Call for Papers - Thematic Issue Vol 20 No 3 (2026)

2025-11-13

CALL FOR PAPERS

Thematic Issue of the Hungarian Journal of African Studies (HJAS),

Vol. 20, No. 3., 2026

Theme: Rethinking the African State: Governance, Sovereignty, and

the Struggle for Transformation in the 21st Century

Guest Editors: Dr. Oscar M. Otele (University of Nairobi) &

Prof. Musambayi Katumanga (University of Nairobi)

 

Background and Rationale

This thematic issue of the Hungarian Journal of African Studies (HJAS) emerges from the International Conference on the Nature of the State in Africa in the 21st Century: Challenges, Transformations and Prospects, held from 22–24 October 2025 at the University of Nairobi, jointly hosted by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration and the Africa Research Centre, University of Pécs (Hungary). This special issue seeks to consolidate and expand these intellectual contributions, advancing scholarly debates on African governance, sovereignty, and state transformation while welcoming related submissions from scholars who did not participate in the conference. 

Sub-Themes

Authors are invited to submit empirical, theoretical, or policy-oriented papers engaging with—but not limited to—the following areas:

  1. Statehood and Sovereignty in the 21st Century – Rethinking autonomy, debt, and the politics of dependency.
  2. Governance, Legitimacy, and Democratic Renewal – Accountability, political participation, and constitutionalism.
  3. Security, Fragility, and Conflict Transformation – Peacebuilding, militarization, and hybrid governance systems.
  4. Regionalism, Pan-Africanism, and South–South Cooperation – The evolving landscape of continental and global partnerships.
  5. Economic Transformation and Developmental State Models – Lessons from Africa’s industrialization and reform trajectories.
  6. Digital Governance and Artificial Intelligence – The implications of digital sovereignty and data governance for state power.
  7. Climate Change, Environmental Governance, and Resource Politics – The green transition and the reconfiguration of African states.
  8. Gender, Youth, and Inclusive Statehood – Rethinking citizenship and representation in changing socio-political orders.

In addition to these, related themes not presented at the conference are also strongly encouraged, particularly those offering innovative theoretical insights, comparative perspectives, or forward-looking analyses on Africa’s evolving state formations.

Submission Guidelines

  • Abstract submission: 250–300 words outlining research question, methodology, and contribution.
  • Full paper length: 6,000–8,000 words (including references, tables, and figures).
  • Referencing style: APA (7th Edition).
  • Language: English.
  • Review process: Double-blind peer review.
  • Author’s guidelines and submission here: https://journals.lib.pte.hu/index.php/afrikatanulmanyok/about/submissions

Important Dates

  • Submission of abstracts: 15th December 2025
  • Notification of acceptance: 15th January 2026
  • Full paper submission: 31st March 2026
  • Peer review feedback: 30th May 2026
  • Final Revised submission: 30th July 2026
  • Publication (expected): October 2026

 

Manuscripts and inquiries should be sent to:

hun.journal.african.studies@gmail.com