“You have to write the word that wants to be written….
AAE publishes articles on its website (https://aaeafrica.org) that are written by members, volunteers and other contributors. This includes analytic reports, news items, tutorials and stories. If your article is accepted, please create a writer profile at this link to allow us to publish your article.
Submission Guidelines
The publication process involves a variety of people. To help maintain consistency and quality, AAE has guidelines and requirements for writers. For their article to be considered for publication, writers must adhere to the guidelines below.
Promotional articles, particularly those advocating for specific brands require a small donation from authors representing companies or brands. This is to ensures fair compensation for the advertising space utilized
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.
Sponsored Content
Publishing of promotional articles, particularly those advocating for specific brands require a small donation from authors representing companies or brands. This is to ensures fair compensation for the advertising space utilized.
Article format and other requirements:
- File type: Microsoft Word
- Word count: maximum 1,500 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 info(@)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.
Volunteer Agreement to Grant Copyright License to AAE
By submiting an article for publication, the writer grants the African Association of Entrepreeurs a non-exclusive, royalty-free right in perpetuity to use the Work, in whole or in part, and to incorporate the Work, in whole or in part, into other works (“Derivative Works”) for educational and research purposes, including, but not limited to, reproduction and distribution in organisation’s printed and electronic materials and posting of the Work on the Organisations’s Web site(s). All right, title, and interest in the Work, including without limitation, any copyright, shall remain with the Volunteer.
The Organisation shall own the copyright in any Derivative Works it creates. This Agreement is made in consideration of and is a condition of the volunteer writer opportunity offered by AAE.
Article Themes
AAE has a set of suggested article themes (see below), but volunteer writers are also encouraged to propose their own themes or topics.
- Requested Topics
The topics below are updated regularly and represents actual article requests of our readers.
- Essential topics for entrepreneurs: Business strategy, digital marketing, sales and networking, etc.
- How to write and pitch an effective business plan
- Fundraising and sourcing business capital: How to raise money and attract investment
- How to develop a financial strategy for entrepreneurial businesses
- 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.