Reflections on the Global South's Impact on Scholarly Communication: Historical Context, Current Dynamics, and Future Pathways

The landscape of scholarly communication has evolved dramatically over the last three decades, transitioning from traditional print-based dissemination to digital open access. Contrary to conventional narratives, the Global South has emerged as a leader in this domain, pioneering diamond open-access models, free to read and publish, driven by scholarly-led, community-oriented, and publicly funded initiatives. These models have democratized knowledge and promoted equity, inclusivity, and diverse scholarly voices; nevertheless, systemic inequities, reduced infrastructural limitations, and resource constraints threaten their sustainability. Here, we synthesize existing literature to offer a critical perspective on the current state and future directions of open access in the Global South. Looking ahead, we envision a future where the Global South's principles of equity and inclusivity shape global scholarly communications, with expanded diamond open-access models, regionally relevant impact metrics, and collaborative networks that bridge existing global divides.