AAE publishes articles to provide entrepreneurs insights on the business environment in Africa. The target audiences for these articles are entrepreneurs, government departments, civil society and donor agencies. The goal is to help these audiences make informed decisions about how to support business, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit.
AAE accepts articles from researchers and writers who have interesting or unique insights into the African SME and business environment. Articles often include primary sources, such as interviews and secondary data sources.
Article Themes
AAE has a set of suggested article themes (see below), but writers are also encouraged to propose their own themes or topics.
- Articles about African Association of Entrepreneurs
Articles about the AAE organization from the writers point of view.
- SME situation in Africa, including opportunities:
Includes exploration of newly arising prospects and opportunities for SME entrepreneurs in Africa. Articles might include stories from local entrepreneurs or about the management of community resources.
- Step-by-step guide to starting a venture in African countries:
Provides detailed information on how to start a venture in each African country or region.
- State cultures and their- effect on business culture:
Explores how the the culture of state institutions affect the business culture and norms of private enterprises
- Sustainable Industrialisation
Industrialization has been identified as the basis for development, with the private sector playing a critical role in supporting sustainable industrialization. Sustainable industrialization is an area to keep an eye on as countries emerging from political or social instability, work their way towards stable path, land and natural resource management.
- Cultural Businesses and Future Trends
Future trend for African SMEs. The development of cultural entrepreneurs using local techniques and resources in line with local development. African SMEs have a local advantage and a better understanding of what types of services and products African people actually need.
Topics related to the creative lifestyle and art industry in Africa. Examples include businesses focused on fashion, language, music, arts and crafts, entertainment, film, publishing, and folklore. The future trend for African SMEs lies in the development of cultural entrepreneurs using local techniques and resources in line with local development.
- Best Practices
Best practices and historical actions of economically successful countries. Readers expressed that research and analysis of useful SME ideas could be better understood with case studies from developed countries or rapidly modernizing and industrializing countries, such as China.
Submission Guidelines
AAE’s publication process involves a variety of people. To help maintain consistency and quality, AAE has guidelines and requirements for writers and online/on-site volunteers to follow.
For their article to be considered for publication, writers must adhere to the guidelines below.
Articles must:
- Include a 100-word biography of the writer (bio can contain social media and other links).
- Include all necessary references and citations in MLA style.
- Be written in English, using the principles of clear and plain language.
- Include image(s), photograph(s), or figure(s).
- Not include any plagiarism.
Article format and other requirements:
- File type: Microsoft Word
- Word count: maximum 1,o00 words in length with suitable headings.
- Font: Times New Roman, 12 pt, 1.5 line spacing, normal margins.
- Figures and pictures: ensure you have the relevant permissions—credit must be included in the figure caption.
- References: use in-text references with a references section, in MLA style, at the end article.
Submission Process
- Writer sends their article, bio, profile picture and any article images to the Editor, with a copy to infoo(@)aaeafrica.org.
- AAE staff and senior volunteers review the article.
- Writer receives feedback within 14 days.
- Writer makes changes to article in response to the feedback.
- AAE decides whether to publish the article submitted to us and updates the writer.
- AAE publishes the article. If selected, AAE becomes the copyright holder for the article.
- Writer and AAE publicise the article through social media and other networks.