African Journal of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development Research

African Journal of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development Research Cover

Welcome from the Editor-in-Chief

Welcome to the Editorial and Advisory Boards of the African Journal of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development Research (AJEIDR). As a founding board member, you play a vital role in shaping the direction, quality, and global influence of this new multidisciplinary journal. Your expertise and leadership will help position AJEIDR as a leading platform for Africa-centred scholarship in entrepreneurship, innovation, sustainability, and development research.

This handbook outlines your role, expectations, responsibilities, and the operational processes that will support our collaborative work.

Dr Bridget Irene

Editor-in-Chief, AJEIDR

Welcome to AJEIDR

Welcome to the African Journal of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development Research (AJEIDR) - a new, peer-reviewed scholarly platform dedicated to advancing rigorous, contextually grounded, and policy-relevant research on entrepreneurship, innovation, and development across Africa and the wider Global South.

AJEIDR was founded to respond to a critical gap in global scholarship: the persistent under-representation and mischaracterisation of African entrepreneurial realities within mainstream academic debates. We provide a space for research that speaks from Africa, with Africa, and for Africa - while remaining open to comparative and interdisciplinary work that deepens understanding of entrepreneurship and development in diverse emerging and transitional economies.

The journal welcomes high-quality empirical, conceptual, and methodological contributions that engage with themes such as:

  • Entrepreneurial ecosystems
  • Innovation systems
  • Informal and hybrid economies
  • Women's and youth entrepreneurship
  • Sustainability and energy transitions
  • Digital transformation
  • Social and institutional change
  • Decolonial and Global South perspectives on development

Committed to scholarly excellence, inclusivity, and intellectual pluralism, AJEIDR seeks to bridge academia, policy, and practice. We invite scholars, practitioners, and policymakers to join us in shaping conversations that challenge dominant narratives, foreground local knowledge, and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development pathways.

We are delighted to welcome you as a reader, author, reviewer, or partner in this exciting new journey.

Journal Mission

The African Journal of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development Research (AJEIDR) is a premier, multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing scholarship at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation systems, and inclusive development in Africa and the Global South.

As the official scholarly outlet of the African Entrepreneurship Conference (AEC), AJEIDR bridges academic research with practical applications, fostering evidence-based approaches to entrepreneurial development and sustainable economic growth across African contexts.

Our commitment extends to promoting indigenous knowledge systems, supporting policy-relevant research, and building scholarly networks that contribute to Africa's intellectual and economic development.

Journal Metrics & Goals

Impact Factor Target

DOAJ 2025

Indexing Goal

Scopus 2026-27

Coverage

Africa & Global South

Review Standard

Double-blind

Research Focus Areas

Entrepreneurship Research

African entrepreneurial ventures, startup ecosystems, and SME development across diverse economic contexts

Innovation Systems

Innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, and knowledge networks in emerging markets

Development Research

Sustainable development, inclusive growth, and policy frameworks for economic transformation

Policy & Impact

Evidence-based policy research, impact measurement, and institutional development

African Entrepreneurship Conference (AEC) Integration

AEC 2026 Special Issue

A dedicated special issue featuring the best research presented at AEC 2026, focusing on "Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development in Africa."

  • • Extended abstracts due: March 2026
  • • Full papers due: June 2026
  • • Fast-track review process

Annual Integration

Regular integration of AEC proceedings and networking with ongoing submission opportunities throughout the year.

  • • Priority review for AEC participants
  • • Conference presentation opportunities
  • • Editorial board AEC representation

Editorial Standards & Quality Assurance

Peer Review

  • • Double-blind review process
  • • Minimum 2 expert reviewers
  • • 4-week review timeline
  • • Editorial board oversight

Ethical Standards

  • • COPE guidelines compliance
  • • Plagiarism detection (iThenticate)
  • • Research ethics review
  • • Conflict of interest disclosure

Quality Metrics

  • • Publication readiness assessment
  • • Citation potential evaluation
  • • Methodological rigor check
  • • Impact and relevance scoring

Indexing Strategy & Timeline

2025

Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ)

Open access compliance and quality standards

2026-27

Scopus Indexing Application

Established publication record and citation metrics

2028-29

Web of Science Application

Impact factor eligibility and global recognition

Editorial Contact

Editor-in-Chief

Dr Bridget Irene

info@ajeidr.com

Editorial Office

info@ajeidr.com

Website

www.ajeidr.com