Overview

The Africa Policy Journal seeks submissions of original work from policy analysts, researchers, policy-makers and practioners from relevant institutions such as universities, think-tanks, multilateral and non-governmental organizations. Submissions will also be welcome from Harvard-affiliates past and present, and their peers elsewhere.

The APJ focuses on thought-provoking content that provides fresh insight into the most significant opportunities and challenges facing African nations today. Editorial emphasis is placed primarily on  three criteria: policy relevance, analytical rigor and clarity of communication.

Policy relevance

The Journal will publish articles and commentaries that have the greatest relevance to economic, social, environmental and political change in Africa, and that insightfully explore the relationship between policy-making and these four realms. Book reviews should critically assess a recent work of importance to the culture, politics and or development of the African community. Editors therefore will look favorably upon contributions that address a major, topical policy challenge being faced in Africa, and that suggest strategies to tackle it.

Analytical rigor

Contributions should meet the highest standard of analytical rigor, and should reflect the frontier of knowledge in their respective fields. The sophistication of the analysis underlying each contribution will be taken into account. Contributors can be from any relevant professional or academic background, and are welcome to use analytic tools from any academic discipline.

Clarity of communication

All submissions should have in mind an audience of policy-makers and policy analysts. As such, contributions should be communicated in a style that is clear and accessible to policy-makers with non-technical backgrounds. In a world of busy policy-makers, an editorial premium will be placed on brevity and article submissions should be no more than 15 - 25 double-spaced pages in length.

Inquiries

If you would like to discuss whether your proposed article is a good fit with the Africa Policy Journal, do not hesitate to contact us.