Unequal Foundations: Publishing Challenges for Emerging Researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa

Early-career researchers in Sub-Saharan Africa face persistent structural and historical inequities in academic publishing, including inadequate funding, limited mentorship, language barriers, and restricted access to scholarly resources. These systemic challenges compromise the visibility and impact of African scholarship globally. This study examines the extent of underrepresentation, identifies contributing factors, and proposes actionable interventions for fostering equity in scholarly publishing. A qualitative and quantitative approach was employed, combining regional analysis of journal indexing data with personal reflections and documented systemic disparities. Data on African journals indexed in major databases were extracted from recent literature. Descriptive statistics were applied to compare coverage across Web of Science (WoS), Scopus, and CrossRef, while additional insights were drawn from peer experiences and existing policy recommendations. The findings reveal significant disparities in journal representation. Of 2,229 African journals identified, only 7.4% (n = 166) appear in Web of Science and 7.8% (n = 174) in Scopus, compared to 45.6% (n = 1,017) in CrossRef. South Africa accounts for over 70% of journals indexed in WoS and Scopus, while Nigeria, despite publishing 44.5% of all African journals, remains underrepresented in these databases. These results underscore systemic bias in indexing and editorial practices. Addressing these inequities requires a multipronged approach, including increased investment in research infrastructure, inclusive editorial policies, and targeted mentorship programs. Such interventions are essential not only for ensuring justice but also for enriching global knowledge production with diverse perspectives and localized expertise.