The Africa and Orient Review continued the Africa Times and Orient Review, which was published irregularly between 1912 and 1918. The Africa and Orient Review was published continuously from January to September 1920, with another issue in December 1920. It was edited by Dusé Mohammed Ali and had its offices in 158 Fleet Street, London EC4. The journal attempted to decentre Eurocentric perspectives on British action in the Middle East, Africa and India. The journal's brief was to help overcome misunderstandings and prejudice by providing accurate information to its readership on topics of interest to the British Empire. The journal took an anti-imperialist stance, supporting the right of subject peoples of the British Empire for self-determination. Its mission was to inform the British public about the 'aims and desires of the African and Oriental'. It saw its target audience as politicians, thinkers, publicists and cabinet ministers.

The journal featured not only political articles, but also attempted to include light-hearted matters, for instance a 'coloured ladies' beauty contest, inviting readers to send in photographs. The journal also featured a photograph of the Man of the Month, which was judged to be Rabindranath Tagore in the April 1920 issue for returning his knighthood in protest of the 1919 Amritsar Massacre. Of interest are also Ali’s sharply observed editorials, such as on the House of Commons debate of the Amritsar Massacre and on the legacy of Dadabhai Naoroji. While early issues maintain a balance between topical essays about all three regions, the later issues refocus their attention mainly on Africa and Egypt.