This policy brief examines the implications of Germany’s new budgetary orientations for Mali, particularly the significant reduction in German humanitarian and development assistance. Mali faces multiple crises, including food insecurity, armed conflicts, political instability and climate shocks, which make the country highly dependent on international aid. Germany has long been one of the main donors, funding humanitarian relief, agricultural resilience, health services and social cohesion projects implemented by NGOs and international agencies. However, recent budget cuts—combined with the withdrawal or reduction of assistance from several Western partners—could worsen Mali’s humanitarian situation. Reduced funding may limit access to basic services, undermine local economic initiatives and weaken conflict prevention mechanisms. The article also highlights the importance of the humanitarian-development-peace nexus in addressing complex crises and promoting long-term stability. It recommends maintaining priority funding for Mali, strengthening aid localization and promoting community empowerment to reduce dependence on external assistance.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Development, Gold, Aid, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This policy brief examines the consequences of the drastic reduction in U.S. foreign aid, particularly the suspension of USAID funding announced after 2025, on the Lake Chad Basin region. The region already faces multiple crises, including violent extremism, structural poverty, large-scale population displacement, food insecurity, and climate-related environmental stress. For decades, international aid—especially from USAID—has played a crucial role in supporting humanitarian assistance, healthcare, education, social cohesion, and peacebuilding initiatives. Based on interviews conducted with non-governmental organizations operating in Nigeria and Cameroon, the study highlights how funding cuts are disrupting humanitarian programs and weakening essential services for vulnerable populations. The reduction of aid risks deepening instability, increasing humanitarian needs, and exacerbating recruitment by violent extremist groups. The brief therefore stresses the need to diversify funding sources and strengthen local institutional capacities in order to reduce dependency on international donors and ensure more sustainable responses to the region’s complex crises.

Economic Development, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Aid, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

This article examines the impact of the suspension of USAID activities on Nigeria’s health ecosystem, with a particular focus on HIV and malaria programmes, health workforce stability, and domestic health financing. Based on key informant interviews with government officials, civil society organisations, and implementing partners, the study highlights how the abrupt funding cuts led to service disruptions, medicine stock-outs, layoffs of health workers, and weakened monitoring and prevention mechanisms. These effects were especially severe in states heavily reliant on external donor funding. Despite these challenges, the article documents adaptive responses by Nigerian authorities and partners, including budget reallocations, engagement with new donors, and increased emphasis on domestic resource mobilisation. The author argues that the crisis exposes the structural vulnerability of health systems dependent on a single donor and calls for more resilient, diversified, and nationally anchored financing strategies. The article concludes with policy recommendations aimed at strengthening sustainability and preparedness within Nigeria’s health sector.

State, Economic Development, Conflict, Development, Donor, Threat, Aid, Knowlege production, EMPLOYMENT, Funding

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

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

This bulletin, published by Action Against Hunger (ACF) in May 2025, presents monitoring data from 64 microenterprises supported in Bassikounou, Mauritania. The report highlights the continued economic vulnerability of households, despite support for income-generating activities (IGAs). Average monthly income remains low (27,540 MRU) and unstable, particularly for women (22,250 MRU). Households face heavy expenses for health, food, and education, with limited savings capacity and weak income diversification. The report also notes the negative impact of climate shocks on economic activities. While beneficiaries acknowledge positive effects from the program, their prospects remain precarious without structural support, enhanced market access, training, and financing opportunities.

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

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