DOAJ has made its journal application form available in French for the first time, a move that directly benefits Francophone researchers and journal editors across West and Central Africa, where French is the dominant scholarly language.
Lowering the language barrier
Until now, DOAJ indexing applications were accepted in English only. The new French-language form — developed in collaboration with Érudit, Miràbel, and Research4Life — lets journal editors submit in their working language, removing a significant procedural obstacle. The form joins existing French-language resources including DOAJ’s Guide to Applying and dedicated training webinars.
What this means for African journals
Francophone Africa produces substantial research output, but its journals are underrepresented in global indexes. By accepting applications in French, DOAJ signals that quality open-access publishing does not require English-language operations. For editors at African universities, libraries, and research networks such as WACREN and LIBSENSE, this is a concrete step toward equitable indexing according to DOAJ’s announcement.
Part of a broader strategy
The launch aligns with DOAJ’s 2026–2028 strategic goal of making its application process more accessible and equitable globally. It also builds on partnerships with Research4Life, which has run French-language OA training for African research communities.