The article offers a critical review of the literature on the crisis of research for development in Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa, from independence to the present. It argues that this crisis is structural, marked by institutional weaknesses, insufficient funding, external dependency, and the marginalization of social sciences. In the 1960s–70s, the main issue was capacity building, accompanied by relative optimism. From the 1980s–90s onward, the crisis deepened due to structural adjustment policies, massification of higher education, and the weakening of research systems. Since the 2000s, the crisis persists but has evolved with globalization, the rise of consultancy work, and the fragmentation of scientific communities. The author highlights the importance of internal factors (governance, public policies, academic organization) and advocates for reclaiming scientific production grounded in African realities.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Education, Development, Social, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production, Crisis

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

In 2026, Africa–China relations are shifting toward a more balanced, strategic partnership. African countries aim to make debt more sustainable, develop local industrialization and value addition, and strengthen transparency in cooperation. China focuses on securing critical minerals, expanding diplomatic influence, and promoting security cooperation, while African nations seek to limit militarization and increase economic autonomy. Industrialization, especially in electric vehicles and battery production, is a central priority. Monitoring mechanisms, such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (MAEP), and civil society engagement aim to enhance governance and project effectiveness. Africa plays a strategic global role due to its resources, youthful population, and diplomatic weight in the UN and G20. The future partnership envisions joint ventures, increased technology transfer, and investments that create jobs and retain local value.

Development, Cooperation, Public debt

This policy brief examines the consequences of the withdrawal of USAID from migration-related activities in Mauritania in 2025. Although USAID was not the country’s largest donor, its exit weakened several key programmes supporting youth resilience, social cohesion, refugee protection and food security. The sudden suspension of funding led to the interruption of flagship projects such as Nafoore and Tamkeen, with significant impacts on local NGOs, UN agencies and municipalities, particularly in migration hotspots like Hodh El Chargui. The analysis highlights that USAID’s withdrawal occurred alongside strengthened European migration control policies, increasing the risk of human rights violations against migrants. While other donors (European Union, KOICA, Italian cooperation) have partially filled the gap, coordination remains limited and fragmented. The policy brief calls for diversification of funding sources, stronger national institutional capacities, and an integrated migration–development–protection approach to ensure the sustainability of migration governance and support mechanisms in Mauritania.

Economic Development, Migration, Natural ressources, Security, Justice, Education, Gold, Human security, Social, Funding

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

The Pastoral Surveillance Bulletin of Mauritania No. 36 examines agropastoral conditions during October–November 2025, a transition period between the rainy season and the dry season. Overall, pasture availability remains satisfactory in monitored areas (Hodh Chargui, Guidimakha, Brakna, and Gorgol), despite the gradual drying up of temporary water sources and an increase in bushfires, which threaten rangeland sustainability. Livestock body condition is generally good, although suspected animal diseases persist, prompting the launch of the 2025–2026 national livestock vaccination campaign. Markets remain supplied, but high cereal prices continue to limit favorable terms of trade for pastoral households. The bulletin also highlights growing pressure linked to the continuous arrival of Malian refugees, particularly in eastern Mauritania, increasing competition over natural resources and heightening the risk of social tensions.

State, Economic Development, Livestock, Natural ressources, Security, Education, Gold, Human security, Knowlege production, water

The article examines China’s strategy in Africa’s critical minerals sector, which is central to advanced technologies, energy transition, and national security. Through long-term investments, China has secured a dominant position not only in mining but, more importantly, in processing and refining capacities, enabling it to control much of the global value chain. In Africa, this strategy relies on large-scale mine acquisitions, offtake agreements, resource-backed financing, and deep integration into infrastructure such as railways, ports, and power generation. Despite Africa’s vast mineral wealth, the continent remains largely confined to exporting raw materials, with limited gains in industrialization, employment, and technology transfer. The article highlights power asymmetries, environmental and labor risks, and rising financial dependence. It also explores emerging African policy responses aimed at capturing more local value, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing economic sovereignty in the face of intense global competition.

Power, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Cooperation, Dialogue, Diplomacy, Soicial sciences, Knowlege production

Despite recent economic improvements, poverty remains pervasive in Guinea, according to Afrobarometer survey data from June 2025. A large majority of Guineans report having experienced shortages of essential goods over the past year, particularly cash income, medical care, clean water, and food. The Lived Poverty Index shows that nearly 80% of citizens endured moderate or severe poverty, disproportionately affecting women, less educated individuals, and residents of regions such as Kankan and Conakry. In response to these hardships, households rely heavily on family and community support networks to meet basic needs. Public dissatisfaction with government economic performance is widespread, especially regarding price stability, job creation, inequality reduction, and poverty alleviation. Approval ratings for government action across these areas have declined significantly since 2015, highlighting persistent social and economic vulnerabilities despite reported macroeconomic gains.

Governance, Economic Development, Development, Poverty