2Africa is a Microsoft Third-Party Refurbisher and all our laptops and desktops meet the minimum requirements for Windows 10 Pro. Our Tech Team checks and refurbishes donated technology in line with Microsoft’s standards, ensuring all data on devices are securely wiped and reinstalled with original licences and essential productivity apps. Refurbished laptops come with a battery and charger. The minimum specifications are 4GB RAM and 100GB HDD.
When applying for donated books and computers, you can choose any of the following shipment types depending on the types and quantities of materials required.
A small cardboard box containing 1 refurbished laptop with Windows 10 Pro licence, a Namene Solar reading light and access to digital books online via our partners Perlego and Britannica Kids. You can choose what online digital platform you prefer when applying.
Collection from the UK
A contribution of £100 is required to cover the processing cost of each laptop.
Shipping to Africa
A contribution of £150 is required to cover the processing and shipping costs from our UK office to an airport in your country. The shipment is dispatched by DHL air freight after funds are received, and it arrives in your country’s airport within 3-5 days.
Clearing and Delivery
An additional £50 covers local clearing charges and door-to-door delivery costs if required. Otherwise, you are responsible for all clearing and destination charges.
Impact Reporting
Immediately after receiving your items, send us Impact Photos of beneficiaries holding or using the laptop and other items received. After a month of using your items, organisations are also required to complete an Impact Report questionnaire online to complete your delivery.
A giant cardboard box carrying an average of 1,000 books – enough to fill 3 shelves and equip a classroom library. You can request multiple pallets but can only choose one category of books per pallet when applying. Each pallet is 100 x 120 x 120cm and weighs 500kg.
Collection from the UK
A contribution of £100 is required to cover the processing cost of each pallet.
Shipping to Africa
A contribution of £500 is required to cover the processing and shipping costs from our UK office to a seaport in your country. The shipment is dispatched by sea freight after funds are received, and it arrives in your country’s seaport within 30-60 days.
Clearing and Delivery
Get free clearing and delivery to our depot in selected countries through our Container Sharing Service (CSS). Otherwise, you are responsible for all clearing and destination charges.
Impact Reporting
Immediately after receiving your items, send us Impact Photos of beneficiaries holding or using any labelled books received. After a month of equipping and using your library organisations are also required to complete an Impact Report questionnaire online to complete your delivery.
A 20ft container carrying an average of 20,000 books (20 pallets) enough to fill 60 shelves and equip a school library. You can choose what categories of books to include in your shipment when applying. Each container is 20ft x 8ft and weighs 10,000kg.
Collection from the UK
A contribution of £100 is required to cover the processing cost of each pallet.
Shipping to Africa
A contribution of £5,000 is required to cover the processing and shipping costs from our UK office to a seaport in your country. The shipment is dispatched by sea freight after funds are received, and it arrives in your country’s seaport within 30-60 days.
Clearing and Delivery
Clearing and delivery services are unavailable. You are responsible for all clearing and destination charges. Please contact a local clearing agent for a quote.
Impact Reporting
Immediately after receiving your items, send us Impact Photos of beneficiaries holding or using any labelled books received. After a month of equipping and using your library organisations are also required to complete an Impact Report questionnaire online to complete your delivery.
A 40ft container carrying an average of 40,000 books (40 pallets) enough to fill 120 shelves and equip a university library. You can choose what categories of books to include in your shipment when applying.Each container is 40ft x 8ft and weighs 20,000kg.
Collection from the UK
A contribution of £100 is required to cover the processing cost of each pallet.
Shipping to Africa
A contribution of £8,000 is required to cover the processing and shipping costs from our UK office to a seaport in your country. The shipment is dispatched by sea freight after funds are received, and it arrives in your country’s seaport within 30-60 days.
Clearing and Delivery
Clearing and delivery services are unavailable. You are responsible for all clearing and destination charges. Please contact a local clearing agent for a quote.
Impact Reporting
Immediately after receiving your items, send us Impact Photos of beneficiaries holding or using any labelled books received. After a month of equipping and using your library organisations are also required to complete an Impact Report questionnaire online to complete your delivery.
If you need less than a pallet of books, you can gain access to educational materials at our Africa Distribution Centres, where you can read books for free or contribute a distribution fee of up to £1 per book to acquire any book available in stock. Books2Africa’s Distribution Centres are giant warehouses where thousands of books are stocked and put on display for individuals and organisations to read or request books locally.
“The effect of donated books is so great, especially for the kids who are from the villages. They will come in and read books. Sometimes they can’t read but they will open pages and see pictures, and just get excited to have this place. For us, we have times when we come here and study, and also research for our own teaching. And just for amusement! For me, I will just come, sit there in the corner and read. I like reading fiction: horror and also romance books” – Edward.
Although we do not always have sufficient funding to cover your shipping and clearing costs, you can try the fundraising resources below.
Our partner Tools With A Mission (TWAM) is a UK charity that supports people in Africa with tools such as sewing machines and sewing kits, knitting machine, carpentry kit, mechanic kit, masonry kit, plumbers kit, farmers kit and more. Head to the TWAM website to apply.
