The global visibility and impact of African research are on the rise, thanks to new open access (OA) partnerships between research libraries and publishers. Recent forums held in South Africa have emphasized the importance of these collaborations in enhancing the international reach of African scholarship, contributing to global innovation and societal progress.
At the heart of this transformation is the growing number of African research articles being published through OA channels. For example, over the past two years, the number of African OA articles in Taylor & Francis journals has grown by 20% annually, making African research more accessible to global audiences. This increased availability is enabling African researchers to exert greater influence on global development and policy changes.
The significance of these partnerships was a central theme at the recent Academic Allies forums, hosted by the South African National Library and Information Consortium (SANLiC) and Taylor & Francis in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Delegates, including leading librarians and researchers, explored the transformative impact of OA agreements, particularly the Read and Publish models that are now giving Southern African scholars greater visibility on the global stage.
Read and Publish agreements allow institutions to cover the costs of OA publishing, offering more researchers the opportunity to make their work freely accessible. In March 2024, SANLiC and Taylor & Francis announced a new three-year agreement that supports researchers in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia to publish OA articles in over 2,100 journals. Early successes of this partnership were showcased at the forums, demonstrating its positive impact on the visibility and accessibility of African research.
During the events, practical strategies were shared with participants, offering actionable insights on how to further boost the global impact of African academic contributions. Delegates highlighted the importance of capacity-building initiatives, research-oriented learning, and continued support for Southern African universities in advancing these goals.
The Academic Allies forum also underscored Taylor & Francis' commitment to nurturing long-term partnerships with SANLiC and other key stakeholders to support research excellence in Southern Africa. This collaboration aligns with SANLiC’s vision of providing affordable access to high-quality electronic resources for public higher education institutions, supporting teaching, research, and learning.
As Africa's research output continues to gain global recognition, these OA partnerships are playing a pivotal role in ensuring that African scholars are not only contributors but also key players in shaping global innovation and knowledge sharing.
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