African Publishers Network as a means of information-sharing became paramount. It was necessary to set up an umbrella body which would be a network of publishers in Africa". In 1992, delegates from 9 countries founded the African Publishers Network at a conference in Harare, Zimbabwe. It relocated from Zimbabwe to Abidjan Côte d'Ivoire with a research and documentation centre located in Harare, Zimbabwe. However, due to the political situation in Côte d'Ivoire, APNET's headquarters is now in Accra, Ghana. APNET is a diverse network representing all regions from across Africa with 27 national publishers associations as members. The governance of APNET consists of
Mbare, Harare and neighbouring countries. Trade and transport are the pillars of economy in Mbare. Mbare has six government primary schools: Chirodzo, Gwinyai, Chitsere, Shingirai and Nharira. There are three faith schools: St Peter's Roman Catholic School, Chiedza, a Salvation Army church school, and Anglican-run St. Michaels Primary School. The four secondary schools in Mbare are Harare High School, George Stark, St Peters High School and Mbare High School. Hospitals in the area include Edith Oppermann Maternity Wing and Clinic, Mbare Flats Clinic, Matapi clinic and Beatrice Road Infectious Disease hospital. Mbare's features include Rufaro stadium, which hosted the sixth African Games.