Sustaining diamond open access in Africa towards knowledge equity and community-driven publishing

Abstract

Diamond Open Access (OA) is a publishing model that eliminates fees for both authors and readers, promoting diversity and fairness in academic publishing. This model holds particular importance in Africa, where limited research funding makes it more challenging for scholars to be visible. This paper examines strategies for sustaining Diamond OA in Africa, using the Regional Journal of Information and Knowledge Management (RJIKM) as a case study. The study draws on insights from a July 2025 stakeholder event, focus groups, and panel discussions to highlight ongoing challenges, including financial instability, volunteer burnout, prestige bias, and limited inclusion in global indexes. It also highlights opportunities such as building regional partnerships, enhancing institutional support, adopting new technologies, and modifying citation practices. To address the core challenges of Diamond OA, the paper proposes a comprehensive framework comprising four components: ensuring financial stability, advancing knowledge equity, strengthening community involvement, and leveraging technology. By focusing on knowledge equity and shared decision-making, Diamond OA provides Africa with a means to shape its own academic future. The study concludes that maintaining Diamond OA in Africa requires a collective commitment to financial innovation, technological progress, institutional backing, and community participation to achieve a more equitable scholarly future. To accomplish these goals, we suggest policy reforms, regional collaboration, professionalisation of editorial work, and the incorporation of Diamond OA into Africa's broader development strategies.