This monitoring bulletin, published in April 2025 by Action Against Hunger (ACF), evaluates micro-enterprises supported in the moughataa of Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a project for the socioeconomic inclusion of Malian refugees and host communities. The report highlights slight improvements in profitability, particularly in agriculture and crafts, but also reveals entrepreneurs' heavy reliance on external aid, limited access to formal financing, and persistent economic fragility. Key challenges include high costs and scarcity of raw materials, limited use of management tools, and underdeveloped local financial mechanisms. The bulletin recommends strengthening personalized support, structuring community financing systems, and building local partnerships. It also suggests innovative strategies such as resilience funds and collective input purchasing to improve sustainability and autonomy.

Power, Agriculture, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

Since April 2023, over 930,000 individuals have fled the war in Sudan, seeking refuge in eastern Chad, particularly in the Ouaddaï region. This massive influx has placed significant strain on local resources, intensifying intercommunal tensions and agropastoral conflicts. Chadian authorities, with support from international partners, are striving to manage this humanitarian crisis while maintaining regional stability. The report emphasizes the need to strengthen cross-border cooperation, improve natural resource management, and promote dialogue among communities to prevent an escalation of violence. It also calls for increased international aid to support humanitarian and development efforts in the region.

Conflict, refugee, Aid, Crise humanitaire

This ACF monitoring bulletin presents the progress of 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a UNHCR-funded project. Despite a fragile economic context, some positive trends are observed: improved debt repayment (88%), increased use of personal savings, and emerging financial diversification. Agriculture, livestock, and general trade prove most profitable, while solar energy remains the most vulnerable sector. However, major challenges persist: reliance on humanitarian aid, limited access to formal financing, poor business structuring, rising input costs, and client indebtedness. ACF recommends reinforced support (training, management tools, formalization, access to credit) to ensure long-term sustainability. The strong involvement of women and the growing use of community-based solutions (tontines, AVECs) are encouraging signs of economic resilience and adaptation.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The February 2025 monitoring report covers 56 micro-enterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania, under a project funded by UNHCR. These enterprises span six sectors including agriculture, livestock, and general trade. Despite a fragile economic environment, there is a slight improvement in savings and investment. However, access to financing remains limited due to the lack of tailored financial structures. Entrepreneurs face several challenges such as client debt, high input costs, and poor adoption of management tools. Most businesses report the ability to meet their debts, reflecting a degree of economic resilience. NGOs and local institutions play a crucial role in technical support and financial inclusion. Nevertheless, the sustainability of these businesses depends on more strategic, long-term financing options.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

The Micro-enterprise Monitoring Bulletin in the Moughataa of Bassikounou (Mauritania), published in January 2025 by Action Against Hunger (ACF), analyzes the performance of micro-enterprises supported as part of a project funded by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The report highlights the major difficulties encountered by entrepreneurs: limited access to raw materials, dependence on subsidies, and lack of additional financing. It identifies six main sectors of activity: agriculture, crafts, trade, livestock, solar equipment and services. The study highlights that 69% of entrepreneurs honor their debts, although access to credit remains limited. Recommendations are proposed, including improving financing, management training and encouraging savings. Monitoring is carried out using a digital device (Télérivet) and a dashboard accessible online.

Agriculture, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Private sector, Funding

This working paper examines the initiative of the three Sahel Alliance countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger) to exit the CFA franc zone and establish a common currency. Although politically motivated, this initiative presents major economic risks, including inflation, currency devaluation, and a shortage of foreign exchange reserves. It highlights the potential short-term gains in competitiveness from devaluation, but acknowledges that structural transformations are unlikely. The article also examines the limited economic impact on regional partners such as ECOWAS and UEMOA, the potential disruption of migrant remittances, financial relations, and the minor economic effect on France.

Politics, Political party, Power, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Development, Gold, Aid

The summary examines the role of civil societies in the Sahel (Mauritania, Mali, Niger) and their impact on social change. It identifies eight ecosystems of organizations, including charitable associations, trade unions, cultural and religious groups, and feminist movements. The research highlights historical tensions, such as the colonial legacy and challenges of independence. The reasoned mapping of civil society dynamics reveals the complex interplay between the state, market, and domestic spheres. It emphasizes the importance of local actors in improving social services, promoting human rights, and empowering women, while analyzing the limits of international funding. Finally, the report proposes strategies to strengthen local capacities, enhance social proximity, and increase the visibility of aid initiatives.

State, Economic Development, Gender, Justice, Education, Development, Social, Aid, Researh, Knowlege production