The African Editors Forum was established to address the pressing need for elevated standards in academic and practitioner research within Africa. In a rapidly globalizing world, the quality, accessibility, and impact of knowledge emanating from Africa have come under increasing scrutiny. Despite significant advancements, many African researchers still face barriers such as limited resources, inadequate peer review systems, and challenges with decentralizing the production and dissemination of knowledge.
Creating this network of editors across disciplines, presents a unique forum to uphold the virtues of decentralization in knowledge production, promoting diversity, inclusivity, and localized perspectives in research. The forum acts as a beacon for ensuring rigorous academic standards, fostering collaboration, and amplifying African voices in global scholarly and professional dialogues.
Aims and Objectives of the African Editors Forum
Enhancing Quality Standards
The forum promotes rigorous editorial practices and ethical standards in academic and practitioner research. It provides training and resources to editors, improving peer-review mechanisms and ensuring robust validation of knowledge.
Building Collaborative Networks
The Forum fosters connections among editors, researchers, and institutions within Africa and globally, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of best practices in research and editing.
Fostering Decentralized Knowledge Production
The forum supports the development of localized research that addresses Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities, advocating for the inclusion of diverse voices, languages, and perspectives.
Promoting Accessibility and Equity
Through open-access publishing initiatives, the forum ensures that African research is widely available while creating equitable opportunities for emerging scholars to publish and share their work.
Influencing Global Standards
The forum positions African editors and researchers as key contributors to the global body of knowledge and launches new and complementary platforms for indexing, citation, and quality assurance.
Procedures for Joining the African Editors Forum
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be editors, editorial board members, or practitioners in academic or professional publishing across disciplines relevant to Africa.
- Membership is open to individuals committed to the promotion of ethical editorial practices, quality research, and the decentralization of knowledge production.
Application Submission
- Complete the official membership application form available on the forum's website or through designated channels.
- Provide a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting editorial experience, academic or professional qualifications, and relevant contributions to research or publishing.
- Submit a personal statement (typically 300–500 words) outlining your motivation for joining the forum and how you plan to contribute to its goals.
Verification and Endorsements
- The application will be reviewed by the membership committee to verify the applicant’s credentials and eligibility.
- In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide references or endorsements from current members or respected professionals in the field.
Membership Review Process
- The membership committee assesses applications based on the applicant’s alignment with the forum’s objectives, their editorial expertise, and their commitment to advancing African research standards.
- The review process typically takes 2–4 weeks, after which applicants are notified of the decision.
- Approved applicants will receive an official membership confirmation and instructions for completing the membership process.
Orientation and Induction
- New members are invited to an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the forum’s mission, ongoing initiatives, and expectations of members.
- They gain access to resources, networking opportunities, and collaborative platforms within the forum.
Active Participation
- Members are encouraged to participate in forums, workshops, and collaborative projects, contributing to the forum’s vision of enhancing research quality and decentralizing knowledge production.
Founding Editors
Prof. Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede
Prof. Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede is a renowned scholar and the founding executive director of the African Editors Forum, where he has championed the elevation of research standards and the decentralization of knowledge production in Africa. As a distinguished metaeconomist and editor, his work spans macroeconomics, financial markets, and development studies, making substantial contributions to policy and academic discourse. Through his leadership, the forum has become a vital network that fosters collaboration, promotes ethical editorial practices, and amplifies African voices in global scholarship. Prof. Alagidede has been instrumental in mentoring emerging editors, advocating for open-access publishing, and integrating indigenous knowledge into contemporary research. His vision and commitment have positioned the forum as a cornerstone of African intellectual advancement.
Prof. George Bob-Milliar
Prof. George Bob-Milliar is a distinguished academic and editor whose expertise in political economy and development has made him a pivotal figure in African scholarship. As the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Political Economy and Development and the Journal of African Affairs, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering rigorous research and critical discourse on Africa’s socio-political and economic dynamics.
Prof. Bob-Milliar’s work is characterized by a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that diverse African perspectives are represented in global academic conversations. His editorial contributions have significantly enhanced the quality, accessibility, and visibility of African research, aligning with the mission of the African Editors Forum. As a prominent member of the forum, Prof. Bob-Milliar advocates for ethical editorial standards, mentorship of emerging scholars, and the decentralization of knowledge production, contributing to a robust and globally recognized African research ecosystem.
Prof. Jones Odei-Mensah
Prof. Jones Odei-Mensah is a distinguished economist and a key member of the African Editors Forum, renowned for his editorial leadership and contributions to advancing African scholarship. As the Editor-in-Chief of the African Review of Economics and Finance and the Editor of the Ghanaian Journal of Economics, Prof. Odei-Mensah has played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of economic research across the continent.
His editorial stewardship is marked by a focus on rigorous peer review, ethical research practices, and the promotion of scholarship that addresses Africa’s unique economic challenges and opportunities. Prof. Odei-Mensah’s work has significantly enhanced the visibility and impact of African research, aligning with the forum’s mission to decentralize knowledge production and foster inclusivity. Through mentorship, capacity building, and advocacy for evidence-based research, he continues to shape the African research landscape and inspire the next generation of scholars.
Dr. Simeon Coleman
Dr. Simeon Coleman is a respected economist and a dedicated member of the African Editors Forum, recognized for his editorial expertise and contributions to African economic scholarship. As the Editor of the Ghanaian Journal of Economics and an editorial board member of the African Review of Economics and Finance, Dr. Coleman has been instrumental in ensuring the publication of high-quality, impactful research that addresses critical economic issues in Africa.
His work is defined by a commitment to rigorous editorial standards, ethical publishing practices, and fostering research that reflects Africa’s diverse economic realities. Dr. Coleman’s role within the African Editors Forum underscores his dedication to mentoring emerging scholars, promoting collaboration across disciplines, and advancing the forum’s vision of decentralized and inclusive knowledge production. Through his editorial leadership, he continues to strengthen the credibility and global recognition of African economic research.
Dr. Desmond Edem Klenam Primus
Dr. Desmond Edem Klenam Primus is a distinguished scholar in engineering, construction and the built environment, serving as the Editor of the Journal of Construction and Built Environment and a committed member of the African Editors Forum. His expertise lies in advancing research that addresses critical challenges and innovations in Africa's engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors.
Dr. Edem has been pivotal in fostering high editorial standards, ensuring that published research is rigorous, contextually relevant, and impactful. Through his leadership, the journal has become a vital platform for disseminating knowledge and promoting sustainable practices in the built environment across Africa. As an active member of the African Editors Forum, Dr. Edem champions the forum's mission of decentralized knowledge production, ethical publishing, and capacity-building for emerging researchers. His work continues to elevate the global visibility and credibility of African scholarship in construction and infrastructure studies.
African Editors Forum
The African Editors Forum was established to address the pressing need for elevated standards in academic and practitioner research within Africa. In a rapidly globalizing world, the quality, accessibility, and impact of knowledge emanating from Africa have come under increasing scrutiny. Despite significant advancements, many African researchers still face barriers such as limited resources, inadequate peer review systems, and challenges with decentralizing the production and dissemination of knowledge.
Creating this network of editors across disciplines, presents a unique forum to uphold the virtues of decentralization in knowledge production, promoting diversity, inclusivity, and localized perspectives in research. The forum acts as a beacon for ensuring rigorous academic standards, fostering collaboration, and amplifying African voices in global scholarly and professional dialogues.
Aims and Objectives of the African Editors Forum
Enhancing Quality Standards
The forum promotes rigorous editorial practices and ethical standards in academic and practitioner research. It provides training and resources to editors, improving peer-review mechanisms and ensuring robust validation of knowledge.
Building Collaborative Networks
The Forum fosters connections among editors, researchers, and institutions within Africa and globally, and encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and the exchange of best practices in research and editing.
Fostering Decentralized Knowledge Production
The forum supports the development of localized research that addresses Africa’s unique challenges and opportunities, advocating for the inclusion of diverse voices, languages, and perspectives.
Promoting Accessibility and Equity
Through open-access publishing initiatives, the forum ensures that African research is widely available while creating equitable opportunities for emerging scholars to publish and share their work.
Influencing Global Standards
The forum positions African editors and researchers as key contributors to the global body of knowledge and launches new and complementary platforms for indexing, citation, and quality assurance.
Procedures for Joining the African Editors Forum
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be editors, editorial board members, or practitioners in academic or professional publishing across disciplines relevant to Africa.
- Membership is open to individuals committed to the promotion of ethical editorial practices, quality research, and the decentralization of knowledge production.
Application Submission
- Complete the official membership application form available on the forum's website or through designated channels.
- Provide a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) highlighting editorial experience, academic or professional qualifications, and relevant contributions to research or publishing.
- Submit a personal statement (typically 300–500 words) outlining your motivation for joining the forum and how you plan to contribute to its goals.
Verification and Endorsements
- The application will be reviewed by the membership committee to verify the applicant’s credentials and eligibility.
- In some cases, applicants may be asked to provide references or endorsements from current members or respected professionals in the field.
Membership Review Process
- The membership committee assesses applications based on the applicant’s alignment with the forum’s objectives, their editorial expertise, and their commitment to advancing African research standards.
- The review process typically takes 2–4 weeks, after which applicants are notified of the decision.
- Approved applicants will receive an official membership confirmation and instructions for completing the membership process.
Orientation and Induction
- New members are invited to an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the forum’s mission, ongoing initiatives, and expectations of members.
- They gain access to resources, networking opportunities, and collaborative platforms within the forum.
Active Participation
- Members are encouraged to participate in forums, workshops, and collaborative projects, contributing to the forum’s vision of enhancing research quality and decentralizing knowledge production.
Founding Editors
Prof. Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede
Prof. Yegandi Imhotep Paul Alagidede is a renowned scholar and the founding executive director of the African Editors Forum, where he has championed the elevation of research standards and the decentralization of knowledge production in Africa. As a distinguished metaeconomist and editor, his work spans macroeconomics, financial markets, and development studies, making substantial contributions to policy and academic discourse. Through his leadership, the forum has become a vital network that fosters collaboration, promotes ethical editorial practices, and amplifies African voices in global scholarship. Prof. Alagidede has been instrumental in mentoring emerging editors, advocating for open-access publishing, and integrating indigenous knowledge into contemporary research. His vision and commitment have positioned the forum as a cornerstone of African intellectual advancement.
Prof. George Bob-Milliar
Prof. George Bob-Milliar is a distinguished academic and editor whose expertise in political economy and development has made him a pivotal figure in African scholarship. As the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of African Political Economy and Development and the Journal of African Affairs, he has demonstrated exceptional leadership in fostering rigorous research and critical discourse on Africa’s socio-political and economic dynamics.
Prof. Bob-Milliar’s work is characterized by a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that diverse African perspectives are represented in global academic conversations. His editorial contributions have significantly enhanced the quality, accessibility, and visibility of African research, aligning with the mission of the African Editors Forum. As a prominent member of the forum, Prof. Bob-Milliar advocates for ethical editorial standards, mentorship of emerging scholars, and the decentralization of knowledge production, contributing to a robust and globally recognized African research ecosystem.
Prof. Jones Odei-Mensah
Prof. Jones Odei-Mensah is a distinguished economist and a key member of the African Editors Forum, renowned for his editorial leadership and contributions to advancing African scholarship. As the Editor-in-Chief of the African Review of Economics and Finance and the Editor of the Ghanaian Journal of Economics, Prof. Odei-Mensah has played a pivotal role in elevating the standards of economic research across the continent.
His editorial stewardship is marked by a focus on rigorous peer review, ethical research practices, and the promotion of scholarship that addresses Africa’s unique economic challenges and opportunities. Prof. Odei-Mensah’s work has significantly enhanced the visibility and impact of African research, aligning with the forum’s mission to decentralize knowledge production and foster inclusivity. Through mentorship, capacity building, and advocacy for evidence-based research, he continues to shape the African research landscape and inspire the next generation of scholars.
Dr. Simeon Coleman
Dr. Simeon Coleman is a respected economist and a dedicated member of the African Editors Forum, recognized for his editorial expertise and contributions to African economic scholarship. As the Editor of the Ghanaian Journal of Economics and an editorial board member of the African Review of Economics and Finance, Dr. Coleman has been instrumental in ensuring the publication of high-quality, impactful research that addresses critical economic issues in Africa.
His work is defined by a commitment to rigorous editorial standards, ethical publishing practices, and fostering research that reflects Africa’s diverse economic realities. Dr. Coleman’s role within the African Editors Forum underscores his dedication to mentoring emerging scholars, promoting collaboration across disciplines, and advancing the forum’s vision of decentralized and inclusive knowledge production. Through his editorial leadership, he continues to strengthen the credibility and global recognition of African economic research.
Dr. Desmond Edem Klenam Primus
Dr. Desmond Edem Klenam Primus is a distinguished scholar in engineering, construction and the built environment, serving as the Editor of the Journal of Construction and Built Environment and a committed member of the African Editors Forum. His expertise lies in advancing research that addresses critical challenges and innovations in Africa's engineering, construction and infrastructure sectors.
Dr. Edem has been pivotal in fostering high editorial standards, ensuring that published research is rigorous, contextually relevant, and impactful. Through his leadership, the journal has become a vital platform for disseminating knowledge and promoting sustainable practices in the built environment across Africa. As an active member of the African Editors Forum, Dr. Edem champions the forum's mission of decentralized knowledge production, ethical publishing, and capacity-building for emerging researchers. His work continues to elevate the global visibility and credibility of African scholarship in construction and infrastructure studies.