African Nations Research Articles

Rainfall prediction for data scares areas using metrological satellites in the case of the Lake Tana sub-basin, Ethiopia

Abstract In African nations with complex topographies, alternative rainfall estimation methods such as satellites are crucial. This study is aimed at predicting the spatial and temporal distribution of rainfall in the Lake Tana sub-basin from 1990 to 2020. A satellite-based rainfall estimate of Climate Hazards Group Infrared Precipitation with Station data (CHIRPS) was used with the same spanning period (1990–2020). The validation process employs point-to-pixel analysis, comparing CHIRPS estimates with observed data at specific gauge stations. The findings showed that CHIRPS had well-estimated rainfall incidence in the highland areas and significantly overestimated it in the lowland areas. The Mann–Kendall trends for January, June, and August indicate decreasing trends, while the Bega and spring seasons show notable declines. Regression analysis reveals a non-significant decrease in annual rainfall with the highest rainfall in the summer and relatively dry winters. In addition, the coefficient of variation value of 26.37% suggests a moderate level of variability around the mean annual rainfall. In conclusion, the CHIRPS satellite exhibited varied performance across the Tana Sub-basin, with site-specific discrepancies and notable inaccuracies at certain stations. The study underscores the importance of considering local factors and topography in satellite-based rainfall assessments, providing valuable insights for agricultural planning in the region.

Combining the role of urbanization and renewable energy in sustainable development: testing the EKC hypothesis for Africa.

The pressing necessity to curb greenhouse gas emissions due to climate change has sparked significant scientific interest in comprehending the factors behind CO2 emissions, particularly concerning environmental sustainability challenges. Nonetheless, there exists a notable gap in our understanding of how the process of urbanization interacts with the utilization of renewable energy to impact CO2 emissions. This research endeavor seeks to evaluate the complex interplay among urbanization, renewable energy, and CO2 emissions across 46 African nations spanning from 1990 to 2019. To accomplish this objective, a variety of econometric methodologies are employed, including Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, IV-GMM, and method of moments quantile regression (MMQR) panel estimations to address issues like cross-sectional dependencies, endogeneity, heterogeneity, and panel Granger causality examination. The empirical results suggest that urbanization leads to an increase in CO2 emissions, whereas the consumption of renewable energy plays a role in enhancing environmental quality by reducing CO2 emissions. A significant outcome of the study is the revelation that a combination of urbanization and renewable energy leads to a decrease in carbon emissions. Moreover, the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis is validated. Lastly, through the Dumitrescu-Hurlin panel causality test, it is uncovered that urbanization and renewable energy consumption exhibit a bidirectional relationship with CO2 emissions. To reduce dependence on fossil fuels and curb CO2 emissions, policymakers should promote renewable energy usage in urban areas.

The Rise and Fall of Israel’s Anti-Apartheid Policy: The Case of Israel’s Relations with the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) During the 1960s

ABSTRACT In contrast to the strained relationship between Israel and South Africa’s anti-apartheid movements in recent decades, the 1960s witnessed Israel actively championing an anti-apartheid stance. From the early 1960s onwards, various anti-apartheid groups sought assistance from Israel in their fight against white supremacy, viewing the Jewish State as a natural ally in their struggle against racism. This led to the formation of a relationship between Israel and the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC), a significant development often overlooked in contemporary historical narratives. Despite its brevity – spanning less than a decade – this alliance offers valuable insights into African nationalism and its interaction with global Cold War dynamics, while also shedding light on Israel’s multifaceted engagement in Africa. This article aims to reconstruct this historical relationship in detail, emphasizing its significance in elucidating the intricate connections between the Arab-Israeli conflict and the racial conflict in South Africa during the 1960s.

Slave trade, trust, and corruption

ABSTRACT Theory predicts that societies with higher social capital have lower levels of government corruption. This hypothesis has been difficult to evaluate empirically because of widespread reliance on aggregated, country-level measures of trust and corruption, and reverse causality. We utilize micro-level international data from 34 African nations and two alternative measures of both trust and corruption to re-evaluate the evidence of this theorized relationship. To account for reverse causality, we use historical transatlantic slave exportation data as an instrumental variable. Slave trade has historically lowered interpersonal trust in Africa, which has had a long lasting effect on past and present levels of corruption. Our findings indicate that a higher level of personalized trust leads to more corruption, whereas a higher level of generalized trust leads to less corruption. This result is robust to alternative specifications of regression models, including different measures of trust and experienced versus perceived types of corruption.

Evaluating Experts’ Perspectives on Utilizing mHealth for Data Services in HIV Program Implementation in Cameroon

<i>Introduction</i>: The widespread adoption of mobile health (mHealth) technology has become a crucial aspect of healthcare delivery, particularly in regions with limited access to traditional healthcare systems. Cameroon, a Central African nation grappling with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, presents a suitable context for mHealth interventions. This study aims to assess expert opinions on the application of mHealth for data services in implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. <i>Methods</i>: Employing a mixed-methods approach, we utilized a quantitative cross-sectional design (via a survey questionnaire) and a qualitative design (through in-depth interviews). The purposive sample technique was employed to recruit health specialists from diverse organizations and healthcare facilities across the country. <i>Results</i>: Analysis of responses from mHealth experts revealed that 76% held a positive perspective on using mHealth for data services in HIV program implementation in Cameroon, while 24% expressed a negative opinion. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant association (p = 0.265) between qualifications and perspectives on mHealth. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) experts exhibited a notable association (94.1%) with positive perspectives on mHealth utilization. In contrast, IT specialists and public health experts demonstrated slightly lower percentages (78.6% and 60%, respectively). <i>Conclusion</i>: Experts in mHealth conveyed optimism about using mHealth to provide data services for implementing HIV programs in Cameroon. The study discovered that mHealth users' perceptions were positively correlated with age group and work position. However, there was no discernible relationship between the attitudes of mHealth users and gender or educational attainment.

COVID-19 Vaccine Knowledge, Attitude, and Acceptance in Students of Tertiary Institutions in Central Nigeria

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND: On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a global pandemic. Nigeria, among African nations, has borne the highest burden of COVID-19 reporting 163,498 cases and 2,058 fatalities. Institutions of higher learning possess certain characteristics that can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission within their campuses. These features include a sizable student population, high population density, and frequent student interactions. As a result, it is imperative to implement protective measures to mitigate the virus’s spread on campus. 
 
 AIM/OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to explore the connection between the knowledge, attitudes, and acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines among students in tertiary institutions located in Central Nigeria. 
 
 METHODOLOGY: An anonymous online survey was conducted among Nigerian students, gathering information related to their demographics, as well as assessing their knowledge, attitudes, and willingness to accept vaccines in the post-COVID-19 era. The collected data were subjected to analysis through descriptive and inferential statistics.
 
 RESULTS: Out of the 400 participants included in the survey, 140 (35.0%) reported having already received a COVID-19 vaccine, while 144 (36.0%) expressed an intention to be vaccinated. The analysis indicated that there is a positive yet very weak correlation between attitudes towards COVID-19 vaccination and the intention to get vaccinated (r = −0.023, N = 365, p < 0.01). Conversely, knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccines demonstrated a significant positive correlation with the intent to be vaccinated (r = 0.222, N = 367, p < 0.01). 
 
 CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of students’ knowledge and attitudes regarding vaccines in shaping their acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines. The results emphasize the critical necessity of providing comprehensive information on COVID-19 vaccines to address concerns related to unforeseen side effects, mitigate general mistrust in vaccine benefits, and alleviate apprehensions about the profitability of pharmaceutical companies.

Mapping knowledge landscapes and emerging trends of Marburg virus: A text-mining study

BackgroundMarburg virus (MARV), a close relative of Ebola virus, could induce hemorrhagic fevers in humans with high mortality rate. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to this highly lethal virus due to sporadic outbreaks observed in various African nations. This bibliometric analysis endeavors to elucidate the trends, dynamics, and focal points of knowledge that have delineated the landscape of research concerning MARV. MethodsRelevant literature on MARV from 1968 to 2023 was extracted from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Following this, the data underwent bibliometric analysis and visualization procedures utilizing online analysis platform, CiteSpace 6.2R6, and VOSviewer 1.6.20. Three different types of bibliometric indicators including quantitative indicator, qualitative indicators, and structural indicators were used to gauge a researcher's productivity, assess the quality of their work, and analyze publication relationships, respectively. ResultsMARV is mainly prevalent in Africa. And approximately 643 confirmed cases have been described in the literature to date, and mortality observed was 81.2 % in overall patients. A total of 1014 papers comprising 869 articles and 145 reviews were included. The annual publications showed an increasing growth pattern from 1968 to 2023 (R2 = 0.8838). The United States stands at the forefront of this discipline, having dedicated substantial financial and human resources to scientific inquiry. However, co-authorship analysis showed the international research collaboration needs to be further strengthened. Based on reference and keywords analysis, contemporary MARV research encompasses pivotal areas: primarily, prioritizing the creation of prophylactic vaccines to impede viral spread, and secondarily, exploring targeted antiviral strategies, including small-molecule antivirals or MARV-specific monoclonal antibodies. Additionally, a comprehensive grasp of viral transmission, transcription, and replication mechanisms remains a central focus in ongoing investigations. And future MARV studies are expected to focus on evaluating clinical trial safety and efficacy, developing inhibitors to contain viral spread, exploring vaccine immunogenicity, virus-host association studies, and elucidating the role of neutralizing antibodies in MARV treatment. ConclusionThe present study offered comprehensive insights into the contemporary status and trajectories of MARV over the past decades. This enables researchers to discern novel collaborative prospects, institutional partnerships, emerging topics, and research forefronts within this domain.

Correlation Of Malnutrition Status With Malaria Incidents In Children Under 5 Years Old

Malaria is a prevalent disease that continues to affect infants and results in the death of over 435,000 individuals worldwide, with children under the age of five accounting for 11-30% of these fatalities. Malnutrition afflicts millions of children worldwide, especially in Indonesia, and is the leading cause of mortality among toddlers. Investigate the correlation between malnutrition and the occurrence of malaria in children under the age of five. Additionally, explore the prevalence, factors that contribute to the risk, and underlying processes of both malaria and malnutrition. This study utilized 15 internationally recognized scholarly articles to investigate the correlation between malnutrition and the prevalence of malaria in children below the age of five. According to the analysis of 10 scholarly studies, the occurrence of malaria and malnutrition among children under the age of five remains significantly elevated, particularly in African nations, various countries in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Central America, and South America. The analysis of 3 journal papers examined the risk factors associated with malaria and malnutrition, specifically focusing on age, environment, sanitation, economy, education, food availability, and residing in refugee camps. After reviewing 9 journal publications, it has been shown that malnutrition is a risk factor for malaria. Additionally, one of the articles suggests that children who are malnourished have a reduced likelihood of contracting malaria. The findings of this scoping review indicate a bidirectional correlation between malnutrition and the occurrence of malaria in young children.

Contraceptive Utilization and Its Associated Factors Among Married Women in West African Countries: A Population-Based Survey Using Multinomial Logistic Regression.

The international development agenda emphasizes universal access to family planning, as seen in Sustainable Development Goal 3.7. However, the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low in developing countries, specifically in West Africa. This study aimed to assess the current status of contraceptive use in the region, focusing on different methods. We analyzed Demographic and Health Survey data from 13 West African nations (2012-2022) involving 117,165 married women. Using binary and multiple multinomial logistic regression, we identified key factors associated with contraceptive use. Adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were utilized, and significance was determined at p ≤ 0.2 for binary regression and p < 0.05 for multiple multinomial regression. About 80.86% of women did not use any method, while 16.56% of women used modern methods. Maternal age of 35-49 years (RRR=0.77, 95% CI, 0.72,0.82), had given first birth after 20 years (RRR=0.80,95% CI, 0.77,0.83), cohabitation after 20 years old (RRR=1.24,95% CI, 1.18,1.29), being employed (RRR=1.38,95% CI, 1.33,1.43), women who have from 3-5, and more than five living children (RRR=2.06,95% CI,1.97,2.16, and (RRR=2.57, 95% CI, 2.42,2.74), primary(RRR=1.59, 95% CI, 1.52,1.66), secondary/higher education (RRR=2.08, 95% CI, 1.99,2.18), antenatal visit (RRR= 1.38, 95% CI 1.28,1.49), institutional delivery(AOR=1.42, 95% CI, 1.35,1.49), husband working status (RRR=1.39, 95% CI, 1.28,1.51), media exposure(RRR=1.23, 95% CI, 1.19,1.28), visited health facility more than once (RRR=1.09, 95% CI, 1.05,1.13), rural women (RRR=0.89,95% CI,0.85,0.93), female households (RRR=0.79, 95% CI,0.76,0.83), richer (RRR=1.42, 95% CI,1.33,1.51), and richest wealth indexes (RRR=1.69,95% CI,1.58,1.82) were associated. This study revealed a low level of contraceptive use among women in West Africa. Strengthening maternal reproductive health services, such as antenatal care, institutional delivery, and health visits, while also targeting mass media and disadvantaged women, has the potential to significantly increase the adoption of modern contraception techniques.

Extending Kinship Through Christian Camping in an East African Nation

Christian camping is rapidly growing as an experiential education ministry in the Global South. Whereas most scholarship and resource development has historically taken place in the West, programs like Church-based rites of passage in Kenya expose sparsely documented camp ministry contextualization elsewhere. This qualitative study explored the experience of Kenyan Christian camp practitioners through focus groups and semi-structured interviews (N = 37). Four themes emerged from analysis, describing camps as reforming the East African Revival, extending faith-based kinship, discipling intergenerationally, and facilitating transformation. Christian camps in Kenya are temporary communities that also redeem some traditional rituals for whole-person formation.

Human Capital Impacts of Income Inequality: An Extensive Empirical Analysis from the African Continent

This paper evaluates the impacts of income inequality on life expectancy in African countries. The empirical analysis has been performed on a panel dataset of 52 African nations covering the period of 1995 to 2018. For estimating the inequality-health relationship, I have used Two-Stage Least Squares (2SLS) technique and a Panel Error Correction Model (PECM). The long-run cointegrating relationship was estimated using a Panel Dynamic Ordinary Least Square (PDOLS) estimator. The outcomes suggest that income inequality has negatively affected life expectancy at birth in the African continent overall. Though income inequality seems to have improved health in the short-run, in the long-run, income inequality had deleterious effects. A series of steps has been followed to check the soundness of the result of the main empirical examination and it is confirmed that the results are robust.

Climate Change-Related Drivers of Migration in East Africa: An Integrative Review of the Literature

Despite the growing academic concern and policy interest in climate change drivers of migration, scientific evidence on the topic remains contested, with divergent claims of positive and negative contributions of climate change on human migration and displacement. This review seeks to assess the climate change-related drivers of migration with a focus on three East African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. They are among the most vulnerable countries in Africa, with one of the most mobile populations. The study used the available literature on climate change and migration as the data source. About 22 research articles on climate change and migration were sourced from the Web of Science and Scopus databases and critically reviewed. The review generally indicates that climate change effects such as frequent drought and flood disasters, livestock pests, and crop diseases influence migration and displacement in the region. On the other hand, rising sea levels pose imminent risks that can cause migration if adaptation measures are not taken. The review has also revealed that responses to drought or livestock and crop diseases, be it localized adjustment or out-migration, are determined by households' adaptive capacity. For rapid onset climate events such as floods, the most vulnerable are the less fortunate living in poorly constructed structures in flood-prone zones. This review proposes strengthening the climate policy framework by mainstreaming climate change migration in East African nations’ adaptation plans. It also calls for promoting alternative livelihood activities as an adaptation strategy in areas prone to climate change to lessen human-forced migration and displacement.

THE SHIFT OF POWER: ANALYSING THE DECLINE OF USA'S INFLUENCE IN AFRICA IN FAVOUR OF CHINA

In recent years, the African continent has emerged as a key arena in the global power rivalry between the United States and China. This study delves into the shifting power dynamics in Africa, with a focus on the increasing influence of China amidst receding American dominance. The research employs document review to analyze the multifaceted nature of China's engagement in Africa, encompassing trade, infrastructure investments, and diplomacy, establishing China as Africa's primary trading partner. Notably, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) plays a pivotal role in reshaping Africa's infrastructure and economic landscape. Conversely, the United States has witnessed a decline in diplomatic presence, foreign aid reductions, and a diminished focus on economic engagement, leading to a decrease in its influence. The outcomes of this evolving dynamic are far-reaching. While Africa stands to benefit from potential economic transformation, concerns regarding debt sustainability and reliance on Chinese support persist. Geopolitically, Africa's strategic significance has triggered competition between China and the U.S., with potential implications for regional security. Moreover, Africa's critical role in global supply chains, particularly in resources such as minerals and energy, amplifies China's influence in global markets. African nations face the challenge of balancing economic growth, sovereignty, and regional stability. To counter China's expanding presence and enhance relations with African countries, the United States should prioritize revitalizing diplomacy, formulating a comprehensive trade policy, emphasizing development assistance, and collaborating on regional security initiatives. Cultivating cultural exchanges and respecting African agency are equally imperative steps in this endeavor.

Assessing infrastructure and trade connectivity through network analysis evidence from BRI countries

ABSTRACT The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the world’s largest infrastructure investment that aims to improve economic integration and connectivity throughout Asia, Europe, and Africa. This paper investigates the influence of infrastructure development on trade connectivity in BRI countries. This paper employs network analysis to visualize and quantify the trade connectivity among BRI countries in 2013 and 2020 using the World Integrated Trade Solution (WITS) data. The study then empirically examines the impact of infrastructure development on trade connectivity from 1990 to 2020 for 76 BRI countries using a dynamic estimator. The dynamic model demonstrates how infrastructure investment can bolster trade connectivity. The results of the network analysis indicate that trade connectivity has significantly improved within BRI countries, in Asia and Europe while it lags behind in African and Central Asian regions.We suggest that that China should channel additional resources toward enhancing the connectivity of African and Central Asian nations.

Determinants of digital technology development in sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from panel data analysis

The primary objective of this research is to explore the elements that shape the progression of digital technology in Sub-Saharan African nations. The study employs data obtained from 16 countries, covering the period between 2000 and 2020. Employing fixed effect panel regression analysis, our research indicates that various non-technological factors significantly impact digital technology development in the region. The results highlight that variables including general government final consumption expenditure, inflation rate, employment growth rate, financial development, ease of doing business index, logistics performance index, international migration, access to electricity, and access to safe drinking water have a positive impact on the development of digital technology. Conversely, international trade is identified as a negative influence, primarily due to insufficient infrastructural development. These findings underscore the significance of non-technological elements, encompassing aspects like globalization, economic conditions, favorable digital ecosystems, and the fulfillment of basic human needs, in shaping the landscape of digital technology in the region. The study, while acknowledging limitations in terms of selected indicators, years, and countries, emphasizes the need for broader investigations in future research. Practically, the study suggests that governments in the region should prioritize addressing these non-technological factors to fully leverage the potential of digital technology development. The originality and value of this research lies in its exploration of non-technological determinants, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping the digital technology landscape in sub-Saharan Africa.

Does foreign capital flow into ‘greener pastures’? Exploring the potential of FDI in mitigating carbon emissions in African states

ABSTRACT Our study provides fresh insights into FDI's impact on carbon emissions across 51 African nations. Analysing data from 1990 to 2021, we use ARDL estimates and wavelet coherence analysis. While ARDL shows insignificant cointegration for most countries, wavelet coherence reveals: (i) 17 countries with a positive FDI-emissions link, (ii) 16 countries with a negative association, and (iii) 18 countries with ‘sign switching’ nonlinear dynamics. With no clear regional patterns, our main policy implication stresses the need for aligning regional efforts, like AfCFTA, with tailored country-specific strategies to guide capital flows towards cleaner industries. We advocate for industry-level FDI data in Africa to pinpoint sectors needing monitoring for greener production. On the global policymaking level, we assert that FDI cannot significantly address climate justice for most African countries.

Analysing the effect of foreign aid on industrialization: Evidence from Africa

The importance of industrialization as an engine of economic growth and structural transformation has been largely documented. Despite the benefits of industrialization, Africa has witnessed a de-industrialization in recent decades. This means that some important determinants of industrialization remain unidentified in Africa. This study fills this gap by analysing the effect of foreign aid on industrialization in 42 African countries over the period 1995–2021. Using the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments, the following results are established. First, on average, foreign aid hurts industrialization in Africa. Second, the effect of foreign aid depends on the nature of the aid since education and energy aid improve industrialization while health and humanitarian aid negatively affect it. Third, we find a U-shaped relationship between foreign aid and industrialization. Interestingly, democracy and human capital can mitigate the negative effect of foreign aid on industrialization. These results have strong economic policy implications for African countries, showing that they should put in more effort to strengthen their level of democracy and human capital in order to enjoy the positive effect of foreign aid on industrialization. Finally, this research contributes to the development of aid distribution plans that support African nations' industrialization.

Abstract 4840: Creating a culturally sensitive manual to increase clinical trial participation among African Americans and African Nationals

Abstract Background: Racial and ethnic minorities are immensely underrepresented in clinical trial studies in the United States. Black/African Americans, Latinos/as, Asians, American Indians, and Pacific Islanders make up roughly 30% of all clinical trials (CT) participation across all race groups. Being inclusive of all populations in CT ensures that everyone has access to modern medicines and treatments, but also, that these latest treatments work and react well to all people. Methods: We developed a manual on clinical trials with a target focus to African Americans and African Nationals. We hosted two focus groups with Blacks/African Americans in which we found they are more comfortable getting cancer related information through trusted community services, such as coming from churches. We have connected with over 80 Pastors who agreed to collaborate in clinical trials education. Results: Through outreach and engagement to African American churches in Los Angeles County, we have distributed a copy of this clinical trials educational manual to 90 churches to be disseminated during their services. Our office of Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) regularly attend community health and resource events and provide hard copies of the clinical trials manual at tables/booths designated for our participation. We have attended 50 community events and have disseminated about 1,900 copies of the CT manual so far this year 2023. This manual is also available for free download on our cancer center’s website, in which over 100 toolkits have been downloaded within the last year. Conclusions: By creating a culturally sensitive and adapted educational manual and partnering with trusted services in the community such as faith-based organizations, we can begin to break down barriers to clinical trials participation among all race and ethnic minority groups. Citation Format: Carolina Aristizabal, Eduardo Ibarra, Lourdes A. Baezconde-Garbanati. Creating a culturally sensitive manual to increase clinical trial participation among African Americans and African Nationals [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 4840.

A Review of Seagrass Cover, Status and Trends in Africa

AbstractThe recognition of the benefits that seagrasses contribute has enhanced the research interest in these marine ecosystems. Seagrasses provide critical goods and services and support the livelihoods of millions of people. Despite this, they are declining around the globe. To conserve these ecosystems, it is necessary to understand their extent and the drivers leading to their loss. However, global seagrass cover estimates are highly uncertain and there are large regional data gaps, especially in the African continent. This work reviewed all available data on the extent of seagrass cover, evidence of changes in cover and drivers of this change in Africa, to inform management and conservation approaches across the continent and identify gaps in knowledge. Using a systematic review and expert consultation, 43 relevant articles were identified. Of the 41 African countries with a coastline, 27% had no data on seagrass cover. For 44%, data were available for some parts of their coastline, while 29% had data for their entire coastline. Quantitative information on trends in seagrass cover change was only available from three countries. The study identified 32 suggested drivers of seagrass cover loss, with impacts from fishing mentioned most frequently. Direct anthropogenic drivers accounted for 66.7% of the mentions, while climate and biologically induced drivers accounted for 22.7% and 10.6%, respectively. This study demonstrates the need for better estimates of seagrass extent, in at least 70% of relevant African nations, and major gaps in our understanding of the drivers of seagrass decline in Africa.

Bibliometric Analysis of Cyber Warfare Research in Africa: Landscape and Trends

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, cyber warfare has emerged as a prominent domain of warfare, with superpower nations actively demonstrating their capabilities in the cyberspace. This study posits that African countries exhibit a relative lag in research and development of cyber warfare capabilities, as evidenced by the absence of African nations in the National Cyber Power Index released by the Belfer Centre for Science and International Affairs in 2022. To address this knowledge gap, this paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of cyber warfare research and development within the African continent. The analysis aims to illuminate research productivity, performance, science mapping, and key contributors at both national and institutional levels. It seeks to uncover thematic trends, pinpoint key research areas, and identify research connections within the African context. This research evaluates the African continent's research participation and development in the cyber and/or information warfare domain over the past 23 years. The analysis encompasses scholarly articles and conference proceedings published between 2000 and 2023, utilizing Scopus as the primary data source. Preliminary findings suggest that cyber warfare research in Africa is concentrated in a limited number of countries, with South Africa emerging as the leading contributor. A comparative analysis further reveals that developed countries generally outpace African nations in cyber warfare research and development, corroborating the rankings presented in the National Cyber Power Index (NCPI) and Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI).