About the Journal

 

The African Social Sciences Journal (ASSJ) is a peer-reviewed, open-access electronic journal dedicated to the advancement of social science research across the African continent. It provides a dynamic and inclusive platform for scholars, practitioners, and policy-makers to share original research, theoretical reflections, and policy analyses that engage with the complex social, cultural, economic, and political realities of Africa.

Launched to bridge the gap between African social science scholarship and global academic discourse, ASSJ encourages interdisciplinary approaches and supports emerging as well as established researchers. The journal aims to foster critical dialogue around social transformation, development, justice, identity, migration, governance, gender, youth, environment, conflict, and the digital society within African contexts.

Scope and Disciplines

ASSJ accepts manuscripts from a broad range of social science disciplines, including but not limited to:

  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Political Science
  • Economics
  • Development Studies
  • Education
  • Communication and Media Studies
  • Gender Studies
  • Urban and Rural Studies
  • International Relations
  • Public Policy
  • Environmental Social Science

We especially welcome comparative, empirical, and theoretical studies that highlight African perspectives, methodologies, and epistemologies.

Aims and Objectives

  • To promote high-quality, original research on African societies and the African diaspora.
  • To contribute to the decolonization and diversification of global social science knowledge.
  • To provide accessible and open academic content to readers worldwide, especially African researchers and institutions with limited access to paid databases.
  • To support multilingual dissemination through translated abstracts and key terms.
  • To foster partnerships among African researchers, institutions, and the global academic community.

Editorial Policies

  • Peer Review: Double-blind peer review by qualified academics.
  • Open Access: All articles are freely accessible online without subscription.
  • Ethics: Adheres strictly to international publication ethics standards (COPE).
  • No Article Processing Charges (APC): In line with equitable access principles (or minimal APCs if applicable, with waivers for low-income authors).

Features of the Journal

  • Special Issues on topical themes like climate justice, youth and activism, African cities, post-conflict reconciliation, etc.
  • Book Reviews, Field Notes, and Policy Briefs sections.
  • Interactive Platform with author interviews, webinars, and discussion forums.
  • Multilingual Outreach: Abstracts and keywords available in French, Arabic, and Portuguese to increase regional reach.

Target Audience

  • Academics and Researchers in Africa and globally
  • Graduate students in the humanities and social sciences
  • NGOs, think tanks, and public institutions
  • Policy-makers and development professionals
  • Journalists and civil society organizations

Submission Guidelines

Authors are invited to submit original manuscripts via the online submission system. Manuscripts must adhere to the journal’s formatting and referencing guidelines (APA or Chicago Manual of Style). Submissions undergo a rigorous peer-review process within 2 to 3 weeks.