Welcome Message 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
Contents
- 1. Introduction to AJEIDR
- 2. Vision, Mission & Core Values
- 3. Journal Structure & Governance
- 4. Roles & Responsibilities
- 5. Terms of Appointment
- 6. Editorial Processes & Workflow
- 7. Manuscript Review Guidelines
- 8. Special Issues & AEC Integration
- 9. Ethical Standards & COPE Compliance
- 10. Indexing & Impact Strategy
- 11. Operational Information
- 12. Communication Expectations
- 13. Term, Renewal & Performance Review
- 14. Benefits of Serving on the Board
- 15. Key Dates & Annual Timeline
- 16. Contact & Support
1. Introduction to AJEIDR
The African Journal of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Development Research (AJEIDR) is a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed journal dedicated to advancing scholarship at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation systems, and inclusive development in Africa and the Global South.
AJEIDR is the official scholarly outlet of the African Entrepreneurship Conference (AEC), which brings together academics, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners annually. The journal serves as a platform for research emerging from AEC as well as independent submissions.
2. Vision, Mission & Core Values
Vision
To become Africa's leading multidisciplinary journal on entrepreneurship, innovation, and development research, shaping global debates and amplifying African scholarship.
Mission
To promote Africa-led scholarship and global knowledge exchange that supports inclusive entrepreneurial and innovation-led development.
Objectives
- Publish high-quality, multidisciplinary research.
- Strengthen African research capacity and global visibility.
- Bridge academic, industry, and policy insights.
- Support emerging scholars across Africa and the diaspora.
- Provide a platform aligned with the African Entrepreneurship Conference (AEC).
Core Values
- Academic Rigor
- Inclusivity & Diversity
- Ethical Publishing
- African Epistemologies
- Innovation & Creativity
- Global Relevance
Publication Details
Frequency: Two regular issues per year + One Special Issue linked to the African Entrepreneurship Conference
Formats: Print ISSN (requested) & Online ISSN (requested)
3. Journal Structure & Governance
AJEIDR operates through five key leadership and governance levels:
1. Editor-in-Chief and Editors
Provides overall leadership, vision, and editorial decision-making.
Editor-in-Chief:
Dr Bridget Irene
Editors:
- • Dr Julius Irene
- • Dr Patrick Ebewo
- • Dr Elona Ndlovu
- • Dr Abiodun Egbetokun
- • Dr Kingsley Omeihe
2. Associate Editors
Senior members who manage manuscript workflows and reviewer assignments.
3. Regional Editors
Represent regions across Africa & the Diaspora, supporting submissions and outreach.
Dr Kwame Sekyere - West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana
Dr Palesa Charlotte Felix-Faure - Diaspora: UK, US, Europe
Dr Aarthy Chellasamy - Diaspora: UK, US, Europe
Dr Blandine Ekpodile - West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana
Dr Elona Ndlovu - Southern Africa: South Africa, Zimbabwe
Dr Tabitha Sindani - East Africa: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
Dr Mythili Kolluru - North Africa/Middle East: Egypt, Morocco, Mid-East
Dr Joy Akahome - West Africa: Nigeria, Ghana
4. Editorial Board Members
Provide peer review, strategic insight, and support journal visibility.
5. Advisory Board Members
Offer high-level strategic guidance and international positioning.
6. Managing Editor (Operational Role)
Coordinates manuscript handling, production, communication, and editorial systems.
4. Roles & Responsibilities
Board members are essential to maintaining the integrity and scholarly excellence of AJEIDR.
4.1 Editor-in-Chief and Editors
- Provides overall leadership and vision.
- Oversees peer-review quality and editorial processes.
- Makes final publication decisions.
- Leads special issues (e.g., AEC2026).
- Represents the journal in external partnerships and indexing evaluations.
4.2 Associate Editors
- Manage assigned manuscripts.
- Select and supervise reviewers.
- Make editorial recommendations.
- Support special issues.
- Promote journal visibility.
4.3 Regional Editors
- Strengthen journal visibility in regions.
- Build reviewer and author networks.
- Suggest special issues themed to regional needs.
4.4 Editorial Board Members
- Review 1–2 manuscripts per year.
- Recommend emerging research areas.
- Serve as ambassadors for the journal.
- Provide feedback on annual performance.
4.5 Advisory Board Members
- Provide strategic guidance.
- Support international partnerships.
- Advise on indexing pathways (DOAJ, Scopus, ESCI).
- Participate in annual strategic meetings.
5. Terms of Appointment
Length of Term
- Associate Editors: 3 years (renewable)
- Regional Editors: 3 years (renewable)
- Editorial Board Members: 2 years (renewable)
- Advisory Board Members: 3 years (renewable)
Annual Commitments
- Attend virtual annual board meeting.
- Support journal promotion within networks.
- Participate in calls for papers and special issues.
6. Editorial Processes & Workflow
AJEIDR operates a double-blind peer review system.
Workflow Summary
- Manuscript submission via OJS platform
- Initial screening by Editor-in-Chief
- Assignment to an Associate Editor or Regional Editor
- Reviewer selection (minimum two)
- Double-blind peer review
- Review reports submitted
- Editorial decision (Accept / Revise / Reject)
- Revision process (if applicable)
- Final acceptance & production
- Publication in issue or online-first
Typical Turnaround Times
- Initial screening: 1 - 2 weeks
- Review process: 4 - 6 weeks
- Revision: 2 - 4 weeks
- Final decision: 1 week
7. Manuscript Review Guidelines
Board members reviewing a manuscript should evaluate:
1. Originality & Contribution
Does it offer new insights or theoretical advancements?
2. Relevance to the Journal Scope
Does it address entrepreneurship, innovation, or development?
3. Methodological Rigor
Is the design appropriate and clearly explained?
4. Quality of Writing and Organisation
Is it clearly structured and written?
5. Theoretical Grounding
Does it engage with relevant literature?
6. Practical and Policy Implications
Are contributions clearly articulated?
Reviewers should provide constructive, respectful, and developmental feedback.
8. Special Issues & AEC Integration
The journal's inaugural issue will be the AEC2026 Special Issue, featuring selected peer-reviewed papers presented at the African Entrepreneurship Conference in Cape Town.
Timeline
- July 2026: Conference & call for papers.
- Aug - Dec 2026: Review process.
- January 2027: Publication of the Special Issue.
Special issues are a core feature, drawn primarily from:
- African Entrepreneurship Conference (AEC) papers
- Women Research Network initiatives
- Emerging thematic areas (e.g., digital transformation, climate innovation)
Board members are encouraged to propose themes or act as guest editors in collaboration with the editorial team.
9. Ethical Standards & COPE Compliance
AJEIDR adheres to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) guidelines.
Ethical Principles
- Transparency
- Fairness
- Confidentiality
- Conflict of interest disclosure
- Respect for authorship and intellectual property
Reviewer Expectations
- Provide constructive, clear, and fair evaluations.
- Deliver reviews within agreed timelines.
- Maintain confidentiality.
10. Indexing & Impact Strategy
- Year 1 - 2: Application to DOAJ
- Year 3: Scopus pre-evaluation
- Year 4: Web of Science ESCI
- Year 5: Target Scopus Q2 Ranking
Supporting Actions:
- Increase publication consistency.
- Grow regional diversity of authors.
- Strengthen citation impact.
- Build partnerships across Africa and the diaspora.
11. Operational Information
Publication Frequency:
- Two issues annually
- One AEC Special Issue
Submission Platform:
OJS (Open Journal Systems)
Communication:
- Email is the primary channel
- Editorial updates every quarter
12. Communication Expectations
Board members are expected to:
- Respond to editorial emails within 10 working days
- Confirm or decline review invitations promptly
- Provide reviews within 3 - 4 weeks
- Participate in at least one annual meeting (virtual)
13. Term, Renewal & Performance Review
Term:
Three years (renewable by mutual agreement)
Performance Indicators:
- Review contributions
- Engagement with journal activities
- Support for special issues
- Timeliness and responsiveness
Poor engagement may lead to non-renewal of the appointment.
14. Benefits of Serving on the Board
Serving on the AJEIDR Board provides:
- International visibility and academic recognition
- Editorial leadership experience
- Opportunities to shape African research agendas
- Priority invitations for special issues and editorial projects
- Enhanced research networks through AEC and partner institutions
- Certificate of service annually
- Opportunity to influence policy-relevant scholarship
15. Key Dates & Annual Timeline
January - March
- Board induction
- First issue preparation
April - June
- Review cycle
- AEC special issue planning
July - September
- Mid-year editorial meeting
- Indexing progress review
October - December
- Second issue production
- Annual strategic meeting
- Board renewal process
16. Contact & Support
Editorial Office – AJEIDR
Organization: African Entrepreneurship Conference (AEC)
Email: info@ajeidr.com
Website: www.ajeidr.com
Editor-in-Chief: Dr Bridget Irene