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Paper short abstract:

Based on our diverse experiences of collaboration, we argue that making sure that those in/from the Global South can actually hold their Global North partners to account and demand explanations is a key way to ensure reciprocity, and recognize the competence and experiences of African researchers.

Paper long abstract:

In this paper we focus on three issues that hinder successful reciprocal research between the so-called Global-North and Global South: the lack of autonomy Africa-based researchers face when they receive funding from Europe; the shifting goal posts they face as their careers progress thus keeping them in precarious situations; and the guilt that impedes critical discussions. Based on our diverse experiences of research collaboration, we argue that these issues are underpinned by a fundamental misunderstanding of reciprocity; in particular, its relational nature and the responsibilities it imposes on the relevant parties. Reciprocal research, like reciprocity, requires that each party´s status and contribution be recognized as equal and thus subject to being held accountable. This means that the hierarchical power structures that characterize Global North-Global South research interactions require negotiation. Failure to do so, and focusing instead on “creating more avenues for global south researchers to conceive and do research in the global north” runs the risk of reinforcing the very unequal structures we wish to dismantle. One key way to ensure reciprocity in research collaborations is by making sure that those in the Global South can actually hold their Global North partners to account and demand explanations. This would recognize the competence and experiences of African researchers. This contribution offers lessons learned for researchers interested in engaging in meaningful and equitable research collaboration across the so-called North-South divide.