Open Access Scholarly Publishing and Article Processing Charges: The Perspectives and Experiences of Researchers from Africa in Relation to their Publishing Strategies

Abstract

This report presents findings from a survey of 761 researchers from across Africa examining their publishing strategies, experiences and perceptions in relation to Open Access (OA), Article Processing Charges (APCs) and Diamond Open Access. The study focuses on the demand side of scholarly publishing by exploring researchers' publication choices, the financial implications of APCs, perceptions of journal quality and prestige, and awareness and use of different Open Access publishing models.

The findings show that journal publishing remains central to research dissemination and that Open Access is widely used by researchers. However, APCs present a significant challenge and may influence researchers' publishing choices, access to publication opportunities and collaboration practices. The study also highlights strong interest in alternatives to APC-based publishing, particularly Diamond Open Access, while identifying challenges relating to its visibility, sustainability, infrastructure and recognition within research evaluation systems.

The report concludes that the challenge is not Open Access itself, but the ways in which Open Access publishing is financed and embedded within scholarly communication and research evaluation systems. It makes recommendations aimed at strengthening equitable and sustainable Open Access publishing in Africa, including greater support for Diamond Open Access journals and infrastructure, improved visibility and discoverability, stronger communities of practice, and appropriate recognition of high-quality Diamond Open Access publishing within research evaluation and reward systems.