News

By Special Correspondent, CMU

As a manifestation of attaining an ice breaking development, the University of Dar es Salaam journal, The African Review (TARE), has achieved Scopus indexing status, following a rigorous evaluation based on stringent process by Elsevier's abstract and citation database.

Scopus is the world's largest abstract and citation database encompassing peer-reviewed scientific journals, books, and conference proceedings and offers a comprehensive overview of global research output across various disciplines.

According to the information received by UDSM, the elevation approval was granted on 11^th November 2023, and it highlights TARE's exceptional quality, impact, and editorial processes including content quality, editorial processes, and overall academic standing within the global research community.

UDSM Vice Chancellor, Prof. William A. L. Anangisye commended the achievement attained by TARE and reiterated the University commitment to enhance the visibility and profile of the university through quality publications, while reinforcing its role as a leading institution in the frontier of knowledge and critical discourse.

“As we celebrate this achievement of Scopus indexing for The African Review, in our academic community this marks a substantial breakthrough in the UDSM's journey towards global academic prominence. We congratulate the Chief Editor, editorial team and contributors as well as encourage new contributors to join and enjoy these achievements”, said Prof. Anangisye.

International visibility and discoverability

Prof. Nelson Boniface, the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research expressed the University enthusiasm for reaching this milestone and said that Scopus indexing recognition was a testament of UDSM's firm commitment to the cutting-edge research and dissemination of treasured knowledge on critical issues of national and international importance.

“This indexing not only enhances the international visibility and discoverability of TARE but also underscores the academic excellence and credibility of both the journal and the University of Dar es Salaam emphasising its importance in the realms of disciplines including science, technology, medicine, social sciences, agriculture, business, arts, and humanities”, said Prof. Boniface.

He said that the recognition would not only elevate the stature of TARE’s recognition and its height but also contribute to the academic reputation and credibility of UDSM on an international scale.

TARE Roots

Established in 1972 by the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at UDSM, The African Review has played a pivotal role in fostering intellectual discussions on African politics, development, and international affairs. For the past three consecutive years The African Review has been nominated as the best journal at UDSM. In 2019 it started being published by Brill, solidifying its global competitiveness for Scopus indexing.

Meanwhile, Prof. Alexander Makulilo, TARE’s Chief Editor and prominent academic, said that the Scopus indexing was a major milestone for The African Review and it reflected the tireless efforts put forth by the editorial team, contributors and UDSM Chancellor, Council and Management.

“This recognition opens up more new avenues for international collaboration and warrants that the impactful research published in the journal reaches a wider audience", said Prof. Makulilo.

UDSM on cutting edge research and publication

According to Prof. Nelson Boniface, Deputy Vice Chancellor-Research, UDSM currently hosts a total of 24 journals covering various research areas in natural science, engineering, ICT, Kiswahili, humanities, social science, education, economics, development, business management, and law.

“This accomplishment thus aligns with UDSM's broader vision of ensuring its journals remain reputable and responsive to the evolving needs of scholars within Tanzania, East Africa, Africa, and the international academic community”, he said.