Dear readers, In early 2025, the Royal African Society decided to undertake a comprehensive review of the African Arguments platform. A flagship digital publication and one of the most respected Africa-focused platforms globally, it publishes analysis, reportage and commentary by established journalists, early career reporters, academics, and researchers. The Society sponsors and promotes the series through regular events and launches.
In partnership with the International African Institute (IAI), the platform builds on over two decades of experience publishing topical news, arguments, and research shaping discussion on Africa, foregrounding authors from the continent itself. The IAI is the publisher with Hurst of a book series of the same name which publishes cutting edge works on the continent. 2025 was a year in which organisations in the Charity sector faced a competitive fundraising environment globally. Despite these headwinds, given the importance of African Arguments for public debate and knowledge about Africa, we are pleased to announce a return to capacity.
The Royal African Society has a dedicated team manning the platform and IAI has appointed a Publishing Editor, with responsibility for the Debating Ideas blog. A new Editorial Board for the blog will be announced shortly. We will continue to publish what has proven to be our most important contributions, namely, original and critical pieces based on research, scholarship, investigative journalism, or other on-the-ground insights on African current affairs.
If you are considering writing for us, please contact us via africanarguments@soas.ac.uk. With thanks Royal African Society International African Institute