This article examines South–South security cooperation in Africa through the case of the G5 Sahel. The authors argue that regional organisations, despite being guided by the mantra of “African solutions to African problems,” remain rigid, underfunded, and donor-dependent. In this context, ad hoc initiatives such as the G5 Sahel and the Accra Initiative have proliferated, appearing more flexible and context-sensitive. However, these often become “zombified” institutions shaped by external funding and donor agendas. The G5 Sahel exemplifies this paradox: while it failed to curb insecurity, it nonetheless fostered military cooperation and generated new forms of African agency. This “productive failure” illustrates how Sahelian states repurpose constraints into political opportunities, reassert sovereignty, and engage in new bilateral or regional arrangements, including the creation of the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES).

State, Economic Development, Security, Conflict, Education, Development, Human security, Cooperation, Threat, Knowlege production

This article explores Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy among university students in Ghana and Nigeria, focusing on the affective, behavioral, cognitive, and ethical dimensions (ABCE framework). Based on a survey of 427 students, it demonstrates that motivation and self-efficacy (affective) positively influence knowledge and critical thinking (cognitive), mediated by collaboration (behavioral) and ethical awareness. Results reveal that country differences do not significantly affect these relationships, highlighting a shared underlying mechanism for AI literacy development in West Africa. The study emphasizes the need to strengthen motivation, promote collaborative learning, embed ethical reasoning in curricula, and contextualize pedagogies for local realities. It contributes original empirical evidence to global AI literacy debates by foregrounding West African contexts and offering practical strategies for integrating AI education in resource-constrained environments.

Economic Development, Religious education, Education, Development, Threat, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Information, EMPLOYMENT, Intelligence artificielle, Literacy

The article “Governance and Economic Development in West Africa: Linking Governance with Economic Misery” investigates the nexus between governance and economic development across West African countries. Using indicators such as political stability, government effectiveness, and corruption control, the authors evaluate governance performance in the region. Findings reveal that while Cape Verde, Ghana, and The Gambia achieve relatively positive scores, most countries suffer from institutional weaknesses. Mali is highlighted as a case of severe decline, driven by recurrent political and security crises. The study argues that poor governance significantly contributes to “economic misery” by exacerbating poverty, inequality, and underdevelopment. The authors emphasize that strengthening domestic institutions—through transparency, accountability, and democratic participation—is essential for sustainable economic progress and social stability in West Africa.

State, Governance, Economic Development, Justice, Education, Development, Threat, Researh, Knowlege production, Institution

The article “Japan Innovates to Deepen Its Relations with Africa” by Paul Nantulya examines the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in August 2025 in Yokohama. Japan reaffirmed its distinctive approach, based on co-creation, joint ownership, and blended public-private financing, standing apart from traditional aid models. The conference brought together leaders from 42 African countries along with over 500 stakeholders from business, academia, and civil society. Japan’s engagement revolves around three pillars: economy (value chains, added-value exports, regional integration), society (health, education, youth and women inclusion), and peace and stability (support for APSA, peace operations, counter-terrorism, and transnational crime). Concrete initiatives include training 300,000 young Africans, developing trade corridors (Nacala, Mombasa, Kinshasa), and industrial investment in critical minerals. The article stresses Japan’s enduring credibility in Africa, derived from its collaborative, cautious, and innovation-driven approach to partnership.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Peace, Education, Development, Gold, Human security

This report examines the evolution of Islamic donors in the Sahel, from their historical roots to their recent strategic shifts. Initially framed by South-South solidarity and the oil shocks of the 1970s, Gulf donors gradually expanded their influence through religious and private aid, notably via Islamic NGOs and non-profit organizations. The study highlights the privatization of aid, the emergence of a “Muslim humanitarianism,” and the growing role of Salafist NGOs in social work, especially in Senegal. These actors, perceived as close to communities, provide assistance considered accessible and effective, while challenging traditional Western cooperation models. Their strategies include delegitimizing classical partners and reshaping local socio-political dynamics. The report concludes that international agencies must adapt, build partnerships with legitimate Islamic actors, and integrate local cultural and religious contexts to enhance peacebuilding and sustainable development in the region.

Politics, Political party, State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Donor, Gold, Social, Aid, Civil Society

This study examines the sharp decline in under-five mortality in Burkina Faso from 2010 to 2021, using Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) data and the Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition method. Findings indicate that under-five mortality dropped from 128 per 1,000 live births in 2010 to 48 per 1,000 in 2021. The decline is mainly explained (77%) by performance effects, including behavioral changes and the effectiveness of health policies, while demographic composition changes accounted for only 23%. Key factors include the reduction in uneducated mothers, wider use of mosquito nets, urbanization, and improved health behaviors among unemployed women. Nevertheless, significant disparities remain in high-risk regions such as the Sahel and the Southwest, where targeted interventions are essential to improve healthcare access and reduce inequalities. The study highlights the importance of integrating health policies with education, economic development, and sanitation for sustained progress.

Politics, Economic Development, Gender, Conflict, Religious education, Education, Development, Family, Women, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Démographie, Santé publique

In June 2025, Action Against Hunger (ACF) released a monitoring bulletin on micro-enterprises in Bassikounou, Mauritania, as part of its economic resilience program. The study assessed 50 ACF-supported micro-enterprises, mainly operating in retail trade, catering, and services. Findings indicate an average 18% increase in turnover since the previous assessment, despite ongoing challenges such as supply chain issues, rising prices, and limited product diversification. Most beneficiaries are women (72%), who report improved income and autonomy. However, reliance on local markets and low savings capacity continue to hinder the sustainability of these businesses. The report recommends strengthening management training, diversifying business sectors, and improving access to credit.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Civil Society, Funding

The article examines pastoralism in Nigeria, exploring its historical roots, sustainable practices, and current challenges. Rooted in Fulani cultural heritage, pastoralism involves extensive livestock rearing of cattle, sheep, and goats, using techniques like rotational grazing and selective breeding. Grazing lands and reserves face threats from urbanization, climate change, and farmer-herder conflicts. Despite initiatives such as the National Livestock Transformation Plan and cattle colonies, implementation has been limited. Pastoralism plays a vital economic and social role, providing food, income, employment, and cultural identity. The authors stress the need for stronger infrastructure, secure land tenure, integration of traditional knowledge with modern innovations, and climate-resilient practices. Collaboration among herders, government, NGOs, and civil society is deemed crucial to ensuring sustainability and productivity of the pastoral system in Nigeria.

State, Livestock, Climate change, Natural ressources, Security, Conflict, Development, Food security, Human security, Customs

The "Country Profile – Niger," published on July 17, 2025, by the PASAS platform, analyzes 335 references about Niger. The document is structured around six themes: governance, security and conflict, peace and mediation, education and gender, economic development, and environment. Governance is shaped by shifting regional alliances (AES, ECOWAS), anti-French sentiment, and a dominant military approach. The security section highlights Sahel-wide crises, border violence, jihadist groups, national armies, and self-defense militias. Peacebuilding discussions include community resilience, women’s involvement, and the revival of customary justice systems. Education, mental health, and gender issues are addressed with a strong focus on youth vulnerability. Lastly, environmental challenges are explored through themes like climate change, pastoralism, and artisanal gold mining, revealing a complex intersection of ecological and economic dynamics.

Politics, Political party, Governance, Environment, Natural ressources, Security, Development, Gold, Human security, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production