The turbulence of research publishing

“Publish or perish.” This is a recognised mantra that often determines the destiny of many researchers. It, however, belies a minefield of pressure to publish not only regularly but also in globally recognised and peer reviewed journals.

Publication is an integral part of research, giving scientists the ability to share their findings with peers, industry and the wider research community. Academic journals provide a reputable and reliable dissemination mechanism for research outcomes, besides serving as a source of information for experts, specialists and decision-makers.

The publication and visibility of African research in internationally recognised journals remains limited. This limits the production and dissemination of locally generated knowledge. The situation is compounded by the rise of predatory publishers alongside the high fees charged by reputable international open-access journals.

Publication fees or Article Processing Charge (APC) vary. This could range between $60 (Sh7,560) to $3,000 (Sh378,000) in Africa. Globally, the figure can exceed $12,000 (Sh1,512,000). Pressure to publish in open-access journals, now recommended by a growing list of institutions, complicates matters. While open-access publishing increases public access to knowledge, the APCs often transfer publication costs from readers to researchers, disproportionately disadvantageous to researchers from low-resourced institutions and contexts.

APC covers the costs of peer-review, copy-editing, typesetting, publication on website, marketing and indexing in key databases. Kenyan-based publisher, CARI Journals – a globally peer-reviewed journals database for scientists, engineers and researchers – states a figure of Sh12,000 ($95) while Egerton University Journals will cost about Sh5,000 ($40) per article. Unfortunately, these are little known platforms that may lack consistency, quality of reviewers as well as international appeal. Premier open access journals charge researchers approximately $7,540! The reality is that many of these prominent journals are owned by for-profit publishers.

Mawazo Institute is among a growing number of organisations encouraging and supporting researchers from Africa to publish their findings in peer reviewed and recognised publications. Between 2024 and March 2026, Mawazo spent $10,954 (Sh1,380,204) to offset the scientific publication costs for just five of its Mawazo Fellows.

There is need to develop national or regional frameworks to ensure researchers only publish their work in recognised and reputable journals at reasonable costs.

 The Mawazo Fellowship programme offers training in publishing, resource mobilisation, academic writing skill and how to navigate publishing ethics. It includes mentorship and a peer network to complete and publish research.

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Carolyne Tunnen is a senior policy and advocacy lead at Mawazo Institute