Reports have been released from three projects aimed at improving the quality and sustainability of no‑fee open access (OA) publishing in Africa. Together, the initiatives support seven journals—five in Ghana and two in South Africa.
The projects are part of the three‑year program 'Collaboration for Sustainable Open Access Publishing in Africa', funded by Wellcome. Launched in 2024, the program awarded grants to 17 projects across nine countries, specifically targeting Diamond OA journals and platforms. Diamond OA refers to journals that do not charge authors or readers fees.
The University of Ghana (UG) implemented a project to strengthen the management and efficiency of journals hosted by the UG Journal Management Services. Five journals participated:
• Contemporary Journal of African Studies (Institute of African Studies)
• Ghana Journal of Geography (Department of Geography and Resource Development)
• Ghana Journal of Religion and Theology (Department for the Study of Religion)
• Health Sciences Investigations Journal (College of Health Sciences)
• Science and Development Journal (College of Basic and Applied Sciences)
The grant supported drafting a university‑wide journal policy to guide establishment, operations, and funding of UG journals. It also focused on improving editorial processes, enhancing visibility and communications, and strengthening collaboration among journal teams.
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