ABSTRACT Long denigrated, peasant knowledge is now seen as a stock of knowledge potentially available to support agroecological transitions in both the South and the North. Its often tacit nature, however, makes it difficult to transmit on a wider scale and via traditional training methods. Based on these observations, the research focused on experimenting with an agroecology training curriculum based on doing, i.e. giving work situations a central place in learning. The experiment was carried out in three West African countries (Benin, Senegal and Togo). An analysis of the results, based on rules of action formulated by the learners at the end of the training and twelve months afterward, reveals that the training provided increased the participants’ power to act. Notably, they put this power to work in the service of the farming community to which they belong. In fact, a significant proportion of the peasants trained act as intermediaries in the circulation of the local knowledge they have learnt, and in this way help to promote the emergence of collective agricultural development projects.

Many African countries are facing severe debt distress amid growing competition between the Western-dominated economic order and an emerging Chinese-led order shaped by the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China’s development banks. The weakening authority of traditional multilateral institutions particularly the International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization has complicated debt resolution efforts, especially as China has become a major creditor whose cooperation is increasingly essential. Drawing on existing international datasets, this study examines how these competing economic orders address the debt challenges of highly indebted African states. It finds that BRI-related lending has contributed to unsustainable debt levels in several countries, with four African states unable to meet their repayment obligations, a significant share of which is owed to Chinese lenders. Zambia is examined as a case study, illustrating how limited coordination between China and Bretton Woods institutions prolonged the debt restructuring process. The analysis highlights how tensions between rival international financial frameworks hinder effective debt resolution. The study further considers the potential emergence of alternative or hybrid governance arrangements involving actors such as BRICS, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the European Union (EU), aimed at reinforcing a rule-based international economic order. Such arrangements could improve debt management, support debt-stressed countries, and promote stable trade and capital flows. This research contributes to the literature by linking the interaction between Western and Chinese economic orders to contemporary African debt crises.

F/TAF was shown to be non-inferior to F/TDF as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in men, but approval was not extended to cisgender women. We report the results of PrEPVacc, in which a predominantly female population was randomly allocated to receive daily oral F/TDF or F/TAF for ∼6 months within a HIV-1 prophylactic vaccine trial. Five study sites in three African countries (Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa). The two regimens were compared by the averted infections ratio (AIR) - the proportion of infections averted by F/TAF relative to F/TDF. The counterfactual HIV incidence, an essential component of this metric, was derived from a preceding registration cohort. Dried blood spots (DBS) were collected at regular timepoints for later assessment of tenofovir diphosphate levels in selected sub-populations. 1380 participants (697 F/TDF, 683 F/TAF) were included in the primary analysis (total follow-up 709.2 person-years); 87% were cisgender women. Three HIV infections (0.86/100 person-years) occurred in the F/TAF group versus two in the F/TDF group (0.56/100 person-years). The counterfactual HIV incidence was estimated to be 2.59/100 person-years (90% CI 1.86-3.52), giving an AIR of 0.85 (90% CI 0.31-1.66). Based on the week 8 DBS sample , only an estimated 14% of participants were classified as taking 2-3 tablets per week and 9% ≥4 tablets per week. Despite similar HIV incidence rates, the non-inferiority of F/TAF was not demonstrated, probably due to low statistical power primarily driven by low adherence. However, there is compelling evidence from multiple studies supporting the efficacy of F/TAF as PrEP regardless of sex.

This research note discusses one underexplored aspect of the study of polygyny, namely, the extent to which the practice remains viable from a purely demographic standpoint. Using data from the United Nations World Population Prospects 2022 covering 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), I evaluate a simple indicator-gamma-for capturing the "demographic potential" of polygyny, that is, the fraction of men who can have two wives with no other man pushed out of the marriage market. I estimate how this indicator has evolved between 1950 and 2021 across regions of SSA and show how the measure correlates with polygyny estimates from available men's and women's Demographic and Health Surveys. Gamma shows inverted U-curve patterns aligned with stages of the demographic transition, from modestly low levels to high levels during periods of rapid population growth and then declining again. Recent declines are starkest in South SSA, while potential remains moderate elsewhere. Gamma correlates positively with polygyny estimates from Demographic and Health Surveys-particularly in Central and South SSA-and can explain up to 50‒70% variation in polygyny, albeit not everywhere. Findings primarily hold within regions, suggesting this is one of manifold factors at play. I conclude by outlining fruitful directions for the study of polygyny.

Many neglected and underutilized crops species have been incorporated locally in human diets since time immemorial, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and many Asian countries where they greatly contribute to food and nutrition security but have been globally underexploited. Underutilized crops such as amaranth, moringa, orange – fleshed sweet potato, snake tomato and spider plant represent a promising frontier for nutraceutical product development due to their rich nutrient and bioactive profiles. These crops hold significant potential to address nutritional deficiencies, diversify food systems, and enhance global food security. Their high concentration of micronutrients, antioxidants, and health – promoting phytochemicals underscore their value beyond conventional staples. Advances in processing technology – including controlled drying, fermentation, extrusion, and strategic fortification – are critical to transforming these crops into stable, safe, and consumer – ready products. Innovations in product development have yielded functional noodles, nutrient – dense snacks, value – added beverages, and ingredient powders that leverage the intrinsic nutraceutical qualities of the raw materials. However, processing often leads to degradation of sensitive bioactives, necessitating targeted strategies such as optimized temperature protocols, encapsulation, and minimal processing to enhance bioactive retention. Economic and sustainability considerations further strengthen the case for valorizing underutilized crops; by integrating local smallholder producers into value chains, reducing post – harvest losses, and creating novel market opportunities, these crops contribute to resilient food systems and equitable rural development. Consumer acceptance studies are essential to gauge sensory preferences, cultural relevance, and market readiness, ensuring product success and widespread adoption. Future prospects include integration into precision nutrition frameworks and expanded nutraceutical product pipelines. Overall, underutilized crops thus offer a viable and innovative pathwway for developing sustainable, health – oriented food products.

Climate variability and recurrent droughts continue to place substantial pressure on smallholder agriculture in Africa, where farming systems are largely rain-fed and highly sensitive to climatic conditions. In response, climate and drought early-warning information has increasingly been promoted as a means of supporting farmers’ adaptive decision-making. Although this emphasis, empirical evidence on how such information shapes farm-level decisions remains scattered and uneven across contexts. This study systematically reviews empirical research to examine the influence of climate and drought early-warning information on smallholder farmers’ decision-making in Africa. Using predefined inclusion criteria, 30 peer-reviewed empirical studies conducted across 19 African countries were identified and synthesized through a narrative thematic approach. The review focuses on the types of climate information provided, the channels through which farmers access this information, and the resulting decision-making outcomes. The findings show that seasonal climate forecasts and drought early-warning alerts frequently inform key agricultural decisions, particularly adjustments to planting dates, choices of crops and varieties, and diversification strategies. Access to information continues to rely heavily on traditional channels, especially radio and agricultural extension services, while the use of digital platforms remains uneven. And finally, the evidence indicates that climate and drought early-warning information plays a more prominent role in reducing production risk and strengthening resilience than in generating consistent yield gains. Its effectiveness largely depends on farmers’ economic and institutional capacity to respond. so that these findings point to the importance of climate information services that are locally relevant and closely linked with extension support to enhance smallholder adaptation in Africa.

Disability is a major public health concern worldwide, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, including East African countries (EACs), where its prevalence remains high. Effective planning for inclusive health services requires reliable data on prevalence and distribution of disability. However, EACs lack sufficient empirical data on the issue, hindering social services planning. This study aimed to examine socioeconomic and national disparities in reporting disability among individuals aged 5 to 95 years across five EACs. This study utilised secondary data from the most recent Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), comprising a weighted sample of 216,420 individuals. The five EACs included were Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Malawi, Kenya and Tanzania. The dependent variable was disability status, while independent variables included demographic and socioeconomic factors. Descriptive analysis, chi-square test, and multivariable modified Poisson regression were employed to assess associations, with p-values < 0.05 indicating a significant factor. The overall prevalence of reporting disability in the five EACs, however, it varied across countries. was 15.4%. There was variation across countries; the highest prevalence (19.75%) recoded in Kenya and the lowest (9.94%) observed in the DRC. After controlling for other covariates, females (Adjusted prevalence ratio (APR);1.04;95%CI:1.35,1.80), individuals residing in rural areas (APR;1.10;95%CI:1.04,1.16), separated/widowed individuals (APR;1.27,95%CI:1.18,1.36), individuals from the poorest households (APR; APR;1.10; 95%CI: 1.04, 1.16), individuals who are covered by health insurance (APR;1.05;95%CI:1.01,1.09) and the female headed households (APR;1.14;95%CI:1.10,1.19) had higher prevalence ratio of reporting disability compared to their counterparts. Conversely, individuals from the Malawi had (APR;0.05;95%CI:0.40,0.67) lower prevalence ratio of people reporting disability compared to those who were from the DRC. In addition, there was interaction of age and education level in relation to disability. This implies that association between age and disability may be influenced differently depending on education level of an individual. This study highlighted a significant disability prevalence in EACs. Its associated factors included female gender, poorer economic households, rural areas and separation. There was interaction of age and education level on influencing disability. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions and further research into underlying mechanisms to improve support systems for vulnerable populations.

Urban soils in Africa are increasingly contaminated by toxic heavy metals due to rapid urban expansion, industrialisation, traffic emissions, and inadequate waste management. Toxic heavy metals such as lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) are of major concern because of their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and ecological risks for the environment and humans. This systematic review synthesises evidence from 38 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2024 on the concentrations and sources of toxic heavy metals in urban soils of Africa. The results demonstrated an uneven research distribution on toxic heavy metals across different countries of Africa, with Nigeria and Ghana most represented, while large regions, including countries such as Egypt and Ethiopia, remain poorly studied. Industrial activities (27%) and traffic emissions (26%) accounted for more than 50% of the reported contamination sources, followed by domestic waste disposal (18%) and agricultural inputs (10%). Weighted mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr in many countries exceeded FAO permissible limits, indicating a significant threat to humans and the environment. Microwave digestion was the most commonly used extraction method, while X-ray fluorescence has gained increasing application. The findings demonstrate widespread contamination from rapid urbanisation and industrialisation but highlight limited research done on toxic heavy metals in urban areas of most African countries. Future research should focus on quantifying the metal concentration in African countries, where limited work has been done; the bioavailable fractions of toxic heavy metals and possible remediation strategies to improve soil quality in urban areas.

Food insecurity remains a persistent challenge in many African countries, where smallholder farmers depend heavily on climate-sensitive agricultural systems. Agricultural Advisors (AAs) are positioned to support farmers’ adaptation efforts, yet their capacity to access, interpret, and disseminate climate information remains insufficiently understood. This study examined AAs access to climate information, whether they disseminate it to farmers, and whether the information aligns with farmers’ practical decision-making needs. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining semi-structured questionnaires administered to 77 AAs in the Ugu and Harry Gwala districts of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, with six focus group discussions involving smallholder farmers. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS v28 and Excel, while qualitative data employed thematic analysis through Nvivo14. Results indicate that most of the AAs access seasonal climate forecasts, early warning data, and long-term climate projections. However, only 7.8% received the information from the South African Weather Service (SAWS). While 78.5% reported creating awareness on climate change and 72.5% on adaptation measures, only 32.4% felt confident advising farmers on coping strategies. Only 27.2% reported receiving sufficient information, 40.6% reported limited understanding of available adaptation strategies, and 45.3% had not initiated adaptation measures in their areas. Farmers similarly reported minimal engagement with AAs on climate guidance. These findings reveal a disconnect between climate information access and the delivery of practical, actionable advice. By examining both the AAs and farmers’ sides, the study provides locally grounded insights into extension service effectiveness. Targeted capacity-building for AAs and strengthened advisor–farmer interactions are essential to improve confidence, access to reliable, site-specific information, and provision of actionable guidance, supporting practical adaptation, enhancing smallholder resilience, thereby contributing to SDGs 1, 2, and 13.

Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the self-efficacy of lifestyle practices among young adults, including late adolescents aged 18–19 years, across the Arab region. Methods A multinational cross-sectional online survey was conducted using convenience sampling between September 2022 and September 2023 ( n = 2,708) across multiple Arab regions (the Arabian Peninsula, Africa, and the Eastern Mediterranean, but outside African countries). Individuals of both sexes, aged 18–25 years, who could read and understand Arabic and who resided in one of the Arab regions, were included. Sociodemographic data were also collected. A previously validated Arabic questionnaire was used to assess self-efficacy and knowledge of healthy lifestyles. Results Individuals in the Northern Africa region (9.7 ± 3.5) had significantly lower total self-efficacy scores than those in the Arabian Peninsula (11.5 ± 2.8) and Eastern Mediterranean region (11.7 ± 2.7; p &amp;lt; 0.001, F = 132.3). The knowledge score was significantly lower in Northern Africa (5.4 ± 2.3), whereas the Arabian Peninsula had the highest knowledge score (7.2 ± 1.9; p &amp;lt; 0.001, F = 173.2). Knowledge was associated with self-efficacy in the Arabian Peninsula (R 2 = 0.013, p = 0.016). Age and sex were related to self-efficacy in the Eastern Mediterranean region (R 2 = 0.01, p = 0.007). In North Africa, age, sex, and knowledge were related to self-efficacy (R 2 = 0.25, p &amp;lt; 0.001). These findings indicate that regional differences are related to cultural factors such as age, sex, and knowledge. Conclusion Self-efficacy was lower in Northern African countries than in the Arabian Peninsula or Eastern Mediterranean countries. Age, sex, and nutritional knowledge were associated with self-efficacy. These findings may guide culturally sensitive public health interventions in Arab countries. Future research should explore these relationships using longitudinal designs to better understand the causal pathways between culture, knowledge, sociodemographic factors, and self-efficacy.

Illegal wildlife trade is an important branch of global environmental crime. It relies heavily on transit countries to promote the cross-border movement of illegal wildlife products by boosting markets, laundering services, processing and packaging products, and concealing routes. However, transit countries' strategic role is not well understood. We constructed a dataset of 15years of illegal wildlife seizure cases from the Center for Advanced Defense Studies (C4ADS) air seizure database and Wildlife Trade Portal database. From the dataset, we determined transnational illegal wildlife trade routes with complete supply chain information. There were 84 transit countries, and the organisms involved in trade included mammals, birds, reptiles, marine species, amphibians, and arthropods. We identified that about 40% of illegal wildlife trade routes crossed one or multiple countries. Species being moved along these routes originated mainly from Africa and were transported through African, European, or Asian countries to East Asia or Southeast Asia. Transit countries for illegal wildlife products tended to be geographically close to and have a high trade volume of legal biological products with both the origin and destination countries and had advanced airport infrastructure. Transit countries were associated with 39.7% more individual animal products being illegally traded, particularly ivory, pangolin products, and rhinoceros horn, and served as key bridges among economically underdeveloped and geographically distant countries with weak trade links in legal biological products. These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and enforcement in transit countries and suggest that transit hubs be targeted based on location, trade in legal biological products, and transport infrastructure.

As countries progress from control of onchocerciasis as a public health problem to elimination of parasite transmission, more evidence on vector-related activities and transmission assessments is needed to inform WHO guidelines and country strategies to achieve the targets of the 2030 NTD Roadmap. For vector-borne diseases, entomology plays a critical role in the elimination and verification of transmission based on vector infectivity. The vector-control based Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa (OCP, 1974-2002), had accumulated relevant experience and data. The African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control (APOC, 1995-2015) extended onchocerciasis control, based primarily on mass ivermectin administration, to all African endemic countries, and supported many implementation research projects. OCP and APOC documents, previously available only in hard-copy from OCP or APOC, are now accessible in the WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (WHO IRIS). Most documents cover numerous topics and include large amounts of unpublished data. Here, we provide an overview of the OCP and APOC documents in IRIS. We reviewed and summarized the documents in WHO IRIS as a resource to guide current elimination efforts. We also provided examples for potential uses of the information for mapping, diagnostics, entomology and social science research to the preparation of elimination dossiers. The APOC Collection included 8150 documents. Of these, 3895 were in English and 4194 in French. Topics covered in the documents include CDTi, cytotaxonomy, diagnosis, drug effectiveness, environmental modification, epidemiology, health economics, impact assessment, insecticide resistance, larviciding, mapping, programme implementation, slash and burn, transmission assessment and vector control. The APOC Collection in WHO IRIS makes the wealth of OCP and APOC experience and data available to the onchocerciasis control/elimination and research community.

Purpose The study is conducted to investigate the impact of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)-induced transport infrastructure on export sophistication in BRI member countries. For this purpose, panel data from 65 BRI member countries from 1990 to 2023 are utilized both in the total sample and in the grouped sample of South Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, the Middle East &amp; Africa and European BRI member countries. Design/methodology/approach We have devised a new global transport infrastructure to cover all the key extents (i.e. air, sea and land infrastructure). For analysis, a panel ARDL model with a dummy approach is employed. Findings The result of the study shows that BRI-induced transport infrastructure has a positive significant impact on export sophistication in every sample of the study. By comparing the results of different samples of the study, we conclude that BRI-induced transport infrastructure impact on export sophistication is stronger in the Central Asian sample, followed by the total sample and the Southeast Asian sample, while in the case of South Asia, the Middle East, Africa and the European sample, its effects are relatively low. The study further points out that with the passage of time, transport infrastructure’s impact on export sophistication increases. Besides the main variables, the control variables of the study, such as institutional quality, human capital (taken as a proxy for knowledge), FDI, per capita GDP and research &amp; development expenditures (taken as a proxy for innovation), have a positive impact on export-sophistication, while exchange rates have a negative impact on export-sophistication. Originality/value For the robustness check of these results, the GMM estimation procedure is adopted, which confirms the reliability of the estimated panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag results of our study.

In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the African Union elevated the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) to autonomous status, empowering it to declare Public Health Emergencies of Continental Concern (PHECs). This mechanism was first operationalized in 2024 in response to sustained mpox transmission across multiple African countries, despite the World Health Organization's (WHO) earlier lifting of the Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). This article examines the PHECs as a decolonial intervention in global health governance. Applying the Critique, Reform, Withdrawal, and Transformation (CRWT) framework, I argue that the PHECs reflect both a strategic withdrawal from overreliance on the WHO PHEIC system and a transformative effort to embed African-led governance rooted in Pan-African solidarity. The article highlights mechanisms for sustaining Pandemic Prevention, Preparedness, and Response (PPPR), including tiered activation, cross-sectoral oversight, civil society engagement, and alignment with continental financial instruments. Invariably, the PHECs represent a critical reconfiguration of Africa's role in global health-from recipient of external interventions to architect of regional norms, practices, and accountability. Its promise lies not in rejecting multilateralism but in recalibrating it, embedding regional expertise, political leadership, and operational autonomy within broader global frameworks.

The gut microbiota and resistome may change upon exposure to environments with high prevalence of multidrug-resistant pathogens, potentially impacting health and contributing to the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). In this context, expatriates may acquire endemic microbial communities and ARGs while living abroad. In this work, we investigated the microbiota and resistome of Swiss expatriates living in African countries using Nanopore shotgun metagenomics (SMS).Stool samples from expatriates residing in African and European countries (n = 33 and n = 39, respectively) were sequenced using Nanopore V14 chemistry. Taxonomic and resistome profiling was performed with Kraken2 and ResFinder, respectively. Diversity metrics (e.g., Shannon, Simpson) assessed microbial composition. ARG and bacteria associations were determined using GTDB-Tk on metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). Plasmid-borne ARGs were characterized with PlasmidFinder.Our results indicated that microbiota composition did not differ between expatriates in African and European countries. However, resistome analysis revealed a higher prevalence of tetracycline (tet) and folate pathway antagonist (dfr, sul) ARGs in those residing in Africa, suggesting adaptation to the local microbial environment or antibiotic policy. Unique plasmid families were also identified in Gram-negative (IncF) and -positive (repUS43) bacteria across African and European cohorts, indicating the potential for ARG dissemination via mobile genetic elements. Overall, Nanopore-based SMS may provide an alternative approach to monitor microbiota and resistome dynamics, and thus assisting early epidemiological surveys.

To document the development and implementation of a WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC)-guided law in Ethiopia. We analyzed 15 publicly available documents including news articles and government documents. We triangulated findings by interviewing three tobacco control advocates, two academic researchers, and four government officials. We used a thematic framework analysis to analyze the data and documented this through a retrospective policy analysis. Local and international health advocacy groups supported regulation development through capacity building workshops. The National Tobacco Enterprise/Japan Tobacco International used standard industry arguments to weaken draft regulations but government officials, supported by health advocacy messages promoting Ethiopia's WHO FCTC obligations, rejected these arguments. Key barriers to implementation included industry interference, lack of funding and resources, monitoring and evaluation system issues, government system coordination issues, and a lack in organizational knowledge. Key facilitators included financial mechanisms and health advocacy support and government and inter-governmental support which contributed to increased monitoring, education efforts, and technical support. The tobacco industry remains the biggest barrier to FCTC implementation continuing to advertise at the point-of-sale, fuel illicit tobacco trade, and push the sale of single cigarette sticks near schools. Other barriers include a shortage of funding/resources, a lack of strict enforcement, and an absence of local regulations. Financial and technical support and leveraging the FCTC as a legal instrument can help uphold strong regulations. More efforts are needed to educate government authorities and establish local regulations to protect policy implementation.

Community-wide flooding in high HIV-burdened districts affects continuity of HIV care, especially in resource-limited countries in sub-Saharan Africa. We explored the lived experiences of antiretroviral therapy (ART) clients and health care workers (HCWs) in Malawi to understand challenges and potential solutions for ART delivery during floods. This was a mixed methods study. In quantitative analysis, we used routine program data from Partners in Hope (PIH) to compare interruption in treatment (IIT) (>28 days without medication) cases in months with and without flooding, October 2021 to December 2023, to understand how flooding influences IIT. In qualitative analysis, we conducted in-depth interviews (IDIs) with ART clients and focus group discussions (FGDs) with HCWs from from six health facilities impacted by flooding in Chikwawa, Nsanje and Mulanje districts. We analyzed data in Atlas.Ti. IIT was far higher in flooding periods. Across 49,152 IIT cases, IIT increased by 24% during the first flooding period and by 23% during the second flooding period. 23 ART clients completed IDIs between July and August 2024: 13 female, median age 40 years, predominantly subsistence farmers (n = 21). A total of 9/23 clients experienced IIT. Flooding negatively impacted nearly all IDI participants: 17/23 lost homes and had to relocate, mainly to government camps. Most clients lost crops, livestock, and ART medication. Many clients travelled to find income and despite uncertainties they were motivated to remain in care. In six FGDs with 34 HCWs, HCWs described facility-level ART stock-outs and loss of medical records, limited stakeholder coordination and the absence of guidelines for HIV services during emergencies. HCWs were also impacted but received little support. IIT cases greatly increased during flooding periods, with both clients and HCWs facing multiple challenges to ART service provision. National flooding guidelines, coordination of stakeholder response, adequate planning and seasonal six-month ART dispensing could improve retention.

ABSTRACT This study examines the dynamic interplay between public debt, corruption, and economic growth in 36 Sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 2000–2022. Utilizing a two‐step System Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator to address endogeneity concerns, we assess both the individual and interactive effects of public debt and corruption on economic growth. Robustness checks employing fixed‐effects, random‐effects, and leverage‐distance diagnostic techniques confirm the stability of our estimates. The findings reveal that both public debt and corruption independently exert statistically significant negative effects on economic growth. However, their interaction yields a counterintuitive result: in contexts characterized by high levels of corruption, public debt is positively associated with short‐term growth, suggesting the presence of a nonlinear relationship. Specifically, we identify a corruption threshold—4.90 on the logarithmic scale of the Corruption Perceptions Index—above which debt‐financed spending may temporarily boost output by circumventing bureaucratic inefficiencies. These results underscore the complex policy challenges facing SSA economies, where weak institutional environments constrain effective fiscal policy implementation. While the analysis does not endorse corruption, it highlights the relevance of second‐best policy considerations in governance‐fragile settings. Achieving sustainable and inclusive growth in the region requires comprehensive reforms aimed at reducing corruption, enhancing institutional capacity, improving fiscal governance, and ensuring the efficient utilization of public debt. Strategic investment and cross‐sector collaboration will be critical to building resilient and equitable development pathways.

Purpose Islamic banks in the Middle East and North Africa nations are encountering challenges similar to those in microfinance, with certain countries, such as Lebanon, seeing stagnation in the growth of Islamic banking and finance. The objective of this study is to examine the effect of intellectual capital on credit risk and financial stability within the context of Islamic banks in the Middle East and North Africa region. Design/methodology/approach This study uses the generalized method of moments and the two-stage least squares method to conduct this research. It uses bank data from 972 observations from 2011–2022 in the Middle East and North African countries. Findings The findings show that human capital efficiency, relational capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency and modified value-added intellectual capital negatively correlate with credit risk. In contrast, all of these variables demonstrate a positive impact on financial stability. It suggests that enhancing intellectual capital is expected to contribute to mitigating credit risk, hence promoting excellent financial strength. Social implications By drawing attention to Islamic banks that require intellectual capital and financial stability, this study offers policymakers important information regarding the economic and social well-being of countries in the Middle East and North Africa region. Originality/value This study furnishes banks with information regarding the role of intellectual capital in enhancing financial stability through the mitigation of credit risk.

Ecological sustainability is one of the key dimensions of sustainable development in any economy. Developing economies exhibit high-risk levels in terms of political stability and corruption, thereby inhibiting them from successfully adopting techniques for ecological sustainability. A framework that comprises a strong financial system for green financial investment, coupled with correct policy frameworks becomes fundamental in the attainment of sustainable environments. Pervasive corruption in developing nations is a formidable barrier that impedes financial development and undermines green finance initiatives’ efficacy in fostering ecological sustainability. This research takes the data of the Central African nations, which is analyzed with the ‘Methods of Moments Quantile Regression’ technique. The major results presented show that digitalization, renewable energy, and governance support ecological sustainability. Institutional quality and green finance are expected to increase ecological sustainability, but the findings show that in the Central African countries with high corruption they tend to reduce ecological sustainability. The poor institutional quality in the Central African nations, because of high corruption and political instabilities, impedes the efficacy of financial development and green finance in advancing ecological sustainability. The Central African nations can achieve sustainability by fostering digitalization and renewable energy, as well as reducing corruption and political instabilities.