Africa’s Scholarly Publishing Ecosystem: Fragmentation, Challenges, and Opportunities for Growth

Abstract

The scholarly publishing economy in Africa remains comparatively small, valued at approximately USD 200–300 million annually, yet it is growing rapidly. Despite contributing less than 2% of global scholarly output, Africa hosts nearly 1,790 active journals published by over 1,100 institutions, with South Africa, Nigeria, and Egypt leading in infrastructure and visibility. Revenue streams are primarily driven by article processing charges (APCs), institutional subscriptions, and donor-funded initiatives, though fragmentation and limited indexing continue to constrain global recognition. South Africa dominates with ~40% of indexed journals, while Nigeria and Egypt are rising contributors, and Kenya is emerging as a hub through AJOL and donor-backed open access initiatives.

This paper examines the structural dynamics, challenges, and opportunities within Africa’s scholarly publishing economy. Specifically, it seeks to: a) assess the revenue models and institutional frameworks sustaining scholarly publishing in Africa, with emphasis on APCs, donor support, and regional hubs; and b) evaluate the visibility and global integration of African journals, focusing on indexing, digital-first publishing, and collaborative networks.

Findings highlight both the resilience and limitations of Africa’s publishing ecosystem. While donor-backed initiatives and open access platforms build momentum, underfunding and limited indexing visibility hinder broader impact (Benjamin, Sivaram & Shanmugam, 2023). Opportunities lie in expanding Scopus/Web of Science inclusion, strengthening digital platforms, and building pan-African publishing networks. By addressing these gaps, Africa can enhance its scholarly contribution and reposition itself within the global knowledge economy.