This paper investigates the relationship between stock market development and economic growth across five West African countries (Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Mali) over the period 2005-2020, using panel data methods including fixed effects, random effects and system GMM estimators. The study assesses how market capitalization, trading volume, turnover ratio and number of listed companies affect GDP growth, controlling for macro-economic and institutional variables. Results indicate a positive and significant effect of market capitalization on growth (β ~0.043), a marginally significant effect of trading volume, and an insignificant role of turnover ratio. The number of listed companies per million population yields a positive effect. Interaction terms highlight that governance quality strengthens the growth impact of stock market development. Panel Granger causality tests reveal two-way causality between market capitalization and GDP growth in some countries. The author concludes that though modest, stock market development importantly contributes to growth, especially under strong institutions, and calls for policies enhancing market depth, governance and regional integration.

Governance, Economic Development, Development, Economic growth

This study by Evans Yeboah and Václav Adamec, published in the Journal of Social and Economic Development (Springer Nature, June 9 2025), examines the effects of investment and trade on economic performance across twelve ECOWAS member states from 1993 to 2022. Using PMG-ARDL and NARDL estimation techniques, the paper finds that gross capital formation and trade openness positively influence long-run GDP per capita growth, whereas population growth, labor participation, unemployment, merchandise trade, and FDI exert negative effects. External debt is statistically insignificant in the long term. In the short term, increases in FDI and merchandise trade enhance income growth. Nonlinear estimations show that both increases and decreases in FDI dampen growth, while trade expansion boosts economic performance. The authors recommend promoting trade liberalization, improving FDI quality, ensuring sustainable debt management, and implementing labor-market reforms and export diversification strategies.

Governance, Economic Development, Trade, Economic growth

The article “The Current Status of Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea” by Lamir Ado Mohammed and Dimitrios Dalaklis (World Maritime University) examines the current state of maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, focusing on Nigerian waters. Using a quantitative approach based on data from the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB), the study finds a significant decline in piracy and sea crimes. This progress is attributed to coordinated efforts among NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and G7++ Friends of the Gulf of Guinea (FoGG) navies. The SPOMO Act has further deterred offenders. However, piracy appears to be shifting to other areas within the Gulf. The authors emphasize the need for an integrated approach including coastal community development, Blue Economy promotion, improved surveillance, and anti-corruption measures.

Bribery, Governance, Security, Piracy

This paper investigates the effect of urbanization on household food security in Mali by using both objective (per capita food expenditure) and subjective (Household Hunger Scale) measures. The data set consists of 9,782 households surveyed in February 2018 under the national food security and nutrition survey (ENSAN) conducted by Mali’s Early Warning System (SAP). The findings indicate that urban households are less food secure than rural ones: urbanization significantly decreases food expenditure per capita and increases the likelihood of being food insecure (mild to moderate). Key explanatory factors include low and irregular urban incomes, heavy dependence on purchased food, and limited own-food production. The authors suggest policymakers should target urban poor households in food safety nets and social protection schemes.

Governance, Food security, Urbanisation

The article examines the wave of democratic backsliding in West Africa, highlighting main drivers : increased military influence in politics, electoral manipulation, constitutional changes benefiting incumbents, and lack of economic dividends for citizens. To counter this trend, the author suggests (1) addressing causes of military intervention particularly poor socio-economic conditions, (2) building trust in institutions such as the judiciary, media and electoral bodies, and (3) enhancing the role of civil society. Overall, the argument is that only through stronger governance institutions and better socio-economic outcomes for citizens can the trend of democratic decline be reversed.

Governance, Democracy, Institution

The 2023 Human Rights Report on Côte d’Ivoire notes no significant overall changes during the year, while documenting key concerns: arbitrary or unlawful killings (including extrajudicial), torture and ill-treatment, harsh, life-threatening prison conditions (severe overcrowding at MACA), arbitrary arrest and detention, serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media (suspensions, self-censorship), interference with peaceful assembly, corruption, and violence against LGBTQI+ persons. Reports describe abuse between arrest and booking, inadequate food and medical care in some facilities, and prolonged pretrial detention amid limited judicial capacity outside major cities. While the report notes incremental improvements (e.g., a new prison, more outdoor time for inmates), it concludes the government did not consistently identify and punish officials responsible for abuses.

Bribery, Governance, Justice, Human Rights, Liberté d'expression, Impunity

This note reviews the September 5, 2023 judgment of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights in Ligue ivoirienne des droits de l’homme and Others v. Côte d’Ivoire (App. No. 041/2016), arising from the Probo Koala toxic waste dumping in Abidjan (Trafigura). The Court found five violations by Côte d’Ivoire: right to an effective remedy, right to life, right to health, right to a satisfactory environment, and right to information. It clarifies states’ positive obligations (prevention, protection, investigation, redress), links them to the Bamako Convention and regional environmental norms, and underscores corporate responsibility under the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights while holding the state primarily responsible. Remedies include establishing a victims’ compensation fund, providing medical and psychological care, and adopting legislative and institutional reforms (civil/criminal corporate liability, hazardous-waste bans, capacity building).

Governance, Security, Human Rights

This article analyzes ECOWAS’s response to the 2021 coup d’état in Guinea through the lens of the Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. The authors argue that ECOWAS’s reaction was undermined by internal contradictions and political inconsistency. While condemning coups, the organization remained silent on Alpha Condé’s constitutional manipulation, which allowed him to extend his rule unlawfully. This selective stance eroded ECOWAS’s credibility. The paper highlights the limited impact of sanctions, the shallow economic integration among member states, and the growing cooperation among military regimes in Guinea, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. It concludes that ECOWAS must strengthen its monitoring of electoral processes, enforce its democratic norms equally, and avoid double standards if it seeks to restore legitimacy and promote lasting democratic governance in West Africa.

Power, State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Conflict, Democracy, Development, Election, Threat

The article examines the growing influence of militant groups, especially the JNIM, in western Mali (regions of Kayes, Nioro, Diboli). After the coordinated attacks on 1 July 2025, a blockade was implemented, disrupting transport and economic flows (buses stopped, fuel tankers attacked). The Bamako–Kayes–Dakar corridor, essential for energy supply and commercial exchanges with Senegal, is now endangered. Mali is attempting to bolster its military infrastructure (including a new camp in Nioro) but struggles to maintain a lasting presence, while the terrorists favour high-impact, mobile operations rather than permanent occupation. Senegal is engaging in mixed border patrols, recognizing that the threat, although diffuse, remains real.

Governance, Boundary, Security, Terrorism, Economic growth