Knowledge production under hegemonic shadows: the spectrum of epistemic inequality, power dynamics, and marginalisation in African studies

African Studies grapple with numerous structural issues, including epistemic inequalities, power dynamics, and marginalisation in knowledge production. This study aims to examine the root causes and dimensions of these imbalances by analysing bibliometric data from the journal Africa Spectrum between 2009 and 2023, using it as a case study to explore broader trends and challenges in African Studies. It highlights critical inequalities, such as the limited representation of Africa-centred perspectives, the low visibility of women authors, and the thematic focus of the literature on Western-centric topics. Data sourced from the Scopus database were analysed using tools like VOSviewer and Excel, focusing on author profiles, citation patterns, keywords, countries, institutions, and funding structures. The findings reveal that only 32% of the authors are African, women authors represent a mere 27%, and the literature predominantly revolves around Western-centric themes such as crisis, conflict, and governance. Additionally, the dominance of Western-based institutions and funding sources underscores the continued dependency of Africa-centred knowledge production on external factors. These results emphasise the historical reproduction of power imbalances within African Studies, constraining Africa’s intellectual autonomy. By critically analysing the structural issues in African Studies, this study highlights the necessity for more inclusive and Africa-centred knowledge production processes.

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This article was published in Humanities and Social Sciences Communications 13, 423 (2026). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-026-06769-0