Encyclopaedia Africana · Volume 4 Production
Call for Abstract Submissions
Thematic Area: Mathematical Sciences, Astronomy and Cosmology
Preamble
The Encyclopaedia Africana Project (EAP), a flagship project of the African Union and under the scientific guidance of the Pan-African Scientific Committee (PASC), seeks to produce a comprehensive, authoritative and enduring account of the history, development and future trajectories of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Africa, grounded in African perspectives, indigenous knowledge systems and contemporary scientific scholarship.
In keeping with the vision of the founding fathers, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Dr. W. E. B. Du Bois, the Encyclopaedia Africana seeks to challenge historical narratives that portray Africa merely as recipient of scientific knowledge and instead demonstrates the continent’s role as a generator, custodian, and disseminator of knowledge systems that have contributed to global civilization.
Three (3) Volumes of the Encyclopaedia Africana have previously been published, focusing primarily on biographies of distinguished heroes and heroines and selected political histories. Volume IV seeks to expand this legacy by documenting Africa’s scientific heritage, including indigenous technologies and innovation ecosystems that have sustained societies, transformed economies, and contributed to global scientific advancement.
The Encyclopaedia Africana Project Secretariat therefore invites scholars from Africa and the African Diaspora to participate in this historic Pan-African intellectual endeavour.
Accepted entries will be published progressively on the Encyclopaedia Africana digital reference platform and also incorporated into the printed edition of Volume IV.
Contributors whose abstracts are accepted and who successfully complete commissioned full entries will:
- —Receive an honorarium in recognition of their scholarly contribution to Encyclopaedia Africana Volume IV.
- —Be awarded an Official Certificate of Contribution acknowledging their participation in this landmark Pan-African scholarly initiative.
- —Become part of an international network of scholars, researchers and indigenous knowledge holders contributing to one of Africa’s most significant knowledge and heritage projects.
Overview
Mathematical Sciences, Astronomy and Cosmology
Africa possesses one of the world’s oldest and most diverse traditions of mathematical reasoning and astronomical observation. Across the continent, mathematical knowledge emerged through practical engagement with architecture, engineering, agriculture, navigation, commerce, governance, artistic production and environmental observation. Rather than existing solely within formal institutions, mathematics was embedded in everyday life, oral traditions, languages, cultural practices and systems of knowledge transmission.
African civilisations developed sophisticated numerical systems, geometric principles, measurement techniques and computational methods that supported monumental architecture, settlement planning, engineering works, trade networks and social organisation. Mathematical reasoning informed artistic designs, textile production, metallurgy, sculpture and indigenous technologies, demonstrating a deep understanding of symmetry, proportion, transformation, spatial reasoning and pattern formation.
Equally significant are Africa’s contributions to astronomy and cosmology. Indigenous communities across the continent observed celestial bodies to develop calendars, regulate agricultural cycles, guide navigation, determine ritual observances and interpret environmental change. Centres of scholarship such as Timbuktu and the intellectual traditions preserved in Ethiopian manuscripts testify to Africa’s long-standing engagement with advanced mathematical inquiry and astronomical observation.
This thematic area seeks to document these achievements on their own historical and intellectual terms, recognising them as integral components of the global history of science rather than as responses to external narratives. It encourages scholarship that foregrounds African evidence, African perspectives and African intellectual traditions while highlighting their enduring relevance to contemporary mathematics, astronomy, space science and scientific education.
Aims
Objectives
This thematic area seeks to:
- —Document Africa’s historical and contemporary contributions to mathematical sciences, astronomy and cosmology.
- —Demonstrate the central role of African mathematical knowledge in science, engineering, architecture, trade, governance and cultural development.
- —Preserve indigenous numerical systems, astronomical knowledge and cosmological traditions.
- —Highlight African centres of mathematical scholarship and scientific learning.
- —Promote African-generated scholarship on the history of mathematics and astronomy.
- —Demonstrate the integration of mathematical principles within African languages, material culture and indigenous knowledge systems.
- —Encourage interdisciplinary research linking mathematics, archaeology, history, linguistics, astronomy, anthropology and education.
- —Inspire future generations by showcasing Africa’s enduring legacy of scientific inquiry and innovation.
Scope
Areas of Interest/Entry Categories
Abstracts are invited on, but are not limited to, the following thematic areas.
1
Mathematical Sciences in African Civilisations
Topics may include:
- —History of mathematics in Africa
- —Ancient mathematical traditions
- —Mathematical education
- —Indigenous computational methods
- —Numerical reasoning
- —Arithmetic traditions
- —Algebraic thinking
- —Mathematical logic
- —Geometry
- —Trigonometric concepts
- —Measurement systems
2
Indigenous Number Systems and Mathematical Thought
Contributors are invited to explore:
- —Indigenous counting systems
- —Yoruba vigesimal (base-20) mathematics
- —Odu Ifa mathematical structures
- —Number symbolism
- —Mathematical concepts in African languages
- —Oral computation
- —Calendrical mathematics
- —Mathematical terminology
- —Quantification systems
3
African Astronomy and Cosmology
Suggested topics include:
- —Indigenous astronomy
- —Celestial observation
- —African cosmologies
- —Lunar and solar calendars
- —Star knowledge
- —Planetary observations
- —Navigation by the stars
- —Timekeeping systems
- —Astronomical instruments
- —Seasonal forecasting
4
Mathematics in Architecture and Engineering
Submissions are welcomed on:
- —Geometric principles in architecture
- —Monumental construction
- —Settlement planning
- —Structural design
- —Engineering mathematics
- —Surveying
- —Measurement techniques
- —Proportional systems
- —Mathematical design principles
5
Mathematics in Art, Technology and Material Culture
Potential topics include:
- —Geometric patterning
- —Textile mathematics
- —Benin bronze casting
- —Sculpture
- —Pottery design
- —Weaving technologies
- —Symmetry
- —Tessellation
- —Fractal geometry
- —Spatial reasoning in artistic production
6
Mathematical Knowledge in Society
Contributions may examine:
- —Mathematics in trade
- —Market systems
- —Taxation and accounting
- —Governance
- —Social organisation
- —Kinship structures
- —Indigenous games and recreation
- —Decision-making systems
- —Resource allocation
7
Centres of Learning and Scientific Scholarship
Topics include:
- —Timbuktu manuscripts
- —Ethiopian mathematical manuscripts
- —Ancient libraries
- —Centres of scientific learning
- —Islamic scholarship in Africa
- —Indigenous educational systems
- —Scientific networks
- —Scholars of mathematics and astronomy
8
Navigation, Calendars and Timekeeping
Contributors are encouraged to explore:
- —Maritime navigation
- —Desert navigation
- —Calendrical systems
- —Agricultural calendars
- —Seasonal cycles
- —Astronomical navigation
- —Time measurement
- —Observatories
- —Indigenous navigation techniques
9
Contemporary Mathematical Sciences and Space Research
Suggested contributions include:
- —African mathematicians
- —Contemporary astronomy
- —Space science
- —Astrophysics
- —Data science
- —Computational mathematics
- —Mathematical modelling
- —Artificial intelligence
- —African observatories
- —National and regional space programmes
10
Mathematical Heritage and Scientific Innovation
Submissions are welcomed on:
- —Historical mathematical achievements
- —Mathematical institutions
- —Scientific academies
- —Professional societies
- —Mathematical education reforms
- —STEM initiatives
- —Mathematics competitions
- —Research centres
- —Public engagement in science
Contributions Welcomed
Types of Entries
The Encyclopaedia welcomes entries on:
- —Mathematicians
- —Astronomers
- —Cosmologists
- —Scientific institutions
- —Indigenous knowledge holders
- —Numerical systems
- —Mathematical concepts
- —Astronomical traditions
- —Scientific manuscripts
- —Observatories
- —Calendars
- —Technologies
- —Educational institutions
- —Historical discoveries
- —Biographical profiles
Standards
Editorial Expectations
Contributors should:
- —Demonstrate originality, scholarly rigour and methodological soundness.
- —Present African mathematical and astronomical achievements as established components of global scientific history rather than as defensive responses to historical misconceptions.
- —Prioritise African-generated scholarship, primary sources and evidence-based interpretations.
- —Examine mathematical knowledge embedded within African languages, oral traditions, cultural practices, architecture, engineering, visual arts and material culture.
- —Include historical perspectives tracing the evolution and contemporary relevance of the subject.
- —Employ interdisciplinary approaches drawing from mathematics, astronomy, archaeology, history, linguistics, anthropology, education and philosophy of science.
- —Respect indigenous knowledge systems and recognise community custodians of scientific knowledge.
- —Highlight the continuity between historical traditions and contemporary African scientific research.
Who Can Apply
Eligibility
The call is open to:
- —Mathematicians
- —Astronomers
- —Cosmologists
- —Historians of science
- —Physicists
- —Archaeologists
- —Linguists
- —Anthropologists
- —Educators
- —Philosophers of science
- —Indigenous knowledge holders
- —Archivists
- —Museum professionals
- —Graduate researchers
- —Members of African and Diaspora institutions
Collaborative and interdisciplinary submissions are strongly encouraged.
Preparing Your Abstract
Submission Guidelines
Interested contributors should submit:
- —An abstract of 500–800 words.
- —A brief biography (maximum 150 words).
- —Five to seven keywords.
- —Institutional affiliation (where applicable).
- —Email address and telephone contact.
The abstract should clearly state the proposed title, objectives, methodology, principal sources and significance of the proposed Encyclopaedia entry.
Process
Review and Commissioning
All abstracts will undergo peer review by members of the Pan-African Scientific Committee and the Editorial Board of the Encyclopaedia Africana. Authors of selected abstracts will be formally commissioned to prepare full Encyclopaedia entries in accordance with the Encyclopaedia’s Editorial Guidelines and Style Manual.
Recognition
Honorarium and Certification
Contributors whose abstracts are accepted and who successfully complete commissioned full entries will:
- —Receive a token honorarium in recognition of their scholarly contribution to Encyclopaedia Africana Volume IV.
- —Be awarded an Official Certificate of Contribution acknowledging their participation in this landmark Pan-African scholarly initiative.
- —Become part of an international network of scholars, researchers and knowledge holders contributing to one of Africa’s most significant intellectual and scientific heritage projects.
Submission Procedure
Abstracts should be submitted electronically to:
Subject Line: Mathematical Sciences, Astronomy and Cosmology – [Author Name]
Languages
Abstracts May Be Submitted In
- —English
- —French
- —Arabic
- —Portuguese
- —Kiswahili
- —Spanish
Contributors are encouraged to use African languages where appropriate, particularly when discussing indigenous medical concepts, therapeutic practices and pharmacological knowledge that are best understood within their original linguistic and cultural contexts.
Timeline
Important Dates
Get in Touch
Contact Information
For further inquiries, please contact:
Encyclopaedia Africana Project Secretariat
EMAIL: info@encyclopaediaafricana.com/eapsecretariat@gmail.com
Closing Statement
This Call for Abstracts offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a landmark intellectual initiative aimed at documenting and advancing Africa’s scientific, technological, and Innovative heritage. Contributors are encouraged to bring forward innovative, rigorous, and transformative perspectives.
ISSUED BY:
Encyclopaedia Africana Project Secretariat
On behalf of the Pan-African Scientific Committee
