Call for Papers: Smart Mobility in African Public Transport: Social Justice and the Law
Smart Mobility in African Public Transport: Social Justice and the Law
Proudly African, Globally Relevant: Smart Mobility and Just Cities
Call for Papers
Introduction
The Journal of Law, Society and Development (JLSD) invite submissions for a forthcoming Special Issue on “Smart Mobility in African Public Transport: Social Justice and the Law”. This special issue seeks to provide a multidisciplinary platform for scholarly engagement on the intersection between smart mobility, public transport, digital transformation, sustainability, social justice, and legal regulation in Africa.
Across the globe, public transport remains central to mobility and socio-economic participation. Hence, the pursuit of smart mobility presents both opportunities and challenges in the development of sustainable and inclusive cities. Smart mobility is closely linked to the broader smart city agenda, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11 (SDG 11) on sustainable cities and communities. In particular, SDG target 11.2 calls for the provision of safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems for all.
While significant technological advancements have transformed mobility systems in developed regions, African countries continue to face distinctive legal, infrastructural, economic, governance, and social challenges. This special issue therefore seeks contributions that critically interrogate the role of law, policy, technology, and governance in shaping smart mobility systems that are equitable, inclusive, commercially viable, and socially responsive within the African context. The special issue particularly encourages scholarship that advances African-centred approaches to mobility and urban development while remaining globally relevant. Contributions from legal scholars and researchers in related disciplines are welcome.
Suggested Topics
- Smart mobility and legal frameworks in African countries
• Smart cities and sustainable urban transport
• Women’s inclusion and gender-responsive mobility systems
• Mobility and accessibility for persons with disabilities
• Smart mobility, social justice, and equality
• Public safety, policing, and transport governance
• Technological and infrastructural challenges
• Artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and transport regulation
• Legal education and smart mobility
• Commercial viability and public-private partnerships
• Aviation, aeronautics, and mobility regulation
• Energy transitions and sustainable transport systems
• Climate change, environmental sustainability, and mobility
• Data governance, cybersecurity, and privacy in smart transport systems
• Informal transport systems and urban inclusion in Africa
Submission Guidelines
Papers must be submitted to the Journal of Law, Society and Development under the section ‘Smart Mobility Issue’. Authors are also encouraged to write on top of their manuscripts ‘Smart Mobility Issue’ if they submit to the wrong section, their papers can be identified and placed under the correct section. This way, the papers will be easily identified and managed timeously. Please find the submission steps and some pictures pasted here for your ease of reference when submitting your manuscripts.
- Open the journal’s link: https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/JLSD
- Go to make a submission: https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/JLSD/about/submissions
- Make a new submission: https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/JLSD/submission/wizard
- On the section platform, click on the drop down arrow and select “Smart Mobility Issue”
- Then complete the information required and upload your paper.
Submission Requirements
Authors must ensure that their manuscripts comply with the submission and formatting guidelines of the Journal of Law, Society and Development.
Author Guidelines:
https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/JLSD/about/submissions#authorGuidelines
AI Use Policy:
https://unisapressjournals.co.za/index.php/JLSD/AIuse
All submissions will undergo a double-blind peer review process in accordance with the standards and policies of the Journal of Law, Society and Development.
Page Fees
Applicable page fees for open access shall be payable in accordance with the journal’s publication rates.
Standard Publication will be free.
Important Dates:
• Full Paper Submission Deadline: 31 July 2026
• Double-Blind Peer Review Commences: 1 August 2026
Guest Editors
Dr Priccilar Vengesai – University of South Africa
Dr Menelisi Ncube – University of South Africa
Enquiries may be directed to:
Dr Priccilar Vengesai: vengep@unisa.ac.za
Dr Menelisi Ncube: encubem4@unisa.ac.za
