NOP Nordic Journal of African Studies issue 23 (2014)

The Nordic Journal of African Studies (NJAS) promotes the study of a variety of topics relating to the African continent, as well as to Africans living abroad. Focus areas are culture, language, history and literature, but contributions from neighbouring fields, in particular the social sciences, are considered. The intended output is a yearly issue of approximately 400 pages in four volumes. This amounts to approximately 16-18 articles. The articles represent current and original research. Before public ation, a thorough double-blind peer review process takes place. At least two referees give their statement before the editorial decides on acceptance/rejection, or makes a recommendation for revision. In the past, the Nordic journal has fulfilled the purp ose of providing a forum for Nordic researchers (including foreigners with a temporary base in one of the Nordic countries). At the same time, it has made these research activities visible to a broader international audience. Academics working in the fiel d of African studies outside the Nordic countries are generally aware of the NJAS, which enjoys a increasingly good reputation among these. The journal is recognized as a serious and competitive publication channel for academic research output by peers an d institutions involved in the management and political arenas of tertiary education and research (e.g. accredited in several countries). We apply for funding for the year 2014 in order to cover expenses that have to do mainly with the technical aspects (editing, typesetting, project management, secretarial tasks). In the course of 2013/14 there will be some changes: younger board members; most notably a reinforced collaboration with the Nordic Africa Institute, Uppsala, and other scholars and institutio ns (Univ. Gothenburg). We are thereby increasing the work input shared by permanently funded academics, while the amount of money for administrative and secretarial tasks requires funds for staff.