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 highlights the unprecedented Washington meeting held from July 9 to 11, 2025, between Donald Trump and five African presidents (Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mauritania, Senegal). While Trump implemented an executive order suspending U.S. aid and pivoting his foreign policy towards bilateral deals grounded in trade and security, this summit presents a strategic opportunity for Senegal, under President Bassirou Diomaye Faye. Aligning with its “Senegal 2050” agenda, the country can capitalize on this shift by asserting regional leadership, showcasing its strengths in security, energy, and digital sectors, and positioning itself as a key player amid China and BRICS influence. The global shift from traditional aid to structured commercial partnerships provides a platform for Senegal to emerge as a reliable strategic partner, attracting productive investment.

Governance, Economic Development, Security, Diplomacy, International cooperation

The article "Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation in the Sahel and West Africa", based on a dialogue by WATHI and the SWAC, highlights the region's growing vulnerability to climate change. Sahel and West Africa face rapid biodiversity loss, agro-pastoral conflicts, droughts, floods, and forced displacement. Urbanization and demographic pressure increase competition for resources. Panelists call for an energy transition based on renewables, improved water management, integration of local knowledge, and a shift in scientific research towards practical solutions. The report urges a rethinking of development policies through a sustainable, inclusive, and low-carbon lens.

Politics, Political party, Economic Development, Climate change, Natural ressources, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

The article titled “Financing and Transforming Agriculture in the Sahel and West Africa”, written by Dr. Maman-Lawal Bagoudou Mossi, addresses the structural challenges of agriculture, especially in Niger. Structural adjustment programs in the 1980s led to the withdrawal of the state from productive sectors, dismantling support systems for farmers and limiting access to credit. This disengagement increased dependency on imports and worsened trade imbalances. Commercial banks, ill-suited for the realities of agriculture, created a gap filled by the Agricultural Bank of Niger (BAGRI), which offers inclusive credit schemes, particularly for women and youth. The article calls for a major overhaul of agricultural financing, including guaranteed funds, public-private partnerships, modernization of farming techniques, and targeted support policies for producers.

State, Economic Development, Gender, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh, Knowlege production

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

On May 27, 2025, WATHI and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation held a roundtable in Dakar to examine Senegal’s economic situation in light of the Senegal 2050 Agenda, following President Bassirou Diomaye Faye’s election. A public finance audit revealed a budget deficit of 11.7% of GDP and a central government debt of 105.7%. The Senegal 2050 Plan aims to foster inclusive growth, reduce poverty, decentralize the economy, and strengthen national sovereignty. Discussions highlighted major structural issues: weak tax performance, lack of transparency, and a struggling informal sector. Participants called for fiscal reform, stronger parliamentary oversight, investments in education, and gender-sensitive policies. Economic trust and governance are seen as key. Experts stressed the need for coordinated action among public, private, and civil society stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and inclusive prosperity.

Politics, Political party, State, Economic Development, Natural ressources, Education, Development, Gold, Soicial sciences, Researh

This country profile on Mauritania reviews political, security, economic, and social developments since 2020, focusing on the period under President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani. It discusses attempts at democratic reform, ongoing challenges in tackling corruption, and the ambiguous stance on human rights. The document also highlights northern security tensions, refugee reintegration issues, and growing socio-economic inequalities. Additionally, it provides insight into the country's natural resources (gold, iron, gas), pastoralism, and environmental concerns. Finally, the profile emphasizes Mauritania’s complex geopolitical position, straddling North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

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

In this interview, Dr. Ndongo Mané Kébé emphasizes the importance of strengthening economic governance in Senegal. He highlights the need to improve the management of national resources and to boost investment to ensure sustainable growth. Dr. Kébé underscores the significance of transparency and accountability in public financial management. He also calls for better mobilization of internal resources and diversification of the economy to reduce reliance on external funding. Lastly, he recommends increased collaboration between public and private sectors to foster an economic environment conducive to development.

Governance, Economic Development, Development, Transparency, Sustainable development