Publication: Nature Africa
Topics: Science, research, health, climate, technology, development, African science
Rate (USD): Up to $1.50 per word
Deadline: Ongoing
Editor: Lynne Smit
Submit Via: Email lynne.smit.consultant@nature.com

Nature Africa is an online publication covering science news, features and research across sub-Saharan Africa. The website publishes in English and French and serves African scientists, the global science community, policymakers and general readers interested in science.

The publication is not a peer-reviewed journal and does not accept primary research articles. However, it welcomes freelance journalism, including news stories and features about science and research taking place across the continent.

Freelance journalists can pitch news and feature ideas directly to the editorial team. Pitches should include two recent writing samples. Before pitching, writers should also review the publication’s guidelines for writing for Nature Africa and watch the Nature Africa workshop recording.

What Nature Africa Publishes

News articles are generally around 350–400 words. They provide deeper coverage of research papers or developments affecting the science community in sub-Saharan Africa. Writers are expected to interview researchers involved in the study and, where possible, independent researchers. These assignments can be time-sensitive and may require a quick turnaround.

News features are generally around 800–900 words and involve more substantial research and interviews. They can cover specific research fields, challenges facing researchers in Africa, or ways science can help address problems facing the continent. Features may be more evergreen and often benefit from a strong human angle.

The publication also accepts several other formats, including 600-word expert commentaries, in-depth scientist profiles under its “An Audience With” format, and podcasts featuring scientists, thought leaders and other newsmakers.

Research Highlights are no longer published in their previous format. Instead, editors select key papers for Editors’ Picks twice each month. Papers requiring more comprehensive coverage should be pitched as news stories.

What Writers Should Know

All story ideas must be pitched before writing begins. For stories based on research, include a link to the relevant research paper, which will usually have been published within the previous six months.

Your pitch should clearly explain the story you want to tell, why it matters to Nature Africa readers, and which experts you plan to interview. Where possible, include an independent researcher who was not involved in the original study.

Nature Africa looks for specific, well-defined subjects rather than broad topics. Stories should be tight, factual, accessible and focused. Avoid unnecessary jargon and dense language without oversimplifying the science.

Every submission should include a suggested headline and standfirst, along with your byline.

When conducting interviews, writers should ask sources for high-resolution photographs and ensure the appropriate copyright consent form is completed.

How to Pitch Nature Africa

A strong pitch should explain the proposed story before presenting supporting research. The publication recommends showing the editor what the central story is, identifying relevant research and sources, and explaining why the subject matters now.

A useful pitch structure can include:

• A brief explanation of the proposed story.
• A working headline and standfirst.
• The key research paper and why it matters.
• Additional research or reports that strengthen the story.
• Other relevant angles, voices or stakeholders.
• A roughly 100-word explanation of why the story matters and why it is timely.
• The date you expect to deliver the finished article.

For news and feature pitches, include two recent writing samples and send your idea to the Nature Africa editorial team.

Researchers can also pitch opinion pieces and commentaries about research-related issues. These should be written in clear, non-technical language for both scientists and general readers. Researchers should pitch the idea rather than submit a completed article, explain why the topic matters to Nature Africa readers, and provide an expected submission date. These researcher commentaries are not paid.

If the editorial team is interested in your idea, an editor will contact you.

This is a strong opportunity for freelance journalists covering African science, research, climate, health, technology and development.