About Waka Books
Waka Books is Ethiopia’s reader-to-reader book platform: a marketplace for print books (including rare and first editions), rentals and exchanges, author storefronts and presales, audio books and PDFs, plus community tools—events, reviews, posts, quizzes, and free weekly book lotteries—so every title is easier to find and share.
Our Story
Waka Books was born from a simple idea: make quality books accessible to everyone in Ethiopia. We noticed that many valuable books were sitting unused on shelves while others were desperately searching for them.
Our platform connects book owners with book seekers, creating a sustainable ecosystem where knowledge can flow freely. Whether you're a student looking for textbooks, a professional seeking rare editions, or simply a book lover, Waka Books is your destination.
We believe that books should never gather dust. Every book has the potential to change a life, and we're here to make sure it finds the right reader.
Books Listed
Active Users
Monthly Visitors
Cities Covered
Our Mission
To make quality books accessible and affordable to every Ethiopian, while promoting sustainable reading habits and building a community of book lovers.
Accessibility
Making books affordable and accessible to all Ethiopians, regardless of location or budget.
Sustainability
Promoting the reuse of books to reduce waste and environmental impact.
Community
Building a vibrant community of book lovers who share knowledge and passion.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do
Trust
Building a safe and secure platform for all users
Integrity
Honest and transparent in all our dealings
Innovation
Continuously improving to serve you better
Passion
Driven by our love for books and reading
The Environmental Impact of Book Production
Understanding why book reuse and sharing matter for our planet
33-40%
The global paper industry accounts for 33% to 40% of all industrial wood traded worldwide and about 13% to 15% of total wood consumed globally.
125 Million
The U.S. book and newspaper industries combined require the harvest of approximately 125 million trees each year. Globally, the book industry uses hundreds of millions of trees annually.
40+ Million
The U.S. book and newspaper industries emit over 40 million metric tons of CO2 annually. A single printed book can have a carbon footprint of 2.7 to 7.5 kg of CO2.
The Solution: Book Reuse and Sharing
By promoting the reuse and sharing of books through our platform, we help reduce the demand for new book production, which directly translates to:
- Fewer trees being harvested for paper production
- Reduced carbon emissions from book manufacturing
- Less waste in landfills
- More affordable access to books for everyone
Powered by
Sustainable solutions through thoughtful technology
Waka Books is powered by Dewel Environmental Solution, a company dedicated to sustainable solutions and environmental awareness through innovative technology.
Dewel launched Waka Books in response to the environmental footprint of publishing. The global paper industry uses about 33–40% of industrial wood; extending the life of existing books helps reduce that pressure.
How we make a difference
Reducing deforestation
Reusing books lowers demand for new paper and virgin fiber.
Lowering carbon emissions
Each reused book can save an estimated 2.7–7.5 kg CO₂ versus new production.
Circular economy
A marketplace where books are shared, resold, and kept in circulation.
Access to education
More affordable books for readers, with less environmental cost.
This platform reflects Dewel’s commitment to practical, technology-driven impact—connecting owners with readers and building a community that values sustainability and access.