The Journal of African Political Economy & Development (JAPED) is a scholarly publication under the African Review of Economics and Finance Consult (AREF Consult). As an interdisciplinary journal with a strong focus on Africa, JAPED explores the continent's historical and contemporary entanglements, offering insights into its politics, society, and development dynamics. The journal defines ‘contemporary Africa’ as the imperialized continent from the early 20th century, engaging in the comparative study of political history, the political economy of development, democratization, social movements, institutions, and the African Diaspora.

JAPED is committed to fostering rigorous scholarship that raises critical, historically grounded questions about the ‘post-colony’. Its mission is to provide alternative perspectives for understanding Africa's multifaceted challenges and opportunities. The journal covers topics such as Africa’s development trajectories, the complexities of the nation-state, peasant economies, conflicts, social and cultural transformations, democratic deepening and consolidation, governance (local, corporate, and environmental), political culture, resource ownership, energy governance, and service delivery.

Additionally, JAPED emphasizes theoretical debates and examines the effectiveness of various development models, offering insights relevant to policymakers and development practitioners. By encouraging a multidisciplinary approach, the journal seeks to advance scholarly discourse and propose innovative frameworks for addressing Africa's complex political and socio-economic realities.