The Institute for African Affairs of the German Institute for Global and Area Studies (GIGA) in Hamburg has published Africa Spectrum since 1966. It is a double-blind, peer-reviewed Open Access journal dedicated to promoting scientific knowledge on politics, societies, and development in Africa, as well as Africa's role in the international system. Africa Spectrum aims to promote inter-disciplinary, inclusive, Africanist scholarship about and from the continent. It aims to publish in-depth analyses that inform theoretical, empirical, and policy debates in the study of Africa, both from a contemporary and historical perspective. The journal is committed to intellectual pluralism, and it accepts submissions using varied theoretical and empirical approaches from across the social sciences and humanities. Please note that we do not publish primarily econometric papers; however, we welcome papers using quantitative methods that are accessible to a broad audience and make original theoretical contributions. Africa Spectrum accepts original research articles, debate pieces, review articles, analytical reports, and book reviews. Africa Spectrum also publishes special issues and special sections. There are no article processing charges to publish in the journal, and every publication is open access. The journal accepts submissions in French as well as in other languages upon request and at the editors’ discretion. While the peer review process will be in the submission language, accepted articles must be translated into English for publication. Africa Spectrum can provide this service for a limited number of articles per year where authors are unable to access this service through their host institutions. Africa Spectrum is among the leading African Studies journals globally. The independence of the journal and its editorial policy is guaranteed as part of the GIGA Journal Family. Since 2003, the journal has collaborated closely with the African Studies Association in Germany (Vereinigung für Afrikawissenschaften in Deutschland, VAD). Members of the VAD contribute to the journal’s success by serving as authors and referees in the peer review process.
