Understanding No-Fee Open Access in the African Context
No-fee open access, commonly referred to as Diamond Open Access, enables scholarly journals to publish research without charging fees to authors for article processing or to readers for access. This model relies on institutional support, grants, and in-kind contributions rather than commercial revenue streams. In South Africa, where universities such as the University of Cape Town and Stellenbosch University play central roles in scholarly output, Diamond Open Access addresses long-standing barriers to equitable knowledge dissemination. Researchers at institutions affiliated with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and the Council on Higher Education (CHE) benefit from platforms that prioritize visibility for African-led scholarship without financial hurdles.
The Landscape of Diamond Open Access Journals Across Africa
A comprehensive 2024 landscape study conducted as part of a Wellcome-funded initiative surveyed 199 Diamond Open Access journals, 21 hosting platforms, and produced 25 country reports. The findings highlighted that many African journals operate with limited budgets, depending heavily on university subsidies and volunteer editorial labor. South Africa stands out with robust policy frameworks that encourage open science, including integration of Diamond models into institutional repositories and publishing services. The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has contributed to national open science efforts, supporting journals that align with DHET research output policies.
Major Collaborative Projects Driving Strengthening Initiatives
The three-year Collaboration for Sustainable Open Access Publishing in Africa project, implemented by Electronic Information for Libraries (EIFL), African Journals Online (AJOL), and the West and Central African Research and Education Network (WACREN), has awarded grants to multiple projects since its 2024 launch. These efforts target quality improvements, sustainability planning, and regional collaboration. Reports released in 2026 detail progress on seven journals, including two based in South Africa. Additional grant rounds in 2025 further expanded support for editorial training, platform upgrades, and peer-review enhancements. Recent project updates underscore measurable advances in journal indexing and operational resilience.
South African Universities at the Forefront
South African higher education institutions have actively embraced Diamond Open Access. The University of Cape Town Libraries operates as a publisher of no-fee journals and monographs, emphasizing social justice and accessibility for Global South scholars. Stellenbosch University’s SUNJournals platform hosts multiple Diamond titles, integrating them with institutional repositories. AJOL indexes 273 Diamond Open Access journals overall, with 115 originating from South Africa, demonstrating strong continental leadership. These university-led efforts align with CHE guidelines on research quality and DHET mandates for open access outputs.
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Recent 2026 Developments and Grant Outcomes
By mid-2026, reports from three additional strengthening projects confirmed ongoing support for South African titles alongside Ghanaian counterparts. Initiatives have focused on financial sustainability models, digital infrastructure, and capacity building for editorial teams. The 2nd Global Summit on Diamond Open Access, held in Cape Town in late 2024, brought together editors, librarians, and policymakers to discuss centering social justice in scholarly communication. These gatherings have informed national strategies and fostered partnerships between universities and continental networks.
Challenges Facing No-Fee Journals in South Africa
Despite progress, Diamond Open Access journals encounter funding volatility, limited indexing visibility, and editorial workload pressures. Many rely on institutional in-kind support that varies across universities. Smaller institutions outside major metros face greater hurdles in attracting submissions and maintaining consistent peer review. The landscape study identified needs for diversified revenue strategies, enhanced metadata standards, and stronger integration with global discovery services while preserving community ownership.
Impacts on Researchers, Students, and Institutions
Strengthened Diamond Open Access options increase the reach of South African research on topics ranging from public health to environmental science. Early-career academics and PhD candidates at universities such as the University of Pretoria and University of the Witwatersrand gain publication pathways without APC barriers. Institutions report improved research metrics and greater alignment with international open science expectations. These models also support decolonization efforts by prioritizing African editorial control and local relevance.
Stakeholder Perspectives from Higher Education Leaders
University administrators and librarians emphasize the equity advantages of Diamond models over fee-based alternatives. ASSAf representatives have highlighted policy integration opportunities with DHET frameworks. Journal editors participating in grant programs note improvements in workflow efficiency and international visibility. International partners, including those involved in the Wellcome-funded collaboration, stress the importance of sustained African-led governance for long-term success.
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Future Outlook and Policy Recommendations
With the Wellcome project extending through October 2026, stakeholders anticipate further embedding of Diamond Open Access into national open science policies. Recommendations include increased government and institutional funding commitments, expanded training through bodies such as the South African National Library and Information Consortium, and continued collaboration via AJOL and regional networks. South African universities are positioned to lead continental scaling of these initiatives.
Actionable Steps for Academics and Administrators
Researchers can explore AJOL’s Diamond Open Access listings to identify suitable venues. University leaders may consider allocating resources to existing platforms or new journal launches aligned with CHE quality standards. Librarians and editors are encouraged to participate in upcoming capacity-building opportunities offered through EIFL and WACREN partnerships. These steps support broader goals of inclusive scholarly communication within South African higher education.