About the Journal

ERSA’s Working Paper Series (WPS) was established in 2004, with the first paper published in February 2005. It remains a central mechanism through which ERSA supports the quality, visibility, and policy relevance of economic research produced in and for Southern Africa.

The Series provides a platform for the early dissemination of research, typically as work-in-progress, while supporting authors in strengthening their work for publication in peer-reviewed journals and engagement with policy audiences.

 ERSA is interested in economic research that informs economic policy in Southern African countries within the following broad research programmes (click on for more information on each research programme):

To encourage more research in these areas and support the researchers, ERSA commits to the following:

1. Working Paper Review Process

All submissions benefit from a structured review process. ERSA provides timely, constructive feedback through its network of reviewers, aimed at improving:

  • Technical rigour
  • Conceptual clarity
  • Overall publishability

2. Financial Incentive

ERSA provides financial support at both the working paper and publication stages:

Working Paper Publication: R10,000 upon acceptance into the ERSA Working Paper Series

Journal Publication Incentives: For ERSA Working Papers published in accredited economic journal from 1 April 2026 the following additional incentives apply:

  • Top 50 journals: R120,000
  • Top 100 journals: R80,000
  • Top 200 journals: R40,000

These incentives are designed to encourage high-quality, internationally competitive research and to support authors in targeting leading academic outlets.  

The journal rankings that apply to the period between 1 April 2026 and 31 March 2027 can be found here:  2026/27 Journal Rankings

Note: All stipends are contingent on acknowledging ERSA’s support in the published article.

3. Visibility and Policy Engagement

ERSA enhances the reach and impact of research by:

  • Assigning a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) to each working paper
  • Disseminating research through its website and network
  • Facilitating engagements with policymakers for work of high policy relevance
Important to Note:
  • Submissions will be subject to editorial review. Authors may be requested to supply data and do-files, attached to their Working Paper submissions to Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA). However, the confidentiality of such data will be ensured.
  • For ERSA-funded working papers, research support from ERSA is to be acknowledged in all presentations of research material to emerge from this project including in the final publication of the paper in a journal.
  • ERSA will not accept submissions that have already been accepted in a journal publication. Copyright responsibilities vest in the author(s) of the paper

For more information, please contact Yoemna Mosaval at hello@ersawps.org.