Original Article
Open Access
Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting's impact on business financial performance
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 780 - 785
The study looked at how corporate financial performance was affected by Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting. The study was conducted using an ex post facto research approach, and secondary data came from reputable sources, including economic data from CBN and statistics bulletins. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to assess the data, and the results indicated that business performance and ROA had a negative influence on ESG whereas GDP, EPS, and profit had a significant positive impact. In order to improve economic growth, the research advised policymakers and other economic stakeholders to pay close attention to macroeconomic indicators including profit, ROA, and EPS
Original Article
Open Access
Analysis of ICICI Bank and HDFC Bank: Financial performance in terms of Ratios
Daya Shanker Kanaujia,
Anand Kumar
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 771 - 779
Financial Ratio Analysis of ICICI Bank & HDFC Bank: A comparative study This research seeks to analyse their profitability, liquidity, capital strength and overall performance in recent years. The analysis uses secondary data from published financial statements and reports. Sample of financial ratios analysis of net profit margin, return on equity, capital adequacy and credit–deposit ratio is compared.
In terms of profits and returns to shareholders, ICICI Bank outstrips HDFC Bank while the latter shows superior capital adequacy. But HDFC has increasing lending exposure and ICICI must strengthen its capital position further. The study points out that while both banks are financially solid, they pursue diverging strategies. By providing a rating for both banks based on their financials and strategy/risk profile the A&M authors hope to guide investors when choosing between them. This makes ratio analysis useful in understanding their strengths, weaknesses and area of focus...
Original Article
Open Access
Entrepreneurship Education and Employability: The Mediating Effect of Entrepreneurial Intention Among University Students
Rahul Singh,
Saurabh srivastav
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 756 - 770
This study assesses how entrepreneurship education influences the entrepreneurial intentions and employability of students. It also investigates the mediation effect of entrepreneurial intentions on the relationship between entrepreneurial education and employability, as well as the direct effects on employability. In this research, a quantitative method was used to gather data from 397 university students through a survey questionnaire measured on a seven-point Likert scale using a convenience sampling method. We utilized structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine the data. ACMV model was used to evaluate the model’s fitness, validity, reliability and of the data, and an SEM technique was used to test the hypotheses. The study found that entrepreneurship education could boost students’ employability as well as their desire to start their own businesses. It shows how important entrepreneurship education is for learning the skills and knowledge needed to start a business. The study also suggests that having entrepreneurial intentions can enhance one’s employability. This study reveals a heightened understanding of how entrepreneurship education impacts on entrepreneurial intention and employability. These insights can guide improvements in entrepreneurship programs to align with local employment needs. Moreover, the identified mediator, entrepreneurial intentions, presents a targeted opportunity for intervention, suggesting practical ways to cultivate entrepreneurial skills and mindset, ultimately enhancing employability prospects in the region..
Original Article
Open Access
Innovative Advancement Initiatives in an African University Context: The Case of Mangosuthu University of Technology
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 751 - 756
Advancement initiatives in an African context are simultaneously compelling and challenging. Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT), the only South African university located in a township, Umlazi, in KwaZulu-Natal, finds itself in a unique context, with clearly identified and articulated needs emanating from historical disadvantage, but limited internal resources. Community and institutional contexts impact one another; decreasing state funding and increasing Higher Education fees make the diversification of income streams imperative within what is a complex and contested area. The paper argues that nature, scope and size, and individual characteristics of Higher Education institutions, are factors which directly impact success in resource allocation and goal attainment. The Institutional Advancement structure at MUT seeks to mobilise resources and garner third stream income through the three pillars of Fundraising and Development, Alumni Relations and Enterprise Development. An overview is provided of three advancement initiatives within the MUT context: Student Giving, Alumni Giving Projects and Short Courses. In so doing, it reflects critically on what each reveals about innovation in under-resourced Higher Education contexts. The projects are proving significant, as advancement is both quantitative and qualitative in nature and impact, and transformative giving is developmental. In establishing and sharpening our strategic approach, they are helping to transform understandings of how we advance the goals of the university in an African context. The paper concludes with implications for African Higher Education advancement, notably that context, culture and relationship capital are crucial to sustained engagement and outcomes
Original Article
Open Access
Voices from the Margins: Tribal Women's experiences as entrepreneurs with special reference to Uttar Pradesh
Neeraj Kumar Singh,
Khushbu Gupta,
Jyoti Joshi
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 744 - 750
In India, tribal women are among the most marginalized and disadvantaged groups, often finding themselves at the intersection of poverty, social exclusion, and limited access to resources. Despite their rich cultural heritage and traditional skills, many tribal women struggle to make ends meet, with limited opportunities for economic empowerment. However, few tribal women are breaking barriers and venturing into entrepreneurship, leveraging their unique skills and perspectives to start and run their businesses. This shift towards entrepreneurship holds promise for improving their economic prospects and contributing to the overall development of their communities. This paper aims to shed light on the experiences of tribal women entrepreneurs, exploring the challenges they face in running their businesses and identifying the opportunities available to them. Through in-depth interviews with 30 tribal women entrepreneurs of UP, this study seeks to capture their experiences, struggles, and insights, providing a nuanced understanding of the realities and potential of tribal women entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, this study culminates in targeted recommendations designed to empower and support entrepreneurs from the tribal areas of Uttar Pradesh, fostering a more conducive environment for their businesses to thrive.
Original Article
Open Access
Assessing the Impact of Human Resource Information Systems on Strategic Workforce Planning: A Study of IT Companies in India
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 729 - 743
In-depth employee data as well as HR policies and procedures are processed, tracked, and stored by a human resources information system (HRIS). Specializing in reliable record keeping and reporting, the HRIS, an interactive information management system, standardized human resource (HR) roles and processes. Although not a novel idea, the human resource information system (HRIS) is changing as a result of environmental changes (Marler & Fisher, 2022; Bondarouk et al., 2023). Human resource planning, or HRP, is its main duty and is a crucial task for any business. An excessive or insufficient number of employees could be the consequence of poor human resource management. Unpleasant conditions may arise from both an excessive number of employees and a small one. HRIS supports effective human resource planning (Strohmeier, 2020; Vrontis et al., 2022). The function of HRIS in human resource planning is investigated in this paper. The study is empirical in nature, and 200 respondents were selected to see the goals sights from the top five IT companies in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, based on market share. The survey is conducted using the questionnaire. Analysis reveals that HRIS has several benefits, chief among them being that it retains copious amounts of personnel data, which enables the company to move at a snail's pace. HRIS assists HR managers in strategic initiatives like manpower planning, succession planning, applicant tracking, and training, accurately identifying occupied and unfilled roles within a company
Original Article
Open Access
Does Trust Matter? Exploring the Impact of Financial Literacy and Perceived Fairness on Tax Compliance in India”
Saurabh Srivastav,
Rahul Singh
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 711 - 728
Tax non-compliance remains a significant challenge in India, particularly among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), despite continued tax reforms, digitalization initiatives such as the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and taxpayer awareness programs. Understanding the behavioral and institutional determinants of tax compliance among SMEs is therefore critical for improving voluntary compliance and strengthening revenue mobilization. This study investigates the influence of financial literacy and perceived fairness on tax compliance behavior, with trust in tax authorities acting as a mediating variable. Grounded in the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Slippery Slope Framework, the study employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyses primary survey data collected from 600 SMEs across different sectors in India.
The findings indicate that both financial literacy and perceived fairness have a significant positive effect on tax compliance behavior among SMEs. Furthermore, trust in tax authorities partially mediates these relationships, suggesting that voluntary compliance is enhanced when regulatory enforcement is supported by perceptions of institutional legitimacy, transparency, and fairness. The results underscore the importance of strengthening taxpayer education, simplifying tax procedures, and ensuring equitable tax administration to foster trust and promote sustainable tax compliance. This study contributes empirical evidence from the Indian SME context and offers practical insights for policymakers and tax authorities seeking to improve compliance in the SME sector
Original Article
Open Access
Influence of E-HRM on Organizational Performance: A Literature Review
Shivendra Pratap Singh,
Rahul Singh
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 705 - 710
Electronic Human Resource Management (E-HRM) With the speed of technology use in human resource management practice, Electronic Human Resource Management is emerged, and obligates not only revolutionizing way of managing employees within organization but also overall workforce. This paper examines HR Post, and analyses the effect of E-HRM on organisational performance by considering a range of dimensions in which this strategy is introduced. The historical development of E-HRM and its major components, advantages and disadvantages are outlined in the subsequent section of this literature review. Strategic implications for effective E-HRM implementation are disccused in the study taking into account organization, technology and people dimensions. The study is based on empirical evidence, and tangible advantages of E-HRM are found such as increased efficiency, cost-efficiency and better decision making. The article highlights the reasons behind why companies are met with difficulties, such as change resistance, security fears and integration complications. Results indicate that there is a positive relationship between E-HRM adoption and improved organizational performance. The future is also considered and it is predicted that E-HRM systems will be increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and machine learning, and the consequences of remote working for HR practice are assessed. This research adds to the growing debate on E-HRM, providing a discussion of its transformative impact on organisational performance. Organizations are being urged to adopt. E- HRM strategically when it has potential to maximize HR processes and also the overall organization performance
Original Article
Open Access
Emerging Green Finance in India: A Case Study
Shivendra Singh,
Akhileshwaro Nath
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 698 - 704
When he level of globe increases in between developing and developed world many things changes whether it’s in overall temperature, environment or technology or lifestyle. None-off them appears to care for environment, climate and sustainable development be they government or policy makers. The worldwide investment (in renewables and energy efficiency) went down by 3% in 2017, and will decline further on the future. Green finance is intended to be the mechanism for delivering increased financial flows (from banking, micro-credit, insurance and investment) from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to priorities like sustainable energy and adaptation that benefit the poorest and most vulnerable. UN has been collaborating with various nations to chart out its path to channel the flow of finances to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.
This paper focuses on the definition, concept meaning, and the importance of green financing theory and benefits as well s nature of green financing offerings. The research is secondary data based on various sources. It also attempts to showcase the present scenario regarding green finance in India and its relevant schemes.
Original Article
Open Access
How Health and Education Moderate the Relationship Between Economic Stability and Social Relationship Expenditures
Saurabh Srivastav,
Lav Srivastava
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 681 - 697
The present study explores the linkage between economic stability (ES) and social relationship expenditures (SRE) in India by utilizing household-level data obtained from national surveys such as the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) and the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the period 2010–2022. The sample consists of 8,866 observations representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds across the country. A fixed-effects estimation technique is applied to assess how variations in economic stability influence household spending on social and relational activities.
The findings demonstrate a positive and statistically significant relationship between economic stability and expenditures on social relationships. Households with stronger financial positions are more likely to invest in social interactions, including participation in family ceremonies, community gatherings, and cultural events. Conversely, financial obligations such as housing loans and other debts reduce the ability of households to allocate resources toward such activities. The moderating effects of health and education provide deeper insights into this relationship. Better health conditions enhance the impact of economic stability on social expenditures by lowering healthcare-related financial pressure and facilitating social involvement. In contrast, higher educational attainment weakens this association, as educated households tend to emphasize long-term financial security through savings and investments rather than immediate discretionary spending.
Overall, the results identify economic stability as a key driver of social relationship expenditures, while health acts as a supportive factor and education alters spending priorities. From a policy standpoint, initiatives aimed at reducing household debt burdens, expanding access to affordable healthcare through programs such as Ayushman Bharat, and strengthening financial awareness under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) can improve households’ capacity for social participation. By narrowing gaps in economic stability, health, and education, policymakers can promote both social integration and economic sustainability in India
Original Article
Open Access
Export-Led Growth or Jobless Expansion? Econometric Analysis Vis-A-Vis Employment Elasticity of Exports in 21st Century India
Akhileshwaro Nath,
Shivendra Singh
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 666 - 680
This paper investigates the intricate connection between Indian export and employment growth for the period 2000–2023. Based on several data sources such as DGFT, NSSO, PLFS, RBI and AS), the paper uses descriptive analysis, trend growth rates and comparative methods to empirically find out if India’s significant export expansion has been able create productive employment. We find a paradox: while the total exports of India grew from $60.8 billion in 2000-01 to $744.7 billion in 2022-23 at annual compound growth rate (CAGR) of 12.4%, no commensurate increase is seen in the formal employment numbers. The paper finds substantial sectoral heterogeneity in employment elasticities, with basic labour-intensive sectors having the higher job-creating potential relative to capital intensive and services exports. The main findings suggest that there are structural changes in on the export composition towards less labour-intensive sectors, regional concentration of benefits from exports and the increasing importance of services exports which create fewer jobs per dollar of exports. The paper concludes with policy suggestions to improve the employment intensity of India's export basket through targeted initiatives in labour-intensive manufacturing, skill formation and regional diversification.
JEL Codes: F16, O14, O19, J20 Acknowledgements We thank seminar participants at the National Council of Applied Economic Research for useful comments
Original Article
Open Access
The Hybrid Shift: Understanding Employee Turnover in the IT Industry
Shivendra Singh,
Rahul Singh
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 656 - 665
The paper analyzed the attributes of various hybrid work patterns and how it affects employee turnover within the Indian IT industry. The study is based on the application of a structured questionnaire that was completed by 300 IT professionals in five forms of hybrid work arrangements to examine various variables such as employee satisfaction, work-life balance, productivity, and job-switching intentions. The findings indicate that complete WFH and flexible WFH models result in good levels of satisfaction and reduction of attrition intentions and the 3-day WFH model is associated with increased levels of dissatisfaction and stress. The analysis of ANOVA revealed that there is a significant difference in the attrition intentions depending on the hybrid model, and the consideration of the hybrid model with the properly designed policy concerning hybrid work is needed to increase employee retention. The research also finds that the lack of significance between models in the development of career and managerial support, but work-life balance, flexibility, and productivity played a key role in retention. The results indicate that to decrease turnover and make their workforce more engaged and satisfied the IT companies may need to formulate their hybrid policies with flexibility, autonomy, and well-being in mind. The flexibility of working arrangements will enable organizations to be in tandem with the changing demands of their employees and end-up leading to employee retention and organizational success in the long term
Original Article
Open Access
Mapping Global Research Trends in Carbon Accounting: A Bibliometric Analysis of WoS Publications
Lav Srivastava,
Saurabh Srivastava
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 646 - 655
In this study, bibliometric methods are utilized to investigate the literature on carbon accounting in detail along with the Web of Science data collection. We desire to understand the tendencies, the most important authors and publications, and the new directions in the topic due to the importance of the research on the influence of accounting carbon emissions on climatic change. We explain how the study was developed, explain the gaps in knowledge, and help with the mapping of the further stages of the development of the field. The outcome of this analysis will be of great importance in furthering our knowledge of carbon accounting and enhancing distributed team work among scientists in this field...
Original Article
Open Access
Tourism-Led Development in Uttar Pradesh: “Integrating Religious, Sports, and Fiscal Policy Dimensions for Sustainable Regional Growth”
Akhileshwaro Nath,
Vineet Srivastava
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 637 - 645
Tourism has emerged as a multidimensional driver of regional development, particularly in culturally rich and demographically significant states like Uttar Pradesh. This paper presents an integrated analysis of religious tourism, sports tourism, and fiscal sustainability to evaluate their combined role in shaping sustainable economic growth in Uttar Pradesh. Drawing insights from visitor satisfaction studies in Ayodhya, emerging sports tourism trends, and fiscal policy frameworks under the FRBM regime, the study highlights how infrastructure quality, governance, and public investment strategies jointly influence tourism-led development. The findings suggest that while religious and sports tourism offer strong potential for employment generation, cultural preservation, and global visibility, their long-term success depends on balanced fiscal policies that prioritize growth-oriented capital expenditure over excessive fiscal restraint. The study concludes with policy recommendations aimed at aligning tourism development with sustainable fiscal management to transform Uttar Pradesh into a resilient, diversified tourism-driven economy
Original Article
Open Access
CO₂ Cushion Gas Effects on H₂–Brine Interfacial Dynamics in Underground Hydrogen Storage
Hamid Esfandyari,
Alireza Safari,
Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband,
Manouchehr Haghighi,
Alireza Keshavarz,
Abbas Zeinijahromi
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 628 - 636
Hydrogen (H₂) is an essential energy vector for the global shift to cleaner power yet storing it at scale above ground remains both technically and environmentally challenging. Underground hydrogen storage (UHS) offers a viable alternative, but gas mobility and trapping behaviour are strongly controlled by interfacial processes. This study focuses on interfacial tension variations in H₂-CO₂-brine systems, under subsurface conditions, focusing on the effects of pressure (10–100 bar), temperature (20–80 °C), salinity, and gas composition.
Gas-liquid IFT (γLG) was measured experimentally in distilled water and formation brine. Results show that IFT in pure H₂–water systems increase with temperature, whereas in H₂–brine systems it decreases due to salt-driven modifications to intermolecular forces. CO₂-containing mixtures exhibit stronger pressure dependence, with increasing pressure lowering IFT through enhanced CO₂ solubility and molecular interactions. Additionally, CO₂ as a cushion gas played a crucial role in improving hydrogen mobility and storage efficiency by reducing IFT, thereby minimizing capillary trapping and enhancing gas injectivity. The observed nonlinear pressure dependence at higher CO₂ concentrations underscores the complexity of multiphase interactions in subsurface environments, emphasizing the need for accurate modelling in UHS. The findings contribute to the fundamental understanding of gas-fluid interactions under reservoir conditions and support the development of more efficient hydrogen storage and carbon sequestration strategies
Original Article
Open Access
"The Impact of Foreign Trade on Economic Growth in Algeria: A Cointegration Study for the Period 2000–2021 Using the ARDL Model’"
Ahmed ouldmoumna,
Adouka Lakhdar
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 618 - 627
This study uses the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) methodology to analyse the impact of foreign trade on economic growth in Algeria between 2000 and 2021. The results suggest the presence of a long-term cointegration relationship between the two variables.
Original Article
Open Access
Developing Linguistic Competence in Children with Multiple Disabilities: A Pedagogical Approach at the Psycho-Educational Center of Tlemcen
Fatma Saadi,
Anouar Benchouk
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 604 - 617
This study aims to highlight the experience of the Psycho-Educational Center in Tlemcen and its role in developing the linguistic competence of children with multiple disabilities, with particular emphasis on the effectiveness of innovative learning approaches and tools such as educational games, virtual reality, and digital programs and applications. It additionally explores the roles of teachers and families in supporting the learning process and motivating the child, and examines the influence of these tools on the development of linguistic, cognitive, and communicative abilities. The findings demonstrate that adopting innovative methods plays a significant role in strengthening linguistic competence, increasing children’s motivation and self-confidence, and enhancing the involvement of teachers and parents in the educational process. The study concludes that coordinated efforts among all stakeholders, combined with the integration of modern technologies, are essential for promoting effective learning among children with multiple disabilities
Original Article
Open Access
Mahakumbh and India's Global Soft Power Projection- Problems and Prospects
Parth Sharma,
Shekhar Choudhary
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 591 - 603
Maha Kumbh which happens to be one of the largest religious gatherings globally is a significant foreign policy tool through which India has tried securing its national interest. It is the most visible display of its soft power. The present article attempts to understand how it has helped India leverage its soft power and how successful was India in enhancing its global image. Although there have been some environmental and security concerns regarding its implementation. India was successful in achieving its national interest. ..
Original Article
Open Access
The Franchise and the Fetters: A Comparative Jurisprudential Analysis of Prisoner Voting Rights in India and South Africa
Anshika Gupta,
Sushil Kumar Singh
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 585 - 590
The relationship between the state and the incarcerated individual serves as a litmus test for the depth of a nation's democratic commitment. This research paper undertakes an exhaustive comparative analysis of the legal frameworks, judicial philosophies, and sociopolitical realities governing prisoner voting rights in two major democracies of the Global South: India and South Africa. While both nations share histories scarred by exclusioncolonialism and apartheid, respectivelytheir post-independence trajectories regarding the franchise of the incarcerated have diverged sharply. This study scrutinizes the Indian adherence to the doctrine of civiliter mortuus (civil death), manifested in Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which disenfranchises not only convicts but also the vast population of undertrials. It contrasts this with the South African jurisprudence of universal inclusion, where the Constitutional Court has consistently struck down bans on prisoner voting as violations of human dignity. Drawing on extensive case law, including the seminal Anukul Chandra Pradhan judgment in India and the August and NICRO judgments in South Africa, as well as critical developments in 2024 and 2025, this paper argues that India’s blanket ban is an anachronistic violation of the social contract that fails to withstand the scrutiny of modern constitutional morality, especially when juxtaposed with South Africa’s successful implementation of prisoner voting in its 2024 general elections
Original Article
Open Access
Bail in Child Sexual Offence Cases: A Comparative Study of India’s POCSO Act and South Africa’s Criminal Procedure Framework
Shweta Jain,
Maneesh Yadav
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 579 - 584
This paper will be a comparative study of the bail systems in the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 of India and the Criminal Procedure Act of South Africa with specific reference to the cases of child sex offences. The paper explores the legislative provisions, judicial meanings, and practical connotations of the bail adjudication in the jurisdictions, their major similarities, differences and possible reformations. The comparison will examine how the two legal regimes will balance the rights of the accused against this ultimate need of safeguarding the children victims and making justice. Moreover, it also looks at the socio-legal factors that have been present on the determination of bails such as the rate of pre-trial detention, and the effect of this alternative on the vulnerable groups in both countries. The larger aim is to determine the best practices and offer suggestions to enhancing child protection mechanisms under the Indian and South African bail jurisprudence. This comparative analysis also takes into account the history of child protection law development in these countries, where the POCSO Act of 2012 in India was informed by previous laws in the United Kingdom and South Africa.
Original Article
Open Access
Balancing Protection and Abuse of Law: A Critical Study of Cruelty Provisions in Indian Family Law and Lessons for African Legal Development
Shuchita Gulyani,
Sushim Shukla
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 575 - 578
This paper critically analyses the effectiveness and issues of the cruelty provisions of the Indian family law as part of the recent changes of the criminal law provisions. It also examines how these provisions, though meant to protect individuals against domestic abuse, have been used unscrupulously and how this has created an imbalance between securing individuals and losing an opportunity to prosecute legally. The research also examines how these dynamics can be applied to legal systems in Africa and compares findings to enhance the creation of effective and fair family law systems. The replacement of the Indian Penal Code with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita implies a lot of change in the legal framework of the gender based crimes, which implies that the thorough consideration of the cruelty provisions is required. This discussion will carefully subdivide the actual changes proposed by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita in the areas of cruelty and judge how it will either mitigate the well being of the victims or contribute to the already existing problems of legal abuses. More so, this paper shall evaluate whether there is sufficiency in the new criminal law to deal with issues of gender bias in the application of laws especially the misuse of laws by women to their benefit even though there have been constitutional moves to promote equality
Original Article
Open Access
Legal and Ethical Implications of Biopiracy in Indian and African Agriculture: Safeguarding Farmer’s Rights
Sourabh Batar,
Harbansh Dixit
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 567 - 574
This research paper critically analyzes the intersection of Farmer’s Rights and Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) in India. It delves into the historical background of agricultural practices in India, the emergence of IPRs in the agricultural sector, and the legal frameworks governing Farmer’s Rights and IPRs. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and legal provisions, this paper examines the challenges faced by farmers in safeguarding their rights amidst the expansion of intellectual property regimes. It also explores the implications of international agreements and domestic policies on farmer’s autonomy, seed sovereignty, and agricultural biodiversity. Furthermore, the paper discusses potential strategies and policy recommendations to ensure equitable access to genetic resources, fair compensation for farmers, and the protection of traditional knowledge in India’s agricultural landscape
Original Article
Open Access
The Structure of Public Expenditure and the Dynamics of Local Investment in Algeria (2000–2023): An ARDL Approach
Nebia Mostefai,
Hicham Bouali,
Chikh Atig
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 553 - 566
This study aims to analyze the impact of public expenditure structure, both current and investment, on domestic investment in Algeria over the period 2000–2023. The ARDL model was employed to capture both short-run and long-run relationships among the variables. The results reveal a long-run equilibrium relationship between public expenditure and domestic investment; however, the coefficients of both current and investment expenditure were found to be statistically insignificant in the long run. This outcome reflects the limited effectiveness of fiscal policy in fostering domestic investment, mainly due to the rentier nature of the Algerian economy and institutional inefficiencies. In contrast, the short-run estimates show significant and positive effects of both investment and current expenditure on domestic investment, where the former stimulates productive activities through infrastructure projects and development programs, while the latter drives the economic cycle via wages, subsidies, and social spending..
Original Article
Open Access
"The Impact of Personal Variables on Job Satisfaction among Employees of the Civil Protection Directorate in Djelfa Province: A Statistical Analytical Study"
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 539 - 552
This study investigates the impact of personal variables on job satisfaction among employees of the Civil Protection Directorate in Djelfa Province. Using a descriptive analytical approach, the research surveyed a stratified random sample of 261 employees, with 248 valid responses analyzed. The study examined the influence of several personal variables—age, experience, educational level, obtained qualification, marital status, number of dependent children, military rank, workplace location, job role, and work schedule—on job satisfaction. Statistical analyses, including one-way ANOVA and independent samples t-tests, revealed that educational level, marital status, and workplace location significantly affect job satisfaction, while other variables showed no statistically significant impact. Notably, employees with lower educational levels and those who are single reported higher satisfaction levels. The findings underscore the importance of aligning job roles and organizational environments with employees’ personal characteristics to enhance satisfaction and performance within semi-military institutions
Original Article
Open Access
The Future of Higher Education in the Digital Era: Addressing Challenges and Harnessing Opportunities in E-Learning
Subarna Biswas Mistry,
Saloni Sharma,
Kajal Singh,
Aastha Mahobia,
Shanskar Shakya
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 530 - 538
The advent of the digital era has profoundly reshaped the landscape of higher education, ushering in an unprecedented era of e-learning. This paper examines the multifaceted future of higher education, focusing on the symbiotic relationship between evolving digital technologies and the expansion of electronic learning modalities. It critically analyzes the significant challenges inherent in this transformation, including digital divides, pedagogical adaptation, quality assurance, academic integrity, and the evolving role of faculty. Simultaneously, it explores the immense opportunities presented by e-learning, such as enhanced accessibility, personalized learning experiences, global reach, innovative teaching methodologies, and the potential for lifelong learning. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature and emerging trends, this paper argues that the successful navigation of the digital era for higher education hinges on a proactive and strategic embrace of e-learning. This involves investing in robust digital infrastructure, fostering digital literacy and pedagogical innovation among educators, developing adaptive and engaging e-learning content, establishing rigorous quality assurance mechanisms, and thoughtfully integrating e-learning with traditional on-campus experiences to create hybrid models of instruction. Ultimately, this paper posits that by strategically addressing the challenges and strategically harnessing the opportunities, higher education institutions can not only survive but thrive in the digital era, becoming more inclusive, adaptable, and effective in preparing students for the complexities of the 21st century
Original Article
Open Access
Access to Justice and Inclusive Development: A Comparative Analysis of Africa and India
Vaibhav Kumar,
Sadhana Nirban,
Indra Daman Tiwari,
Kartik Agre,
Harshita Bindaiya
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 523 - 529
The problem of allowing equitable access to justice is especially complicated in Africa and India where pluralistic legal systems usually incorporate formal state law and customary and traditional legal systems. It is also complicated by the fact that the problem is complicated by geographical obstacles, economic inequalities, and the ignorance of administrative law among marginalized communities. In addition, the informality of the dispute resolution procedures in most rural and peri-urban or other environments tends to act beyond the control of the official judicial system, casting doubts on accountability and justice, especially to the vulnerable populations. In this paper, a comparative analysis of the strategies and results connected to improving access to justice in chosen African countries and India will also be conducted, and the following question will be answered: How these initiatives allow supporting the wider objectives of inclusive development. It explores the constitutional provisions, institutional practices and innovative solutions, including online dispute resolution and legal aid programs that have been used by these territories to close the justice gap. In particular, it explores the effectiveness of the legal aid mechanisms, especially in India, in giving a fair access to legal assistance to poor layers of society, thus fulfilling the constitutional requirement of the Art 39A. ..
Original Article
Open Access
Mechanisms of Cognitive Change in Organizations: A Sociological Study
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 510 - 522
Cognitive change in organisations is one of the most striking aspects of social and cognitive transformation in the modern era, this prominence stems from the fact that production and circulation of knowledge at the heart of organisations have become a central factor in the renewing their structure and functions.
The sociology of cognitive change aims to study and examines to how social, organisational and cultural factors interact to reshape ways of thinking, working and knowing within the organisation.
Our research focuses primarily on analysing the transformations in the cognitive structures of organisations driven by advancement in the technological and digital fields, weight of intellectual heritage, and evolving roles of organisational stakeholders including directors, researchers, employees, knowledge networks, furthermore, it explores the impact of corporate philosophy and collective memory on the development and transmission of knowledge, as well as the role of organisational change as an essential mechanism for the development and renewal of knowledge and the assimilation of innovation.
From a purely sociological angle, cognitive change constitutes a highly complex social dynamic wherein values, norms, and practices all intersect and being shaped by the institutional context and the wider socio-economic environment.
This study concludes that organisations which manage this change flexibly and cultivate interactive knowledge systems demonstrate a superior capacity to innovate, adapt, and ensure their long term survival. ..
Original Article
Open Access
A Study on Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies in Global Supply Chains Management
Sugantha Kumar B,
Swapna H R,
Renu Rathi,
Arpana D
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 503 - 509
Corporate greenhouse-gas emissions are attributed to global supply chains which represent a significant proportion of corporate greenhouse-gas emissions, especially indirect (Scope 3) emissions by upstream suppliers, logistics, manufacturing and raw-material sourcing. The paper provides a review of the key approaches firms are employing to minimize carbon footprints in global supply chains, examines the enablers and obstacles, and suggests a framework through which the decarbonization of the supply-chain operations can be embedded. Some of the major strategies are sustainable sourcing, optimization of logistics, circular economy, energy-efficient production, the implementation of renewable energy sources, the introduction of digital carbon-accounting and supplier partnerships. Based on the latest literature and industry examples, this paper gives an insight on the role of technology, governance and supply-chain design in making significant emission reductions, as well as pinpointing the implementation issues and future research opportunities.
Original Article
Open Access
Analysing the impact of Leadership on employee Well-being and Job Satisfaction; an empirical study
Priyanka Sharma,
Somanchi Hari Krishna,
sridharan R,
Seereddi Shravya,
Satuluri Padma,
Amit Kumar
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 498 - 502
Employee well-being and job satisfaction are critical determinants of organizational performance, and leadership plays a critical role in shaping them. Focusing on the interconnected dynamics and implications for workplace productivity, the investigation investigated the influence of leadership styles on employee well-being and job satisfaction. The interaction between employee well-being and leadership style on job satisfaction was analyzed using a two-way ANOVA, which was conducted quantitatively. The necessity of contextual leadership methods that are tailored to the well-being levels of employees is underscored by the small but statistically significant impact of the relationship between leadership and employee well-being on work satisfaction. The results indicate that transformational leadership, which is defined by empathy, vision, and support, promotes more significant levels of job satisfaction and employee well-being than transactional and laissez-faire leadership style. Employees who regard their leaders as supportive and empowering report a higher level of psychological well-being, motivation, and dedication to their positions. In contrast, leadership strategies that are devoid of interpersonal sensitivity may impede both satisfaction and well-being, leading to a decrease in performance. This investigation emphasizes the significance of integrating leadership development programs with employee well-being initiatives to improve organizational outcomes and job satisfaction. Organizations can enhance employee morale, retention, and productivity by cultivating a culture of adaptive and supportive leadership. Industry-specific variations and the potential mediating effects of organizational culture should be the focus of future research.
Original Article
Open Access
A Review Study of Social Media Advertising and Consumer Buying Behaviour in Fashion Industry: A Bibliometric Analysis Using VOS viewer during 2007 to 2025
Beenoo Singh,
Ashutosh Mishra
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 271 - 280
The study aims to provide a detailed summary of the previous study conducted on social media advertising and consumer buying behaviour in fashion industry during 2007–2025 using VOS viewer application. For the keyword search, a Scopus database is utilized. After applying the required filters, the major contributors in terms of authors, journals, documents, and countries have been recognized. Out of 2348 records, a total 118 records were generated by the Scopus database in the form of comma separated values file. This CSV file was further used for the bibliometric analysis. This study gives a view for an analysis of citation, co-citation, bibliography coupling, and the co-occurrence of author keywords. This study is a combination of PRISMA model, systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis. Findings highlight India as a leading contributor, Dhir A. as the most influential author, and Cogent Business and Management as the top journal. Overall, publications grew steadily until 2024. The study adds a tremendous amount of value to the existing body of research. The contribution made by this paper assisted marketers and industry in gaining previous and current insight in the field of social media advertising and consumer buying behaviour in fashion industry.. ..
Original Article
Open Access
Legal and Economic Evaluation of Cryptocurrency Taxation Policies and Their Impact on Financial Stability Worldwide
Aman ,
Priyanka Kumari,
Mayank Chauhan
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 259 - 270
The research paper includes an in-depth legal and economic analysis of cryptocurrency tax policies and their effects on financial stability across the globe. The research employs a qualitative and exploratory method and a systematic review of the interdisciplinary literature to examine how taxation and different legislative perceptions in various jurisdictions can influence investor behavior, fiscal governance and macroeconomic balance. The results indicate that the lack of a single international taxation system on cryptocurrencies has caused high levels of regulatory fragmentation that have led to tax evasion, regulatory arbitrage, and inconsistent levels of compliance. This inconsistency is the result of the different categorization of cryptocurrencies as property, asset, currency, or commodity that makes enforcing them difficult and undermines the fiscal stability. Economically, the study concludes that nations that have clear and stable taxation policies are characterized by a better investor confidence, market discipline, and revenue efficiency whereas nations with vague or lax regulation standards are volatile, experience capital flight, and have poor fiscal discipline.
The paper also notes the increasing systemic risks of uncontrolled decentralized finance (DeFi) exchanges and the necessity of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) to reestablish monetary independence and decrease the illegal utilization of digital assets. The conceptual framework proposed brings together the legal, economical, and financial aspects to demonstrate how the relationship among taxation of cryptocurrencies, regulatory governance and financial stability is dynamic. It highlights that to maintain innovation, legal certainty and taxation fairness is necessary without being fiscally ill accountable. It is concluded in the study that the worldwide financial system needs synchronized taxation laws backed by blockchain-based audit systems, bilateral collaboration and dynamic legal modifications. These combined efforts would not just empower fiscal discipline and protect investors, but also convert cryptocurrencies to productive means of economic growth and stability rather than as a speculative one
Original Article
Open Access
Emotional Intelligence the key to unlocking exceptional on Leadership performance
Philo Daisy Rani L (Louis),
Mohideen Abdul Kadir K J,
Anurag Agarwal,
Niharika Singh,
Payal Khurana,
Prasanta Chatterjee Biswas
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 252 - 258
Leadership efficacy in the contemporary, multifaceted landscape depends not alone on technical proficiency but also on the leader's capacity to adeptly manage interpersonal interactions. (EI) has become a vital factor in outstanding leadership performance, including competencies such as self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills. Leaders with elevated emotional intelligence are more adept at cultivating trust, promoting cooperation, and adapting to obstacles, hence enhancing their efficacy in achieving organizational success. It examines how leaders may use emotional intelligence to foster cohesive teams, resolve disagreements, and enhance a healthy workplace culture. The study also examines the relationship between emotional intelligence abilities and certain leadership outcomes, including employee engagement, productivity, and organizational resilience. By augmenting their emotional intelligence talents, leaders may make better informed choices, react constructively to criticism, and face crises with poise and empathy. The research finds that Emotional Intelligence is a fundamental element of outstanding leadership, rather than only a supplementary talent. Consequently, cultivating emotional intelligence capabilities should be a strategic focus for firms seeking to develop transformational leaders who can excel in a swiftly evolving global environment
Original Article
Open Access
Impact of Some Macroeconomic Variables on the Volume of Foreign Trade in Algeria during the Period 2000–2023, with a Focus on the Period of the Coronavirus Pandemic -EVALUATION STUDY
Ahmed Bahlouli,
Aissa Benlakhdar
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 238 - 251
This study uses structural equation modelling (Smart PLS 4) to measure the impact of some macroeconomic variables (oil barrel price, global oil demand, government spending, inflation, incoming foreign direct investment and gross domestic product) on the volume of Algeria’s foreign trade (exports, imports and trade balance) during the study period (2000–2023), with a focus on the period of the pandemic.
The study concluded that the examined variables had a direct positive effect on the formation of Algeria’s foreign trade volume during the study period. The most significant of these was the fluctuation in global oil prices, which is considered the main driving force behind exports and imports in Algeria. Furthermore, the study found that the impact of the pandemic on the volume of foreign trade was direct and negative, and indirect through the variables (inflation, government spending, gross domestic product, foreign direct investment, and oil barrel price).
Original Article
Open Access
Exploring the Role of Artificial Intelligence–Based Financial Innovations in Enhancing Venture Capital Flows and Entrepreneurship
Shweta Tiwari,
Dolly Roy Choudhary,
Mohd Saquib Suroor
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 227 - 237
The rapid integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into financial systems has transformed how venture capitalists evaluate, fund, and support entrepreneurial ventures. This study conceptually explores the linkages between AI applications in finance, venture capital decision-making, and entrepreneurial development. Drawing upon existing literature, the paper highlights how AI-driven forecasting, risk management, fraud detection, and financial reporting improve the quality and reliability of venture capital decisions. A conceptual framework is proposed where venture capital decisions act as a mediating factor between AI adoption and entrepreneurial development, while regulatory, ethical, and skill-related challenges moderate this relationship. The study develops hypotheses to empirically test these relationships and provides illustrative data analysis supporting the role of AI in strengthening venture capital outcomes. The findings suggest that AI serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial growth by reducing uncertainty, improving investor trust, and enabling efficient capital allocation. However, the transformative potential of AI is contingent upon responsible regulation, ethical practices, and continuous skill enhancement. The paper contributes by bridging AI–finance–entrepreneurship research and offering directions for future empirical validation..
Original Article
Open Access
Advancing the Sustainable Finance Agenda: Empirical Insights into ESG Practices Across Markets
Prakash Chandra,
Pushpendra Misra
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 217 - 226
This study explores the impact of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration on the financial performance of investment portfolios (FPIP). Analyzing global perspectives from financial professionals, the research identifies a positive relationship between ESG criteria (IESGC) and portfolio performance. Through regression and correlation analyses, it is found that 53% of portfolio performance variation can be attributed to ESG strategies. Regulatory frameworks (RF) are shown to moderate this relationship, enhancing ESG effectiveness across regions. Regional variations (RV) also significantly influence how ESG factors are prioritized, leading to different financial outcomes. Despite limitations like potential self-reporting biases and the evolving nature of ESG criteria, the study underscores the importance of ESG integration for improving portfolio performance, particularly in supportive regulatory environments. This research contributes to sustainable finance literature, offering insights for investors, policymakers, and financial institutions aiming to balance profitability with sustainable development goals. Future studies could explore the long-term market impact of emerging ESG trends
Original Article
Open Access
Exploring Well-Being and Autonomy in India’s Gig Economy
Ritu ,
Rajeev Kumar Shukla
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 206 - 216
This review synthesizes research on work life balance and job satisfaction among gig workers in the food delivery and grocery industry to address the complex interplay of autonomy, flexibility, and precariousness affecting worker well-being. The review aimed to evaluate current knowledge on these dynamics, benchmark theoretical frameworks, identify challenges and opportunities, analyse the role of algorithmic management, and compare demographic variations. A systematic analysis of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method studies from diverse geographic contexts was conducted, focusing on autonomy, psychosocial stressors, platform policies, and demographic factors. Findings reveal that perceived autonomy and flexibility are central yet often illusory due to algorithmic controls that constrain true independence and contribute to stress. Economic instability, health risks, and psychosocial burdens significantly undermine job satisfaction and work-life balance, while social support and organizational resources mitigate these effects. Gender, cultural, and regional differences shape distinct experiences, though these remain underexplored. The synthesis highlights methodological limitations, including limited longitudinal research and insufficient theoretical integration. Overall, the evidence underscores the dual role of platform management as both enabling and controlling, with implications for policy and platform design aimed at enhancing gig workers’ occupational well-being and quality of life in this rapidly evolving labour sector..
Original Article
Open Access
Climate Change Litigation in India: Emerging Trends and Global Relevance
Bibhu Kaibalya Manik,
Atul Kumar,
Diksha Garewal Das
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 197 - 205
Over the last decades, there has been the immense proliferation of climate change litigation in developed nations, following a rich array of litigation strategies and where corporate responsibility and governmental failure are highlighted. Most captivity is filed against massive entities that emit greenhouse gases to great amounts: relief for these actions includes injunction, damages, and establishment of duties and responsibilities related to climate change. Another noteworthy phenomenon in such jurisdictions is the growing use of human rights frameworks for making claims under the right to healthy environment and intergenerational equity. Moreover, it will include wins in the cases in which the focus has been on a core legal interest, formerly untested in cases, in which damages to human health out of climate change have been the basis for precedent-setting litigations against states for failing to act to prevent climate change. The emergence of climate change litigation as an essential tool to put governments and corporations on their feet and into action against the continuing environmental crisis has placed India as a particularly vibrant and universally interested case study. Besides the carbon emission profile of India, it is this judicial activism that makes the climate litigation discourse imagined in India, an important site for understanding the trends in the global environmental governance regimes. The paper will examine the trends in climate change litigation in India as developed through key judgments and its impact on environmental policy of the country and overall discourse on climate justice across the world. In particular, this review will clarify the reasons and reasons behind the rise in climate litigation, rules that govern it and the social repercussions of the litigation in the Indian context considering that India is particularly vulnerable to climate change effects such as air pollution.
Original Article
Open Access
Comparative Analysis Of Censorship On Ott Platforms
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 187 - 196
OTT Platforms have become an important way of entertainment and information all over the world, and these platforms offer a range of material and make content recommendations based on prior interactions with the site using artificial intelligence. Most entirely ‘for-profit’ platforms offer part of their material for free while also charging a monthly membership price for exclusive premium content. Censorship on OTT platforms is a matter of debate as, in India, the market of OTT market has been growing rapidly over the last few years. Although censorship on OTT platforms was introduced in India in 2021, it suffers from several shortcomings. Due to the contents like vulgarity, sex, drugs, nudity, abusive language, etc, the need for improvised censorship are being suggested. India doesn’t have an independent regulatory body for the censorship of OTT platforms. The self-regulation on the OTT platforms needs to be readdressed which includes self-classification based on content and age, parental locks, rating display, etc. Under the present system, a major part of OTT content goes undetected by the gatekeepers and impacts the audience. The content disclaimer doesn’t serve the purpose because, looking at a piece of information about the genres or content, the audience will be attracted to watch the web series, movies, and documentaries on OTT platforms. The study deals with the criteria and scope of censorship of OTT platforms in other countries like Singapore, Australia, the USA, etc, and on the basis, suggests the necessary amendments in the censorship rules in India for the future.
Original Article
Open Access
Measuring the Economic and Environmental Impact of Circular Business Models: A Multi-Sector Analysis
Dimpy Sachar,
Suman Yadav,
Richa Arora,
Richa Nangia
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 170 - 186
The circular economy (CE) has emerged as a transformative approach to sustainable business, aiming to reduce waste, optimize resource efficiency, and foster long-term economic growth. Unlike the traditional linear model of production and consumption, CE promotes closed-loop systems that minimize waste and encourage recycling, reuse, and sustainable product design. This study evaluates the economic and environmental impact of circular business models (CBMs) across multiple industries, including manufacturing, retail, and services. It seeks to determine whether CBMs enhance financial performance and contribute to sustainability goals.
Using a mixed-methods approach, this research collects both primary and secondary data to assess financial performance indicators, waste reduction metrics, and carbon footprint reduction across industries. Quantitative analysis includes regression modeling of cost savings and revenue increases associated with CBM adoption, while qualitative insights from industry experts highlight challenges and opportunities in transitioning to circular models.
Findings suggest that CBMs significantly improve profitability through cost savings and new revenue streams while simultaneously reducing environmental impact through lower resource consumption and waste generation. However, the extent of these benefits varies across industries due to factors such as regulatory frameworks, technological constraints, and consumer acceptance. Manufacturing firms experience the most substantial gains, while service-based industries face challenges in implementing circular strategies.
This study contributes to the broader discussion on sustainability and business innovation by providing empirical evidence on the effectiveness of CBMs. It offers practical recommendations for businesses, policymakers, and stakeholders to accelerate the transition toward circular practices. Future research should explore long-term economic impacts and policy frameworks that support CE adoption globally.
Original Article
Open Access
Exploring the Entrepreneurial Attitude–Intention Link among Students: A Systematic Review
Anubhav Tewari,
Zaibun Nisa,
Shivam Chaturvedi,
Mariya Binth Siraj,
Ashish Kumar Arya
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 160 - 169
Background: Entrepreneurial intention (EI) is a critical predictor of entrepreneurial behavior, especially among students who represent the next generation of entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurial attitude (EA), as outlined in the Theory of Planned Behavior, is considered a central antecedent of EI. However, evidence across studies remains fragmented.
Purpose: This study systematically reviews the literature to synthesize evidence on the relationship between students’ entrepreneurial attitudes and entrepreneurial intentions, while examining key mediators, moderators, and contextual influences.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in line with PRISMA guidelines. Peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2025 were retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The initial search identified 1,248 records. After removing 233 duplicates, 1,015 records were screened. Following title and abstract screening, 890 records were excluded. A total of 125 full-text articles were assessed, of which 80 were excluded for not meeting eligibility criteria. Finally, 45 studies were included for synthesis.
Results: The findings confirm a consistent positive association between EA and EI, demonstrating that favorable entrepreneurial attitudes significantly enhance students’ entrepreneurial intentions. Variations in the strength of this relationship were observed across cultural, educational, and demographic contexts. Moderating and mediating variables such as entrepreneurial education, self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms were found to influence the EA–EI link.
Conclusions: The review consolidates fragmented evidence and strengthens the theoretical basis of the EA–EI relationship. Practical implications suggest that fostering positive entrepreneurial attitudes through targeted education and experiential interventions can significantly boost entrepreneurial intentions among students. Future research should adopt longitudinal and cross-cultural approaches to deepen understanding of how attitudes translate into entrepreneurial action
Original Article
Open Access
The Triangular Relationship Between Economy, Banking and Commerce: How Monetary Policies Shape Trade and Business Growth
N. Esakki,
Abhishek Bose,
Vikas Bhargaw,
Kumari Deepa Rani,
Vipul Ranjan
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 145 - 159
The triangular relationship between economy, banking, and commerce forms the foundation of modern economic growth, with monetary policy as the central regulatory force shaping trade and business dynamics. This paper explores how monetary policy influences trade flows and business expansion through mechanisms of inflation control, interest rate adjustments, credit allocation, and exchange rate management. The findings reveal that the economy acts as the structural framework for stability and productivity, banking functions as the intermediary that transmits monetary impulses into credit and liquidity, and commerce represents the visible manifestation of these processes in trade and market activity. Evidence from both developed and emerging economies highlights the significance of institutional strength and financial integration in ensuring effective policy transmission. International dimensions, such as the global spillover of U.S. Federal Reserve policies and Singapore’s exchange rate–centered approach, underscore the embeddedness of this triangular system within global markets. The COVID-19 pandemic further illustrated the vulnerabilities of this relationship, as expansionary monetary policies stabilized liquidity but created distortions in unemployment and consumption patterns. Ultimately, the study emphasizes that while monetary policies are indispensable for growth, their effectiveness depends on contextual factors such as institutional frameworks, financial depth, and trade openness. The research contributes to theoretical and empirical debates by integrating perspectives from economics, finance, and commerce, offering insights for policymakers seeking to balance stability with growth in increasingly interconnected economies.
Original Article
Open Access
A Decision-Support Model for Warehouse Space Allocation Using Linear Programming
Vipin Kumar,
Chhavi Gupta
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 139 - 144
Modern supply chains depend heavily on efficient warehouse management since it directly affects operating expenses, space usage, and customer satisfaction. Ineffective or underutilized storage space is frequently the result of poor storage allocation, which drives up costs and delays order processing. The best use of resources cannot be ensured by traditional allocation techniques, which are either manual, or rule based. The paper suggests a Linear Programming (LP) model as a solution to this problem. LP is a popular optimization method that makes it feasible to allocate limited resources effectively while following certain guidelines, leading to the best potential outcome. The methodology created here aims to minimize handling and storage expenses overall while maintaining service-level criteria. Additionally, it guarantees that all of the warehouse's capacity is employed without any unused space. To show how the model works in practice, an example dataset is used. The findings indicate that the Linear Programming-based strategy gives managers a trustworthy decision-support tool for the efficient allocation of goods in a warehouse setting with a constrained capacity
Original Article
Open Access
Voice Commerce and AI: Redefining The Online Shopping Experience
P. Prasanthi,
D. Paul Dhinakaran,
S. Neelima,
M. Rajalakshmi,
Sundarapandiyan Natarajan,
Ramesh Kumar
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 132 - 138
Voice commerce represents a paradigm shift in digital retail, fundamentally transforming how consumers interact with online shopping platforms. This paper examines the integration of artificial intelligence technologies with voice-activated interfaces, exploring their collective impact on the e-commerce landscape. Through analysis of current technologies, consumer behavior patterns, and market trends, this research demonstrates how voice commerce is creating more intuitive, accessible, and personalized shopping experiences. The study reveals significant opportunities for businesses while identifying key challenges including privacy concerns, technological limitations, and user adoption barriers. As voice-enabled devices proliferate and AI capabilities advance, voice commerce emerges as a critical component of future retail strategies, promising to democratize online shopping and reshape consumer expectations.
Original Article
Open Access
Beyond Numbers: Evaluating the Role of Non-Financial Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Indicators in Corporate Sustainability Disclosures
Harpreet Kaur,
Jyoti Saluja
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 119 - 131
Corporate Sustainability Disclosures have been dominated traditionally by financial metrics and quantitative indicators, often overlook the broader non-financial dimensions underpinning long-term value creation. With the rising global attention towards factors of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), the increasing demand of transparency by stakeholders not just in financial performance but also in how a business organization manage their environmental risk, social impact and governance practices. This work has examined the role of non-financial indicators of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in enhancement of credibility, efficacy and relevance of corporate sustainability disclosure. Non-financial ESG indicators provide stakeholders with insights ethical, environmental and social practices of company disclosing how an organization is managing their risk and opportunities that are not visible in financial statements like changing climate, rights of labors, diversity, and broad independence. The paper also explored how qualitative and non-financial measures like well-being of employees, diversity and inclusion, ethical practices of supply chain, goal of carbon neutrality, community engagement, and governance integrity making contribution to a more holistic understanding of corporate responsibility and resilience. While non-financial indicators of ESG present difficulties in quantification and comparability, they play a vital role to shape the trust of stakeholders, improve assessment of risk, and alignment of corporate strategies with sustainable development goals. A sample of 259 was collected from people of different educational background. The main factors showing the Importance of non-financial aspects of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Metrics in Sustainability Reporting are Corporate Culture and Leadership Commitment, Materiality Assessment, Data Collection and Management Capabilities, and Resources and Capacity
Original Article
Open Access
An Empirical Analysis of Adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) In Lucknow: Understanding User Marketing Behaviour and Personal Finance
Sankalp Purwar,
Nikhil Kumar Misra,
CS Rajat Krishna Lal,
Utkarsh Pandey
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 103 - 118
The study titled "Adoption of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Lucknow: Understanding User Behaviour and Personal Finance" explores how UPI has revolutionized financial transactions among Lucknow residents. UPI has seamlessly integrated into daily life for routine expenses like groceries and utilities, particularly post-COVID-19. However, its use for more complex financial services such as investments and insurance remains limited due to trust and awareness issues. The research focuses on understanding how user behaviour and personal finance are intertwined, highlighting that younger, educated individuals are more engaged with UPI, valuing its convenience and user-friendly platforms like Google Pay and PhonePe. Data from 146 respondents across diverse demographics revealed that UPI facilitates expense tracking, though effective budget management remains challenging. Despite a moderate positive correlation between favourable UPI usage and improved personal finance, issues like cyber fraud and data privacy concerns persist. From 2019 to 2022, Lucknow recorded 4,22,43,261 transactions through 230 bank branches, with digital payments contributing 2.5 crores (0.04%). This indicates a significant yet underutilized potential for digital financial growth. The study underscores the importance of financial literacy, targeted demographic education, and enhanced platform features to promote robust financial management. Policy recommendations focus on fostering digital inclusivity and responsible financial habits, addressing both the benefits and unintended consequences of rapid UPI adoption. By providing micro-level insights, this research contributes to a holistic understanding of how digital payment platforms impact personal finance, with implications for broader financial inclusion and economic stability
Original Article
Open Access
Interaction Of Gender and Hierarchy with Job Stress of Teachers Working in Government and Private College
Namrata Verma,
Shikha Srivastava
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 99 - 102
Job stress negatively affects work performance, job satisfaction and organizational commitment. Stress may leads to many physical and psychological problems such as coronary heart diseases and severe mental health problems. Organizations must conduct a survey to evaluate the level of stress of their employees. This paper aims to measure the level of job stress among teachers working in Government and Private College of Delhi NCR. Study conducted on 200 teachers. Data was collected for demographic variables gender, nature of college and hierarchy in job through questionnaire. For statistical analysis descriptive and ANOVA were performed
Original Article
Open Access
From Copywriters to Copilots: The Rise of Generative AI in Ad Creative Development
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 87 - 98
Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) is evolving into a collaborative creation tool, rather than merely an automatic solution, in the field of advertising. Human copywriters and designers have become the creators of brand stories that incorporate market knowledge, creativity, and cultural sensitivity over the decades. Nowadays, sophisticated AI-based models make the creative output more convincing, aesthetically pleasing, and highly customized to the demands. That is altering the paradigm of creative work as a whole through how they perceive and produce it. The current paper discusses the development of AI to transform it into a so-called creative copilot that complements but does not replace human creativity and includes such advantages as accelerated production, economics, data-driven creativity, and customization that goes beyond conventional campaigning. It also touches on some major issues, such as ethical concerns, intellectual property rights, and the danger of creating repetitive or homogenized material. Grounded in examples of case studies related to international campaigns and other early-adopting brands, the work uncovers how AI-powered tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, and Midjourney are used in ideation, creative design, and campaign optimization. What the findings can indicate is that the emergence of generative AI does not mean that human creativity dies; it is transformed, and what it opens to advertisers is the possibility to combine novelty with mathematical accuracy in a future where intelligent automation increases not only innovation but also productivity.
Original Article
Open Access
A Cognitive Blockchain Framework for Real-Time Fraud Anticipation in Dynamic Financial Environments
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 77 - 86
Dynamic financial systems face a highly challenging dilemma, as the complexity of financial fraud stems from the rapidly evolving nature of adversarial strategies and the swift operations in finance facilitated by the digital medium. Traditional fraud detection systems, including those with AI capabilities on top of blockchain, are mostly reactive, where the anomaly is detected post-execution of transactions, frequently resulting in slow actions, high false positives, and irrevocable loss. The constraints are even augmented in the high-volume ecologies of the globe, whereby the trends in transactions keep on changing, and therefore fixed thresholds and rule-based solutions do not work. To address these issues, the paper proposes a novel cognitive blockchain model capable of predicting fraud before transaction settlement through adaptive neuro-symbolic reasoning, behavioural fingerprinting, and a distributed, memory-based ledger. The architecture is built using four layers, a perception layer that provides real-time transaction sensing and behavioral profiling, a cognitive layer using temporal knowledge graphs and Markov decision process-based anticipatory inferences, a blockchain layer that is embedded with Cognitive-Oriented Smart Contracts (COSC) that dynamically tune validation criteria and an adaptive governance layer that continuously optimizes its fraud detection rules based on multi-modal data fusion. The framework functions on a mixed-up middle opinion technique, which guarantees its scope as well as safety without demanding a trade-off in transaction throughput. To analyse its performance, a synthetic and semi-synthetic dataset, in the form of transaction data of a realistic fraud profile, was created to create a simulated high-volume financial environment. According to the experimental results, the accuracy of anticipating fraud was found to be 87 per cent, the degrees of false positives shrank by 35 per cent, and adding latency to blockchain was less than 5 per cent, as opposed to traditional blockchain approaches of fraud detection. The significance of these results is the evidence that such a proposed framework could be used to stop all fraudulent activities when the overhead of the operation is minimal. At the same time, the integrity of transactions could be assured in volatile and adversarial conditions. The proposed paradigm of cognitive blockchain introduced in this paper sets a new marker of predictive security financial with scalability, robustness and regulatory compliance, or in other words, a solution to fraud mitigation in next-generation financial systems
Original Article
Open Access
An Empirical Investigation In Understanding The Key Factors In Influencing Tourist Satisfaction
M Devendra,
P Purnachandra Rao
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 66 - 76
The promotion of environmentally responsible economic growth is one of the fundamental responsibilities of biosphere reserves. Ecotourism and ethical travel are two powerful strategies that help biosphere reserves to accomplish this objective via their efforts. The satisfaction of tourists is a primary driver of tourism in areas that are designated as biosphere reserves. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the aspects of the biosphere reserve that have an impact on the level of satisfaction experienced by visitors. This research attempts to explore the primary factors that determine the degrees of satisfaction experienced by visitors. If we want to optimise service performance and boost destination attractiveness, expanding the tourism sector is dependent on having a solid understanding of the factors that influence the level of satisfaction experienced by tourists. The research is governed by three primary aspects: the quality of the service, the price, and the infrastructure. These characteristics were selected because of the tremendous influence they had on the whole journey. In the tourist industry, the quality of service is determined by the responsiveness, professionalism, and friendliness of the operators. Pricing is related to the cost of the visitors as well as their perceived worth, while infrastructure refers to the housing and other fundamental services that are provided at the location. Descriptive research was the approach that was chosen for this project. Primary data were collected via the use of a standardised questionnaire that was sent to visitors at certain places. Secondary data were obtained from published books and reports written by tourists. An examination of the link between the factors and the level of pleasure experienced by tourists was carried out with the assistance of SPSS tools. According to the data, the satisfaction of visitors is affected to some degree by all three aspects; nevertheless, the quality of service has the most impact among those that are considered.
July 26, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Long-Term Impact on African Health Systems
Eric Adams,
Michael Richardson,
Scott Johnson
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 63 - 65
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly exposed vulnerabilities in Africa’s health systems, causing severe disruption to essential services, exacerbating structural weaknesses, and prompting both challenges and transformative reforms. During the pandemic’s peak, African countries experienced declines of over 50% in health service utilization across outpatient, inpatient, maternal, malaria, and immunization care—a result of lockdowns, fear of infection, and resource reallocation. Critical health domains such as HIV, tuberculosis, and chronic disease management saw setbacks due to service interruptions, with long-term impacts including deferred care and surges in advanced disease presentations. The crisis spotlighted chronic underfunding, fragile health infrastructure, and gaps in workforce, diagnostics, and supply chains, especially in rural and marginalized communities.
Yet, the pandemic also catalyzed innovations and investments—accelerating digital health adoption, infrastructure upgrades, workforce resilience initiatives, and a policy shift toward universal health coverage and emergency preparedness. Cases from Senegal, Rwanda, and South Africa demonstrate how targeted reforms can build resilience, though enduring obstacles remain such as financing gaps, human resource shortages, and inadequate mental health support. The long-term burden is heightened by “long COVID” symptoms, with prevalence in Africa ranging widely and contributing to cumulative health system stress. Moving forward, sustained investment, regional collaboration, and a commitment to equity and health system strengthening are crucial for African countries to transform the pandemic’s lessons into lasting progress.
July 27, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Health System Strengthening in Post-Conflict African States
Rick Gordon,
Brianna Holmes
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 60 - 62
Post-conflict African states face critical challenges in rebuilding and transforming health systems decimated by violence, displacement, and institutional breakdown. Strengthening these health systems is crucial for improving population health, restoring trust, ensuring resilience, and paving the way for universal health coverage (UHC) and sustainable development. This article explores the evolution, challenges, strategies, and lessons learned in health system strengthening (HSS) across post-conflict contexts in Africa, supported by evidence, real-world case studies, and practical recommendations.
July 26, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
The Rise of Populism and Its Impact on African Governance
Robin Lee,
Jennifer Baker,
Joshua Sanchez,
Paul Huffman,
Sharon Singh
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 57 - 59
Populism has surged in Africa over recent decades, reshaping political landscapes and governance mechanisms across the continent. This article reviews the historical development, core features, and impact of populist politics on African governance. It examines the strategies populist leaders employ, their effects on institutions, democracy, and policymaking, and offers a comparative analysis across several African countries. The article concludes with policy implications and recommendations for navigating the populist wave.
July 26, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
The Role of Parliaments in African Development Planning
Michael Gardner,
Hayley Marshall,
Luis Rose
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 51 - 53
This article explores the evolving role of African parliaments in shaping, legislating, and scrutinizing national development plans. Emphasizing their lawmaking, oversight, and representative functions, it analyzes how African parliaments engage with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), foster accountability, and confront barriers like executive dominance and resource constraints. The article draws on country case studies and includes charts to illustrate parliamentary engagement, highlighting emerging trends and best practices for effective development planning in Africa.
July 27, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
African Judicial Reforms and Rule of Law
Lisa Butler,
Cameron ,
Tammy Gibson,
Tina Reynolds,
Dr. Jessica Dr. Jessica Villanueva
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 45 - 47
This article examines the trajectory of judicial reform and the rule of law across Africa in the context of democratic consolidation, governance, and human rights protection. It explores the systemic challenges facing African judiciaries—including executive interference, corruption, underfunding, and limited public access—while highlighting regional trends, reform methodologies, and case studies from countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Malawi, Nigeria, and Benin. The analysis underscores the critical importance of judicial independence, legal modernization, and access-to-justice initiatives in transforming court systems and restoring public trust. Additionally, it outlines the role of technology, legal aid, and institutional oversight in promoting accountability and transparency. Drawing on empirical data and policy reviews, the article offers targeted recommendations to bolster judicial efficiency and independence, proposing a framework for sustainable reform that aligns with democratic values and international legal standards.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Traditional Leadership in Modern Governance Structures
Shannon Ramos Ramos,
Christopher Williams,
Molly Clark
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 39 - 41
This research article explores the role of traditional leadership within modern governance structures, paying particular attention to the historical significance, evolving dynamics, current relevance, and challenges faced by traditional authorities in democratic contexts. Drawing from empirical literature, country case studies, and survey data, the paper examines how traditional leaders support or complicate governance across local and national levels, highlights examples of integrative best practices, and recommends ways forward for synergistic coexistence.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Civil Society and Democratic Consolidation in Africa
Kimberly Nelson,
Matthew Porter
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 36 - 38
Since the early 1990s, civil society has played a pivotal role in Africa’s democratic transformation. This article explores how civil society—including non-governmental organizations, grassroots movements, and advocacy groups—has contributed to the consolidation of democracy across the continent. Through civic education, electoral monitoring, anti-corruption advocacy, human rights defense, and social mobilization, civil society has emerged as a key driver of accountability, political participation, and institutional reform. Drawing on country case studies from Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, the article analyzes both the achievements and the challenges faced by civil society actors. While countries with vibrant civil society sectors show greater democratic resilience, the sector remains constrained by shrinking civic space, funding dependencies, political interference, and internal fragmentation. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations to strengthen civil society’s role in democratic consolidation and emphasizes the need for legal protection, capacity building, inclusive coalitions, and digital civic innovation. The future of democracy in Africa may well depend on how governments and international partners support and engage with civil society.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Decentralization and Local Governance: Lessons from Kenya and Uganda
Jeffrey White,
Jonathan Pierce,
Jacob Jacob Gomez,
Amy Patel Patel,
Catherine Miller
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 33 - 35
This article analyzes decentralization reforms in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on their pursuit of robust local governance and improved service delivery. By comparing historical trajectories, legal frameworks, outcomes, and challenges, the article distills practical lessons for other countries embarking on similar paths.
July 25, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Corruption and Public Service Delivery in African States
Matthew Stevens,
Dr. Jason Cox,
John Harrell,
Craig Strickland
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 30 - 32
Corruption remains a major impediment to effective public service delivery across Africa, undermining economic development, exacerbating inequality, and eroding trust in state institutions. This article investigates the complex interplay between corruption and public services, focusing on how practices such as bribery, embezzlement, and procurement fraud directly compromise access to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety. Drawing on recent data from the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index and Afrobarometer surveys, the paper analyzes the scope, forms, and consequences of corruption, especially for marginalized populations. Case studies from South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana illustrate systemic failures and the urgent need for institutional reform. Root causes—including weak legal frameworks, political interference, and lack of accountability—are critically examined alongside promising anti-corruption models in countries like Rwanda, Botswana, and Seychelles. The article concludes by offering practical policy recommendations, emphasizing transparency, civic engagement, and digital innovation as tools to enhance service delivery and build public trust across African states.
July 25, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Rural Electrification and Economic Empowerment in East Africa
Brittney Mcmahon,
Jason Roy Faculty of International Relations, Nairobi Metropolitan University, Kenya
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 25 - 26
Rural electrification is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone for economic transformation in East Africa, where over 140 million people still live without electricity[1]. This research article examines the state of rural electrification, its methods, and its economic empowerment impacts—from enhancing productivity and education to supporting entrepreneurship, health, and gender equality. Drawing on data, case studies, and recent project reports, the article explores successes, persistent challenges, and future trajectories for energy access as a driver of inclusive growth.
July 25, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Youth Employment Policies in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparative Review
Laura Roman,
Donald Brown,
Stephanie Gill,
Leslie Acevedo,
Devin Gilbert
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 22 - 24
Youth employment remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa's (SSA) most urgent socio-economic challenges. This article provides a comprehensive comparative review of policies across SSA that target youth employment. It synthesizes recent trends, assesses the effectiveness of demand- and supply-side interventions, highlights persistent barriers, and draws policy lessons from country case studies. Data visualizations and recent statistics illuminate the magnitude and diversity of the problem as well as the impacts of ongoing policy efforts.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Local Entrepreneurship as a Catalyst for Sustainable Economic Growth
Michael Gamble,
Kevin Kevin Cruz,
Michelle Stevens,
Rebecca Cochran
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 19 - 21
Local entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, particularly in developing and marginalized regions. This article explores how community-based entrepreneurial ventures stimulate inclusive development by creating jobs, diversifying economies, fostering innovation, and encouraging environmentally responsible practices. Drawing on theoretical frameworks, global case studies, and recent empirical evidence—including successful interventions in agriculture, renewable energy, and rural technology—the article demonstrates the catalytic impact of local businesses in advancing economic resilience and social equity. It also examines the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in amplifying these outcomes, emphasizing the importance of access to finance, education, infrastructure, and supportive policy. While local entrepreneurship offers powerful pathways toward sustainability, persistent barriers such as regulatory complexity, infrastructure gaps, and limited capital access continue to restrict its full potential. The article concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems, incentivize sustainable practices, and ensure inclusive, long-term impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Remittance Flows and Household Welfare in West Africa
Caleb Stevenson,
Olivia Cooper,
Kenneth Walker
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 16 - 18
This article explores the dynamics of remittance flows in West Africa and investigates their impact on household welfare. Drawing on recent data and scholarly research, the analysis emphasizes trends, drivers, challenges, and the transformative role of remittances in poverty reduction. The assessment further discusses policy implications and areas for future research.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
The African Continental Free Trade Area: Opportunities and Challenges
Andrew Cannon,
Craig Nguyen
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 13 - 15
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, represents a transformative framework to unite Africa’s 55 nations into the largest free trade area globally by membership and geography. With a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion and a population of over 1.3 billion, AfCFTA is designed to significantly increase intra-African trade, drive industrialization, attract investment, reduce poverty, and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness. This article critically examines AfCFTA’s potential and analyzes the challenges impeding its full implementation. Opportunities include market expansion, job creation, sectoral diversification, and infrastructure development. However, persistent non-tariff barriers, inadequate infrastructure, currency fragmentation, and political and regulatory misalignments remain significant hurdles. Using sectoral projections and institutional data, the article offers policy recommendations for effective implementation—emphasizing the importance of harmonization, inclusive governance, digital integration, and SME engagement. AfCFTA’s success is pivotal to achieving long-term economic resilience and transformation across the African continent.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Economic Diversification Strategies in Post-Oil African Economies
James Hart,
Virginia Rodriguez,
Beth Freeman,
Paige Baker,
Kimberly Harmon
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 10 - 12
As global energy dynamics shift and oil loses prominence, many African economies are confronting the urgent need for diversification. This article examines the vulnerabilities of oil-dependent states—such as Nigeria, Angola, and Libya—and explores how diversification can foster economic resilience, reduce volatility, and enable inclusive growth. Through a comparative lens, it analyzes national strategies, such as Kenya’s success in fintech and renewables, Botswana’s beneficiation policies, and Mauritius’s transition to a service-based economy. Key drivers like governance, innovation, private sector participation, regional integration, and human capital are discussed in detail. The article highlights persistent barriers including policy instability, infrastructural deficits, and skills mismatches, and proposes actionable strategies for structural transformation, digital integration, and sustainable sectoral development. It concludes that with targeted investments, institutional reform, and political will, post-oil African economies can build diversified, future-ready economic systems.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Microfinance and Poverty Reduction in Sub-Saharan Africa
Derek Glover,
Kenneth Flowers,
James Sanders
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 7 - 9
Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal strategy for poverty reduction across Sub-Saharan Africa, a region with stubbornly high poverty rates and widespread financial exclusion. This article provides a comprehensive review of theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and real-world case studies, analyzing the mechanisms, strengths, and limitations of microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation. Quantitative results, practical challenges, and future research directions are discussed. Relevant graphs and tables illustrate trends in microfinance reach, usage, and poverty outcomes.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Evaluating the Impact of Foreign Direct Investment on African Agriculture
Tanya Owens,
Paul Williams,
Tammy Molina
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 4 - 6
This paper examines the multifaceted impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on African agriculture over recent decades. By synthesizing empirical research and numeric trends, the study explores how FDI flows affect productivity, technology transfer, income, and rural livelihoods, while also addressing equity issues and institutional constraints. Using data from eastern and sub-Saharan Africa, this research highlights the opportunities and challenges emerging from FDI’s expanding footprint in the sector.
July 25, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Public-Private Partnerships in African Infrastructure Development
Christine Summers,
Shannon Robinson,
Billy White
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 1 - 7
Africa faces a significant infrastructure financing gap, estimated between $68–$108 billion annually, across critical sectors including energy, transportation, water, and digital connectivity. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a strategic model to bridge this gap by leveraging private sector capital, expertise, and innovation. This article explores the rationale behind the adoption of PPPs in Africa, emphasizing their value in risk sharing, improving service delivery, and accelerating project execution. It provides an overview of the current legal and institutional frameworks, highlighting regional disparities and trends in PPP policy enactment. Through analysis of PPP structures such as BOT, DBFO, and concessions, and real-world case studies from Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Senegal, the paper illustrates both the benefits and challenges of implementing PPPs on the continent. It underscores the necessity of robust legal systems, bankable project pipelines, dedicated PPP units, and stakeholder engagement for sustainable success. Finally, the article offers policy recommendations aimed at strengthening PPP ecosystems and unlocking Africa’s infrastructure potential through blended finance and regional collaboration.
July 20, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
The Role of Informal Economies in African Urban Growth
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 1 - 3
This article explores the critical role of informal economies in shaping African urban growth, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization without parallel industrial development. It examines how informal economic activities—comprising over 60% of urban employment in Sub-Saharan Africa—serve as essential mechanisms for livelihood, service delivery, innovation, and social resilience. Drawing on case studies from Accra, Nairobi, and Lagos, the paper highlights how informality fills gaps left by state and market systems, while also presenting challenges related to precarity, environmental strain, and inequality. The discussion focuses on the drivers of informality, its socio-economic contributions, and the policy dilemmas surrounding its management. The article argues for inclusive urban governance approaches that integrate rather than marginalize informal actors and underscores the need for adaptive, digitally supported, and equity-focused policies to support Africa’s evolving urban future.
July 30, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Digital Democracy: The Role of Social Media in African Elections
Timothy Adams,
Troy Daugherty,
Kayla Jones,
Chad Thompson
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages 1 - 6
This article analyzes the transformative impact of social media on African elections, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of digital democracy across the continent. With rapidly rising internet penetration and mobile adoption, platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) have become key arenas for political engagement, particularly among Africa’s youth. Social media now enables broad-based voter mobilization, real-time information sharing, and innovative civic initiatives, as seen in recent electoral cycles and protest movements. However, the article also addresses the proliferation of misinformation, algorithm-driven polarization, surveillance, and government-imposed restrictions that risk undermining electoral integrity and freedom of expression. Drawing on recent case studies from Tanzania, Ghana, and Cameroon, the discussion explores regional trends, the persistence of digital divides, and varying policy responses to the double-edged sword of digital participation. The article concludes by recommending strategies to strengthen digital literacy, inclusivity, and regulatory transparency to ensure that social media advances, rather than impedes, democratic governance in Africa.
July 30, 2025
Research Article
Open Access
Gender Mainstreaming in African Political Institutions
Susan Campbell,
Logan Patterson
Journal of African Development Volume:6, Issue:1, Pages None - None
This article examines the state of gender mainstreaming in African political institutions, highlighting its significance for inclusive governance and sustainable development. It traces the evolution of gender equality efforts in Africa within global and regional frameworks such as the Beijing Declaration and the African Union’s Maputo Protocol. While women’s representation in African parliaments has seen incremental progress—with countries like Rwanda and South Africa leading globally—significant socio-cultural, structural, and political challenges persist across the continent. The paper analyzes key barriers including patriarchal norms, weak enforcement of gender quotas, and economic exclusion, and presents case studies from Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. It further outlines policy initiatives and mechanisms promoting women's political participation, and discusses the positive impact of gender mainstreaming on democracy and governance. The article concludes with targeted recommendations to accelerate progress toward gender-equitable political institutions in Africa.