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 article entitled "Audit of the Report on the Situation of Public Finances: Management from 2019 to March 31, 2024," published by the Senegalese Court of Auditors in February 2025, highlighted significant irregularities in the management of public finances during this period. Public debt was significantly underestimated, actually reaching 18,558.91 billion CFA francs, or 99.67% of GDP. In addition, more than 2,500 billion CFA francs were contracted in the form of bank debt outside the official budgetary circuit and without parliamentary validation, revealing a worrying lack of transparency. The budget deficit was also manipulated: while the former government announced a deficit of 4.9% of GDP for 2023, the Court of Auditors estimates it at 12.3%, a discrepancy of more than 2,291 billion CFA francs. The report also denounces expenditures made outside the public treasury circuit, transfers of funds to non-regulatory accounts and dubious sales of public assets. These practices distort the reality of Senegal's public finances and highlight the need for greater budget transparency and strict control of public debt to avoid an uncontrolled end.

Governance, Funding, Public debt, Transparency

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

In the interview titled "The State Must Provide the Necessary Means for Research," Dr. Hamidou Lazoumar Ramatoulaye, an epidemiologist and researcher at the Center for Medical and Health Research (CERMES) in Niger, emphasizes the crucial importance of adequate research funding for national development. She highlights the essential role of research in improving health systems and promoting the well-being of populations. Dr. Ramatoulaye stresses the need for the state to invest more in research infrastructures, researcher training, and the creation of partnerships with international institutions. She also advocates for better valorization of research results so they can be practically applied in public policies and medical practices. According to her, without strong state commitment to supporting research, it would be challenging to address the health challenges facing Niger.

Governance, Health, Researh, Funding