A small step towards the epistemic decentralization of science: a dataset of journals and publications indexed in African Journals Online

The academic publishing system reflects the concentration of symbolic and material resources, with most publishers, journals, and articles based in the Global North. To counter this imbalance, regional journal indexing platforms like African Journals Online (AJOL) have emerged. This paper examines AJOL as a bibliometric resource, providing a structured dataset of journal and publication metadata. In addition, it integrates AJOL data with OpenAlex to enhance metadata coverage and improve interoperability with other bibliometric sources. The paper details the database construction process, highlighting its strengths and limitations, and presents a descriptive analysis of AJOL’s indexed journals and publications. By showcasing AJOL’s potential, this study contributes to the broader goal of fostering inclusivity and improving the representation of African research in global bibliometric analyses.