Journal of African Development

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

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.  ..

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.  ..

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.

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.  

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..  ..

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

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

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).  

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..

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

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..

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.