Regulatory Matters Research Articles

Bridging Legal Gaps: Harmonizing the Roles of BPBD, Bakesbangpol, and Bakorwil in Regional Governance

AbstractGood regulations are harmonious laws. Disharmony of laws and regulations gives rise to complex legal issues, at least problematic in the context of fulfilling the objectives of legal uncertainty. One of the dis harmonizations of existing regulations is the regulation regarding the existence of regional institutions in the form of bodies. By using a normative legal study method, this study found that there is a disharmonious form of regulatory material regarding the duties and functions of several regional apparatuses in the form of bodies in Indonesia. There are three regional apparatuses in the form of bodies that have different duties and functions as regulated in Law Number 23 of 2014 concerning Regional Government and Government Regulation Number 18 of 2016 concerning Regional Apparatus, namely Regional Disaster Management Agency (BPPD), the National and Political Unity Agency (Bakesbangpol), and the East Java Province Regional Government and Development Coordinating Agency (Bakorwil). Findings of disharmony in regulatory matters like this have caused several regional government regulations in Indonesia to lack legal certainty. For this reason, it is important to immediately carry out efforts to harmonize the laws and regulations that regulate the duties and functions of regional apparatus in the form of bodies.

Some thoughts on the future of essential oils

ABSTRACT Essential oils have been used for centuries in various cultures for their aromatic and therapeutic properties. Although, there are important issues to consider in the field of essential oils such as paucity of industrial standards, regulatory matters, environmental concerns, sustainable supplies, the future of essential oils looks promising, with numerous factors contributing to the growth and development of industry. Technological advancements in extraction and production, expanding research, product innovations, and increased sustainability efforts will all play a role in shaping the essential oils market in the coming years. With potential applications in healthcare, agriculture, and personal care, essential oils have the potential to become an increasingly important part of modern life. As industry continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the 21st century, it will be essential to prioritize research, innovation, and sustainability to ensure the long-term success and viability of essential oils.

Procurement contract risks management and the performance of force account construction projects in Tanzania: does the regulatory framework matter?

PurposeThe construction sector plays a vital role in the economic progress of every nation, including Tanzania. Notwithstanding its significance, the industry experiences poor performance. This study aims to assess the impact of procurement contract risk management on the performance of force account (FA) construction projects, using a regulatory framework as a moderator.Design/methodology/approachThe cross-sectional research design was used, and data was collected by using a structured questionnaire. The study employed a sample size of 318 respondents to analyse data by using partial least square structural modelling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe findings revealed that supply risk management, procurement internal control system and procurement contract administration influence the performance of FA construction projects. Additionally, the study confirms that the regulatory framework strengthens the relationship between the procurement internal control system and procurement contract administration with the performance of FA construction projects. Therefore, procurement contract risk management, as moderated by the regulatory framework, plays a significant role towards the performance of FA construction projects.Practical implicationsThese findings have significant implications for practitioners and policymakers involved in FA construction projects in the public sector, as they highlight the importance of procurement contract risk management in achieving the successful performance of FA construction projects.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the ongoing discussion about the performance of construction projects, especially those under the FA procurement. It also contributes to the literature on public construction projects in developing countries.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Auditing and the Future of Human Workforce Replacement

The advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) over the recent years have been drastic and stunning, and they have revolutionized the world in such ways as influencing the advancement of other fields such as accounting. This research paper aims to study the deep influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the auditing profession. They plan to assess the strengths and the existing applications to auditing: machine learning, natural language processing, deep learning, and robotic process automation. These technologies allow the auditors to identify issues that they were previously unable to, or it would have taken them so much of their time to be able to locate. The paper also brings out the various risks related to the application of AI to auditing tasks. Some challenges include data quality and its privacy, ethical dilemmas, opaqueness, and regulatory matters on the use of Artificial Intelligence. Also, the soundness of AI choices and the ability to explain such decisions remain an issue, especially with complex financial data that depend on human perception and experience. Additionally, the paper also examines the possibility of AI imposing to replace human auditors in the future while comparing the technological aspects of the audit together with the humanistic aspects.

Female entrepreneurship in a sport context: unveiling the barriers perceived by women in leadership positions in a society of stereotypes!

ABSTRACT Purpose Despite the efforts that have been made by several institutions, women still find it difficult to develop entrepreneurial initiatives in sport. This study identifies the barriers felt by women in leadership positions. Design A qualitative study was carried out through a semi-structured interview systematized at three levels (macro, meso and micro) with 30 female entrepreneurs in Portugal, between January and March 2022. Findings At the macro level, social/cultural issues are found to have a great influence on women’s careers. They also present difficulty in coping with the regulatory and legal matters involved in entrepreneurial processes. At the meso level, men do not willingly accept communication and coordination coming from women. In addition, women are still very dependent on the family. Concerning the micro level, the cultural idea of women being the weakest link ends up influencing their willingness to take risks professionally. More training in entrepreneurship is needed. Practical implications It is suggested that government institutions linked to sport should make adjustments to legislation and provide incentives for women, particularly financial, training and logistic support, applying them in the context of sport federations, clubs and organisations, both public and private. Research Contribution The multi-level model proposed is fundamental to understand how barriers are related, and contribute to more conscious decision-making.

Voices in the digital crowd: a discursive analysis of Airbnb boycott

ABSTRACT The ascent of online platforms has ushered in a democratization of information dissemination and has facilitated the formation of public opinion across various societal matters, including boycotts. By employing a qualitative analysis of narratives found within Reddit conversations related to the Airbnb boycott, this study explores the diverse dimensions of public sentiment and opinion formation within discussions about boycotting Airbnb on Reddit. The analysis has revealed a range of themes within these conversations. These themes include concerns about housing affordability, the commercialization of residential areas, negative effects on local businesses, issues related to discrimination, environmental considerations, gentrification, and criticisms of Airbnb’s business practices, service fees, safety measures, and regulatory matters. Overall, this research contributes to our theoretical understanding of digital activism in the realm of tourism, highlighting its implications for broader societal contexts. It also offers practical insights for businesses operating within the sharing economy, helping them engage with politically conscious consumers and address the ethical implications of their operations.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Pharmaceutical Drug Development

: One of the most popular sectors in the tech and healthcare industries right now is artificial intelligence. In the search and development of new drugs, artificial intelligence is essential. Drug design using computer-assisted design (CADD) has supplanted the traditional approach. Artificial intelligence is assisting businesses in the development of new drugs in a faster, more affordable, and more efficient manner, saving money and manpower in the process of creating new drug molecules to treat any disease. Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis, activity scoring, in silico testing, biomarker development, and mode of action identification are all aided by artificial intelligence. It is revolutionizing these sectors by swiftly identifying potential drug candidates, efficiently conducting clinical trials, and customizing patient care. AI optimizes drug manufacturing processes, augments safety monitoring, and streamlines market analysis. In clinical trials, AI streamlines patient recruitment and ensures more precise trial designs, leading to faster and more efficient research. AI empowers personalized medicine by tailoring treatment plans and drug dosages to individual patient characteristics. AI also optimizes pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, amplifies safety monitoring by analyzing real-time data for adverse events, and supports market analysis and sales strategies. AI in the pharmaceutical industry is a multifaceted tool. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to streamline complex pharmaceutical regulatory matters. Regulatory processes like audits and dossier completion can be automated with AI tools.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles: aversatile carrier platform in lung cancer management.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) are inorganic nanoparticles that have been comprehensively investigated and are intended to deliver therapeutic agents. MSNPs have revolutionized the therapy for various conditions, especially cancer and infectious diseases. In this article, the viability of MSNPs'administration for lung cancer therapy has been reviewed. However, certain challenges lay ahead in the successful translation such as toxicology, immunology, large-scale production, and regulatory matters have made it extremely difficult to translate such discoveries from the bench to the bedside. This review highlights recent developments, characteristics, mechanism of action and customization for targeted delivery. This review also covers the most recent data that sheds light on MSNPs'extraordinary therapeutic potential in fighting lung cancer as well as future hurdles.

A taxonomy of regulatory and policy matters relevant to psychedelic-assisted therapy in Australia.

The Australian government recently rescheduled psilocybin and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine for limited clinical uses. This change has raised various regulatory concerns and challenges for the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. To provide clarity, we aimed to comprehensively catalogue the matters relating to psychedelic-assisted therapy that are or could be regulated. We conducted a desktop review of the literature and current regulatory sources, semi-structured interviews with professionals who had expertise in fields relating to psychedelic-assisted therapy and a framework analysis to generate a taxonomy of relevant regulatory matters. In relation to each matter, we further identified what type of regulation (if any) currently applies to that matter, any uncertainty as to how the matter should be addressed in clinical practice in the context of current regulation and whether there are conflicting views as to how the matter could or should be further regulated. The taxonomy is structured into six main regulatory domains, three of which have a substantial proportion of matters with uncertainty or conflicting views: Service Establishment, Practitioner, and Treatment Delivery. Key examples of such matters include the location of services and facilities required, which professionals are eligible to become psychedelic therapists, and with what qualifications and experience. Matters in the remaining three domains, Patient Evaluation, Drug Supply and Service Oversight, appear by comparison relatively settled, with regulation either well-established or thought unnecessary. The taxonomy provides a roadmap for health services establishing and implementing a psychedelic-assisted therapy program, or for government and other policymakers when determining areas that may require further regulation.

Regulatory Approaches Towards AI-Based Medical Device Cybersecurity: A Transatlantic Perspective

Abstract Cybersecurity of medical devices has become a concrete concern for regulators and policymakers in the European Union and United States. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in cyber-attacks on critical healthcare infrastructures and their IT systems, which have suffered service disruptions and put patients’ health and safety at risk. The increase in cyberattacks on healthcare infrastructure, including medical devices, exacerbated by the growing digitalisation of healthcare services in the EU and the US, has led legislators and regulatory bodies to pay more attention to cybersecurity. Cybersecurity of AI-based medical devices requires the assessment of three areas subject to evolving regulatory approaches: medical devices, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity. Although they may appear distinguished in regulatory matters, the existence of AI-based medical devices and their possible cyber vulnerabilities makes clear that the three are intertwined and deserve closer attention from a regulatory point of view. Few scholars have devoted attention to AI and cybersecurity together. Even less, in our understanding, few comprehensive and EU/US comparative pieces of literature reflect on this specific issue. This paper aims to fill this gap and address the main implications of different regulatory approaches toward AI medical device cybersecurity in the EU and the US. The research stems from the assumption that regulation of medical devices in the EU has been historically inspired by regulatory trends in the US, although with the different cultural, societal, and legal traditions that made them adapt to the specificities of the territory. The paper observes that the US is a rule-based system reflecting a “command-and-control” approach, while the EU system is a principle-based one. While they share the main characteristic of being risk-regulation-based systems, their differences impact how AI-enhanced cybersecurity is regulated.

근로시간 제도의 유연화를 위한 과제

The ”work hours” are the key terms and conditions of employment in the labor contract (Labor Standards Act Article 17-1(2)), and they are closely related to the “wages” paid to the worker as remuneration for work. The main task of the Labor Act is to regulate the work hours to protect the health rights of workers and guarantee the work-life balance of the workers. The history of Labor Act is also called the history of shortening the work hours. This is because the work hours are the key regulatory matters in the Labor Act. It is also a crucial task to regulate the work hours to guarantee the health rights and living rights of the workers.
 The Korean work hour system is mainly based on the Labor Standards Act. Since the enactment of the Labor Standards Act in 1953, the discussions and changes regarding the work hour system have been focusing on reduction of the legal work hours and standard work hours to secure the recess rights or health rights of the workers. For example, the initial work hours of Korea reduced from eight hours a day and 48 hours a week (Labor Standards Act enacted on May 10, 1953) to eight hours a day and 44 hours a week in 1989 (Labor Standards Act amended on March 29, 1989). Since 2003, the work hours have been reduced to eight hours a day and 40 hours a week (Labor Standards Act amended on September 15, 2003) until now. Provided, the work hour system under the current Labor Standards Act mainly regulates the actual work hours and fails to consider the living time of the workers.
 The work-life balance has been recently spotlighted, and there is a growing demand for flexible work hours. In fact, flexible work hour is a key issue in many workers for work-life balance, and flexible work hour is considered as a main mean to improve the work-life balance.
 The guarantee of time needed for family life and social life may vary depending on the individual circumstances of each work. In order to improve the work hour system, it is necessary to secure the right to decide the allocation and placement of the work hours in consideration of the individual worker demands based on the labor-management agreements.
 In reformation of the work hours, the total amount of work hour should be continuously reduced and regulated while guaranteeing flexibility in operation of the work hour within the total amount. The current laws and systems also need to be reviewed again based on these perspectives. Furthermore, individual and fragmentary improvement of the work hour system cause inefficiency and lack of practicality in system operation. Thus, it is necessary to redesign the realistic and future-oriented work hour regulation framework.

Blockchain Technology Implementation in Supply Chain Management: A Literature Review

This paper aims to comprehensively review the main benefits, limitations, and challenges associated with the uptake of Blockchain technology in supply chain management (SCM). The study utilizes the literature review method, examining articles published from 2016 to 2022 and exploring the factors influencing the adoption and implementation of Blockchain in SCM. Multiple scholarly insights have shown no more hacking or cherry picking of options given for presenting data with high confidence and, therefore, reliability, as well as an ability to see everything in a highly limited way. An SCM looking at these multi-party evolutionary models shows that for Blockchain, the key advantages center on significantly increased security, confidentiality, traceability, transparency, data accuracy, privacy, efficiency, accountability, and trust. In contrast, the review has also detailed several limitations and challenges that must be overcome by firms and industries looking to adopt Blockchain within their SCM processes, which include problems with scaling, lower performance as a result of interoperability issues, legal and regulatory matters, very high initial implementation and ongoing maintenance costs, a struggle with standardization of the technology and the needed surveillance of this space, avoidance of technology adoption because of trust, the substantial energy used, low awareness, complexity of integrating with existing systems, being in its last mile in partnerships, and privacy. Even with this potential to transform and be disrupted across industry and its sectors, there are still very significant challenges for Blockchain. For those looking to actually utilize SCM and other sectors, understanding this from a variety of perspectives is of great interest to understand if the technology is fit for that sector and what strategies or networks need to be established or linked into with existing firms. Regardless, if these challenges can be overcome and responded to, then the greater protection and efficiency of current and future SCM processes will not only occur, but it can be the first significant node for broader industry-wide innovation and gains in efficiency.

Institutionalizing Innovation: From Pilot to Scale for Co-Packaged Oral Rehydration Salts and Zinc-A Case Study in Zambia.

We document the development and institutionalization in Zambia of a health innovation for diarrhea treatment aimed at children aged younger than 5 years: a unique oral rehydration salts and zinc (ORSZ) co-pack. Seven recommendations from the World Health Organization/ExpandNet are used retrospectively to analyze and describe the successful scale-up of this innovation from its concept stage, including in-country expansion and policy, institutional, and regulatory changes. The 7 recommendations comprise using a participatory process, tailoring to the country context, designing research to test the innovation, testing the innovation, identifying success factors, and scaling up. The scale-up of co-packaged ORSZ in Zambia is shown to be sustainable. Five years after donor funding ended in 2018, an independent, local manufacturer continues to supply the private and public sectors on a commercially viable basis. Furthermore, national coverage of ORSZ increased from less than 1% in 2012 to 34% in 2018. A key success factor was the continuous facilitation over 8 years (spanning planning, trial, evaluation, and scale-up) by a learning and steering group chaired by the Ministry of Health, open to all and focused on learning transfer and ongoing alignment with other initiatives. Other success factors included a long lead-in of inclusive initial consultation, ideation, and planning with all key stakeholders to build on and mobilize existing resources, knowledge, structures, and systems; alignment with government policy; thorough testing and radical review of the product and its value chain before scale-up, including manufacture, distribution, policy, and regulatory matters; and adoption by the government of a co-packaging strategy to ensure cases of childhood diarrhea are treated with ORSZ. With appropriate local adaptations, this approach to scale-up could be replicated in other low- and middle-income countries as a strategy to increase coverage of ORSZ and potentially other health products.

Fortifying Connected Vehicles Based Cybersecurity Measures for Secure Over-the-Air Software Updates

The emergence of connected vehicles has transformed the automotive sector by enhancing the vehicle’s functionality, efficiency, and safety. The performance and security of these vehicles significantly rely on the deployment of the over-the-air software update. However, the execution of OTA comes with many challenges, especially with regard to security vulnerabilities and risks. The current paper delves into the complexities of the secure OTA software update for connected vehicles addressing the most critical issues; authentication; encryption and integrity verification, and risk management. Through advanced cryptographic methodologies, stringent authentication processes, and secure communication channels, automotive manufacturers and other service providers can guarantee the integrity and confidentiality of the updates, and consumers’ data from malicious attack. Moreover, the paper explores the regulatory and other standards-related matters that control the use of OTA in the automotive sector. An understanding of the secure OTA update mechanisms aids the stakeholders in establishing a resilient connection in connected vehicles boosting consumer trust and the future of the automobiles industry.

E- commerce Adoption and Development in an African Context: A Literature Review of Botswana

The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of existing research on the acceptance and development of e-commerce in Botswana, with the intention of providing suggestions for future research areas. This study utilized Google Scholar's comprehensive coverage of journal databases to collect academic papers published between the years 2000 and 2023. A Boolean search was employed to analyze these publications. A total of 65 papers were reviewed. The authors identified a gap in the existing research on the implementation and progress of electronic commerce in Botswana, noting that the current studies were outdated. The study identified a range of factors that influence the development and adoption of e-commerce in Botswana. These factors include organizational aspects, internet pricing, security concerns, electricity interruptions, market suitability, innovation, management dedication, government policies, telecommunication infrastructure, e-commerce skills, credit card usage, slow internet connectivity, organization size, website design, gender, financing, and regulatory matters, among others. Subsequent research should ascertain the validity of the existing findings, embrace technology and innovation frameworks, and explore the adoption of e-commerce from the customer's standpoint. Though this review provides valuable insights into e-commerce development in Botswana and other developing economies, but its conclusions should be approached cautiously due to its limited selection of studies and reliance on past and existing research. Furthermore, it covers Botswana's e-commerce adoption, a topic understudied in the literature. It also discusses the factors affecting e-commerce uptake in developing nations and the policy implications for fostering it. E-commerce can boost economic diversification and inclusive growth in developing nations, according to the assessment. Future research should focus on e-commerce's impact on economic diversification and inclusive growth, particularly in emerging nations like Botswana.

REGULATORY POLICY IN THE REALM OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: EXPLORING APPROACHES TO LEGAL REGULATION

The article represents a research endeavor that explores the approaches to regulating the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) in Kazakhstan. It presents an analysis of the methodologies employed in the development of ethical principles, strategic documents, and legislative frameworks, with the overarching objective of establishing a well-balanced model that fosters the advancement of emerging technologies and progress in the field of AI, while emphasizing the safeguarding of citizens' rights and lawful interests and ensuring their safety. The article furnishes a structured comprehension of the prospects associated with AI regulation in Kazakhstan, alongside recommendations for the adoption of contemporary international standards and practices. Particular attention is devoted to the experiences of the European Union and the United Kingdom in shaping a comprehensive regulatory framework for the AI domain. Based on a critical analysis of foreign practices, the article advocates for a delineation of regulatory matters at both the legislative and sub-legislative levels. To address legislative regulation, a series of measures is proposed, encompassing the definition of the concept of artificial intelligence, the establishment of regulatory principles, the mandatory implementation of impact assessments on human rights stemming from AI systems, the precise specification of competencies for the regulatory authority, and the requirement of transparency in AI utilization. However, the article acknowledges the impracticality of codified AI regulation. As for sub-legislative regulation, it is recommended to delineate the intricacies of procedures for assessing the impact of AI systems on human rights and technological evaluations. Furthermore, it is imperative to ascertain specific characteristics of AI systems that enable the assessment of their level of risk and potential adverse consequences for society and individual rights. Such an approach ensures clarity, efficacy, and the necessary flexibility demanded by the rapidly evolving landscape of societal interactions. The conducted research carries the potential for considerable value across diverse audiences. Primarily, policymakers and legislators will find invaluable recommendations that aid in devising effective strategies within the realm of AI. Moreover, the article holds significance for legal professionals, human rights advocates, students, and all those engaged in the scholarly pursuit of AI's legal regulation.

Sustainability challenges of artificial intelligence and Citizens' regulatory preferences

Following the idea that citizens' regulatory preferences matter for the acceptance and success of policy measures, this paper investigates citizens' support for the regulation of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The focus lies on the transparency and the ecological sustainability of AI as two key challenges tied to possible long-term impacts on societies. Findings from survey data representative of the German population show overall moderate to strong support for the government regulating AI. Perceived regulatory competence of policymakers is positively associated with citizens' support for soft regulation. Lower trust in tech companies is linked to a lower readiness to rely on soft regulation, but not to more demand for hard regulation. While regulatory preferences barely map on political conflict lines, people's future orientation emerges as a strong correlate of support for both hard and soft regulation. Citizens thus seem to perceive a clear sustainability dimension in the development and governance of AI.

European Regulatory Approaches to Preventing Carbon Leakage: Rolling Back Johnson’s EU ‘Diplomacy’ for a Brighter Environmental Future

Further to the EU carbon regulatory framework, particularly the EU Emissions Trading Scheme and the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), this legal and related implementation research addresses the regulatory future of carbon leakage prevention within the UK industrial sector. Carbon leakage from other countries or sectors will not be addressed. Further, the UK ETS will be the central regulatory mechanism from which carbon leakage will be considered while other avenues will not be addressed. The scope will be narrowed further for a case study, which explores the regulatory scenario in the context of the UK cement industry as a demonstration of a regulatory scenario in action. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no research currently explores future prevention of carbon leakage in the UK ETS with specific qualitative analysis of the UK cement industry. This research is designed to fill this gap. This research also identifies and analyses the regulatory options available to prevent carbon leakage in the UK ETS for the UK industrial sector, to guide future regulatory strategy with continuing EU regulatory alignment in mind, at least as a means of Brexit damage control limitation noting that Johnsonian Anti-EU diplomacy needs to be reversed in the UK environmental and economic interest. Among the objectives of the research, we review and critique the evidence base for carbon regulatory leakage within the UK’s industrial sector, and the historical and current regulatory strategies to avoid it. We analyse how a particular regulatory scenario may apply to the UK cement industry, and how the industry may be affected by the implementation of this regulatory scenario. Interviews with key experts and stakeholders were conducted in order to reinforce and validate the literature and case study analysis. After an Introduction (section I), the research design is explained and justified in methodological terms (section II). Then we conduct a literature analysis to address the phenomenon of carbon leakage in its current and historical context (section III). A regulatory scenario is developed and presented in section IV to understand CBAM implementation challenges. In section V we conduct a case study of CBAM and the cement industry to further explore the regulatory scenario. Section VI, the Discussion section addresses semi-structured interview responses which are thematically analysed alongside findings from previous sections. Finally, we conclude with remarks about key findings, limitations and future research opportunities. In summation, if the UK hopes to meet its ambitious climate goals, an updated carbon leakage strategy is required to mitigate this. The UK should immediately consider how it wishes to align with the EU ETS on these regulatory matters. Experts across sectors agreed that pursuing linkage of the UK ETS with the EU ETS and implementing a similar CBAM would benefit the UK. If this is the regulatory future of choice, alignment of current regulatory strategy with this goal is required sooner rather than later. Emissions Trading, Regulation, EU ETS, UK ETS, Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, European Union, United Kingdom

Barriers to off-grid energy development: Evidence from a comparative survey of private sector energy service providers in Eastern Africa

In light of recent growth and falling costs of solar photovoltaic technology, this paper examines the barriers and opportunities facing off-grid development in Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, four countries whose off-grid sectors vary in maturity. We compare and link the perspectives of nearly 200 private companies to the development of the sector in each country, and measure trade-offs among different institutional designs for regulating and supporting off-grid investment. The survey reveals a set of common challenges but also considerable variation within and across countries. Development of the market is constrained by a lack of market information and technical capacity, insufficiently comprehensive regulation, and in specific countries, informal sector competition (Tanzania), the cost of doing business (Ethiopia), poor tariff policy (Tanzania), and lack of funding (Uganda). Moreover, firm responses emphasize the need for several policy supports: subsidy, financing, access to foreign exchange, technical assistance for regulatory matters, and capacity building. A discrete choice experiment clarifies these policy preferences, but reveals trade-offs as well as country differences. Though the off-grid sector is growing in all four countries, many policy and regulatory obstacles remain, and these will continue to challenge achievement of SDG7: Sustainable, modern energy for all.

The effect of ICT on financial sector development in Africa: does regulatory quality matter?

ABSTRACT The moderating role of regulatory quality in the relationship between ICT and financial development in Africa is investigated in this study. We employ data from 38 African countries from 2003 to 2020. For the analysis, a two-step system GMM is used. Our findings demonstrate that ICT and regulatory quality are essential for financial development. The net effect of ICT and regulatory quality on financial development is positive, implying that regulatory quality moderates upwards the nexus between ICT and financial development. On different financial development indicators, ICT improves financial depth and access but deteriorates financial efficiency and stability. The net effects of ICT and regulatory quality are positive for financial depth and efficiency and negative for financial access and stability. It is, therefore, imperative for the government to improve regulatory quality in Africa, given the significance of ICT and regulatory quality in supporting financial development.