Abstract
Editorial Landscape of Journals in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Mozambique
Patrick Amboka,1 Tony Blair Aloo,1 Daniel Krugman,1,2 Abel Simiyu,1 Hiram Kariuki,1 Benard Ondiek,1 Nosa Orobaton,3 Emmy Igonya,1 Alphonsus Neba,1 Marta Vicente-Crespo,1,4 Julius Kirimi Sindi1
Objective
This study explored editorial practices among African journals, examined the factors influencing these practices, and assessed authors’ perspectives and preferences in selecting journals for publication. A large proportion of African journals (63.2%) are neither discoverable via Google Scholar nor included in Scopus.1 However, their discoverability and inclusion in international platforms are nuanced and not always straightforward; hence, quality markers need to be better aligned.
Design
This study triangulated multiple sources of information and used qualitative data gathering techniques to capture nuances and provide deeper insights into the performance and visibility of African journals. Conducted between July and December 2024, the study utilized a cross-sectional design. In-depth interviews (n = 60), key informant interviews (n = 32), and focus group discussions (n = 7) were conducted in Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Mozambique. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify participants. Ethical approvals were obtained from relevant institutions. We obtained consent from participants to record and publish the data in anonymized form. Qualitative data from the audio-recorded interviews were transcribed using Microsoft Word and exported to NVivo software for analysis. The data were analyzed using a reflexive thematic analysis.2 Emerging concepts from the qualitative data were also analyzed using Leximancer software.
Results
Four main themes emerged from participant interviews in this study. First, there are challenges in adhering to international editorial standards (“We often want to follow international best practices, but there’s limited guidance and mentorship available to help us meet those expectations consistently”). Second, financial constraints undermine editorial integrity (“Sometimes, we’re forced to accept submissions not based on quality, but because we need the processing fees to keep the journal running. It’s not ideal, but without funding, we have few options”). Third, technological and digital infrastructure gaps exist (“Our journal management system is outdated, and we lack IT support to upgrade it”). Fourth, authors have perceptions of inferiority and trust issues (“Authors often tell us they prefer to submit to Western journals because they assume ours won’t be taken seriously”).
Conclusions
Addressing financial constraints, peer review inefficiencies, and infrastructure gaps is critical to strengthening the editorial practices and credibility of African journals. Overcoming historical neglect through sustainable funding, capacity building, and technological advancement will be key to enhancing their global visibility, trust, and academic impact.
References
1. Amboka P, Sindi JK, Wamukoya M, et al. Discoverability of African journals by Google Scholar and inclusion in Scopus. VeriXiv. Preprint posted online November 1, 2024. https://verixiv.org/articles/1-17
2. Byrne D. A worked example of Braun and Clarke’s approach to reflexive thematic analysis. Qual Quant. 2022;56:1391-1412. doi:10.1007/s11135-021-01182-y
1African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Nairobi County, Kenya, pamboka@aphrc.org; 2Department of Anthropology, Brown University, Providence, RI, US; 3Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA, US; 4School of Public Health, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Conflict of Interest Disclosures
None reported.
Funding/Support
This study was funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (grant INV-034355).
Role of the Funder/Sponsor
The funder had no role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or manuscript preparation.