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Write for SPLN

Evidence first. Then argue boldly.

SPLN Insights publishes graduates of the School of Politics, Policy & Governance. Every piece is reviewed by the SPLN editorial team against SPPG's standard: verified data, cited sources, non-partisan analysis.

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The SPPG standard

Six rules every piece must meet.

These are the questions our editors ask of every submission. Ask them of your own draft first.

01

Evidence before opinion

Every factual claim — a statistic, a quote, a budget figure, an outcome — is backed by a source a reader can check. Opinion is welcome; it must be labelled as opinion and argued from evidence.

02

Verified, current data

Use primary sources where possible (official gazettes, statistics bureaux, budget documents, court records, peer-reviewed research, reputable multilaterals). State the date and source of every figure. No unverified social-media claims.

03

Cite everything

List your sources at the end — title, publisher, date and link. Inline links are encouraged. Images need credit and permission.

04

Non-partisan, always

SPLN respects every member's party affiliation and takes no side. Analyse policies and institutions, not parties. No campaign messaging, endorsements or attacks on individuals.

05

Original and honest

Your own work, not previously published elsewhere without disclosure. Disclose any conflict of interest — including your own role in what you're writing about. AI-assisted drafting must be disclosed and every fact still verified by you.

06

Solutions-minded and respectful

Write to move Africa's governance forward: name the problem, show the evidence, propose what could work. Critique ideas with rigour and people with respect.

How it works

From draft to published.

  1. 1. Draft

    Sign in with your registered email and write in the SPLN editor. Save drafts as often as you like.

  2. 2. Declare

    List your sources and confirm the five editorial declarations — evidence, accuracy, non-partisanship, originality, editing.

  3. 3. Review

    The SPLN editorial team checks facts against your sources, tests the argument and screens for partisanship. Typical turnaround: under a week.

  4. 4. Publish

    Approved pieces go live on SPLN Insights with your verified byline and are linked from your directory profile.

  5. 5. Amplify

    Strong pieces are shared across SPLN and SPPG channels and may be featured on the homepage.

What we publish

Articles800–1,800 words

Analysis, explainers and case studies of policy and governance — what happened, why, and what it means.

Thought leadership800–1,500 words

An argued perspective on how Africa should be governed — a clear position, built on evidence, with practical proposals.

Practice notes600–1,200 words

Lessons from inside public office or a campaign — what you met, what you did differently, what changed.

Before you submit, you'll confirm:

  • Every factual claim in this piece is supported by a source I have listed.
  • I have checked that the data I cite is accurate and current, and I have stated where it comes from.
  • This piece is non-partisan: it does not campaign for or against any party or candidate.
  • This is my original work, and I have disclosed any conflict of interest or AI assistance.
  • I understand the SPLN editorial team may edit for clarity, request changes or decline publication.

Good sources

What counts as evidence?

Strong

  • National statistics bureaux and central banks
  • Budgets, gazettes, laws and court judgments
  • Electoral commission results
  • Peer-reviewed research
  • AU, UN, World Bank, IMF, AfDB data
  • Reputable newsrooms, with dates

Not on their own

  • Unattributed social-media posts or screenshots
  • Forwarded WhatsApp messages
  • Partisan press releases without corroboration
  • Undated or unsourced infographics
  • AI-generated statistics you haven't verified
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