South Africa’s Landmark 2026 Open Science Policy Sets New Standards for Research Accessibility

The South African government’s National Open Science Policy, approved by cabinet in December 2025 and formally published by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI) in March 2026, marks a pivotal shift in how publicly funded research is disseminated. The policy mandates open access for all publications arising from public funding while adopting the principle of “as open as possible, as closed as necessary.” This balanced approach acknowledges exceptions for national security, ethics, intellectual property, and privacy while prioritising transparency and broader access.

Universities South Africa (USAf), the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), and the National Research Foundation (NRF) have welcomed the framework, which aligns with the UNESCO Recommendation on Open Science and supports the country’s goals under the Sustainable Development Goals. The policy requires researchers to deposit outputs in open repositories and institutions to implement data management plans for every publicly funded project.

Background and Development of the Policy

Development of the policy followed extensive stakeholder consultations involving universities, learned societies, publishers, and government bodies. Two major public engagement rounds informed the final text. The DSTI document emphasises coordinated open science practice across the national innovation system, building on earlier frameworks such as the 2018 Research Publishing in and From South Africa report and the African Open Science Platform.

Key institutions driving implementation include the DSTI itself, ASSAf, NRF, and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). Universities such as the University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), and University of Cape Town (UCT) are already aligning internal policies with the new mandate.

Core Provisions and Requirements

The policy makes open access compulsory for all research outputs from publicly funded projects. Researchers must deposit accepted manuscripts or final published versions in institutional or subject repositories. A new Open Access Code of Conduct will guide universities, learned societies, and publishers. Data management plans are now mandatory for project approval, and the policy encourages the use of Creative Commons licences, preferably CC-BY.

Institutions are expected to establish or strengthen open-access infrastructure, including repositories and support services for researchers. The policy also calls for training programmes and incentives to embed open science practices in academic workflows.

Impacts on South African Universities and Researchers

Public universities face both opportunities and operational adjustments. Compliance will require updated repository systems, revised promotion and tenure criteria that recognise open-access outputs, and expanded library support for data management. Early adopters such as UJ and Wits are already reporting increased visibility of research outputs and higher citation rates for openly available articles.

PhD candidates and early-career researchers stand to benefit from wider dissemination of their work, potentially accelerating career progression and international collaboration. However, smaller institutions and historically disadvantaged universities may require additional funding and capacity building to meet the new standards.

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Challenges in Implementation

Transition costs, including article processing charges (APCs) and repository maintenance, remain a concern. The policy acknowledges the need for sustainable funding models and encourages diamond open-access journals and institutional publishing platforms. Concerns around predatory publishers and quality control have prompted calls for strengthened accreditation lists and peer-review standards.

Privacy and consent issues, particularly in health and social science research, require careful navigation under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). The “as open as possible, as closed as necessary” clause provides flexibility but demands clear institutional guidance.

Stakeholder Perspectives

ASSAf has highlighted the policy’s potential to democratise knowledge and strengthen South Africa’s contribution to global science. USAf representatives note that the framework supports equity by ensuring publicly funded knowledge reaches all citizens, including those in under-resourced communities. Publishers operating in South Africa are adapting by expanding open-access options and participating in the new Code of Conduct development.

International observers, including SPARC, have praised the policy as one of the most progressive in Africa, aligning South Africa with leading open-science nations such as Australia.

Case Studies from Leading Institutions

The University of Johannesburg has integrated the policy into its research strategy, reporting a 40 percent increase in open-access deposits since early 2026. Wits University has launched a dedicated open-science training series for postgraduate students and supervisors. UCT is piloting a centralised data repository that meets both the new DSTI requirements and international FAIR principles.

Future Outlook and Broader Implications

By 2030, the policy is expected to transform South Africa’s research landscape, increasing the proportion of openly accessible outputs and enhancing the country’s global research ranking. It positions South African universities as leaders in equitable knowledge sharing and supports national development priorities in health, education, and sustainable development.

Continued monitoring through the proposed South African Open Science Observatory will help track progress and identify areas for further support. Collaboration with continental initiatives such as the African Open Science Platform will amplify impact beyond national borders.

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Actionable Insights for Academics and Administrators

Researchers should familiarise themselves with institutional repository workflows and data management planning tools immediately. University administrators are advised to review promotion criteria, allocate resources for open-access support, and participate in the development of the national Open Access Code of Conduct. Funding agencies and learned societies are encouraged to align their own policies with the DSTI framework to ensure coherence across the system.