|
I am pleased to present the 2024 edition of Africa’s Public Service Delivery and Performance Review (APSDPR), which reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality, impactful research that addresses pressing public sector issues in Africa and beyond. This year marks another step forward for the journal as we expand our scope, grow our audience, and drive discussions on governance, public service, and development.
At the time of writing this editorial the journal continues to see growth in the number of articles submitted and published, with 29 articles included in this edition, a significant increase from last year’s 13 articles. Our author pool continues to be global, with contributions from 18 different countries, underlining the journal’s role as a platform for diverse, global perspectives. Citations have increased significantly, more than double compared to 2023, which is a testament to the relevance and influence of the work being published. Figure 1 shows the comparative journal statistics over the last 5 years.
 |
FIGURE 1: Journal statistics in total numbers (2020 to 2024). |
|
This year’s articles cover a broad spectrum of topics, including local economic development, public health, change management, and water and sanitation issues. This diverse range of topics ensures that the journal remains at the cutting edge of public service, governance, and development research.
The journal has seen a significant focus on the role of technology in public service delivery and governance. A growing number of articles explore how technological innovations are reshaping public service delivery in developing regions. As we near the end of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) timeline in 2030, the inclusion of these topics is timely and critical to ongoing debates about development. Furthermore, several articles have focused on rural development, addressing critical challenges faced by rural communities across Africa. Given the central role that rural areas play in African development, these contributions are essential for shaping policies that promote inclusive growth and sustainable public service delivery in underserved regions.
As we move forward, APSDPR is excited to announce a renewed editorial board with a broader and more inclusive vision. The board’s new focus will be on fostering special issues that address critical and emerging development challenges. These special issues will allow us to highlight significant themes such as socioeconomic transformation, the evolving role of technology in public service delivery, and key governance innovations. This focus is particularly important as we approach the conclusion of the SDGs in 2030, ensuring that the journal continues to contribute to the most urgent and relevant conversations in public service and governance.
We aim to foster multidisciplinary approaches and invite contributions from a wider array of scholars, policymakers, and practitioners to deepen the impact of the journal’s research. The broadened editorial vision will guide the journal’s direction in the coming years, providing space for innovative research and fresh perspectives on development and governance challenges across Africa.
As we publish this year’s edition, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the editorial board members, peer reviewers, and authors, whose dedication and contributions have made this issue possible. Their collective efforts ensure that APSDPR continues growing, providing a much needed platform for Africa-centred development conversations. I invite you to explore the articles in this edition and engage with the valuable insights they offer as we work together to build stronger, more resilient public services for Africa. We are confident that the journal’s evolving focus will contribute to even more meaningful conversations and policies that will drive better public service delivery, both in Africa and globally.
|
Hide
Show all
Email this article (Login required)
