Published quarterly, each issue contains approximately 450 abstracts. Its focus is on the political, socio-economic, international and development issues facing contemporary Africa. Continental and Country Profiles keeps one constantly updated, using the Africa Institute's specialised and extensive library holdings. Coverage includes political, economic and social research in the SADC region with information on leaders, conflict and conflict resolution, reform, development and foreign relations. Countries featured are, Angola, Namibia, Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Tanzania, Swaziland, Lesotho and South Africa.
Materials indexed include books, monographs, journals, maps, atlases, and other materials.
The coverage of material ranges from art and architecture, to social and political issues, to economics and law. Subjects covered include African religions, archaeology, art, economics, education, exploration, flora and fauna, geography, history, law, literature, missionary accounts and politics. The collection is made up of published books, journals, maps and pamphlets. Over 45,700 records. This collection includes a wide range of published works and an extensive manuscript collection dealing with Southern Africa in general and with the KwaZulu Natal region in particular.