Journal of African Development

Dynamic financial systems face a highly challenging dilemma, as the complexity of financial fraud stems from the rapidly evolving nature of adversarial strategies and the swift operations in finance facilitated by the digital medium. Traditional fraud detection systems, including those with AI capabilities on top of blockchain, are mostly reactive, where the anomaly is detected post-execution of transactions, frequently resulting in slow actions, high false positives, and irrevocable loss. The constraints are even augmented in the high-volume ecologies of the globe, whereby the trends in transactions keep on changing, and therefore fixed thresholds and rule-based solutions do not work. To address these issues, the paper proposes a novel cognitive blockchain model capable of predicting fraud before transaction settlement through adaptive neuro-symbolic reasoning, behavioural fingerprinting, and a distributed, memory-based ledger. The architecture is built using four layers, a perception layer that provides real-time transaction sensing and behavioral profiling, a cognitive layer using temporal knowledge graphs and Markov decision process-based anticipatory inferences, a blockchain layer that is embedded with Cognitive-Oriented Smart Contracts (COSC) that dynamically tune validation criteria and an adaptive governance layer that continuously optimizes its fraud detection rules based on multi-modal data fusion. The framework functions on a mixed-up middle opinion technique, which guarantees its scope as well as safety without demanding a trade-off in transaction throughput. To analyse its performance, a synthetic and semi-synthetic dataset, in the form of transaction data of a realistic fraud profile, was created to create a simulated high-volume financial environment. According to the experimental results, the accuracy of anticipating fraud was found to be 87 per cent, the degrees of false positives shrank by 35 per cent, and adding latency to blockchain was less than 5 per cent, as opposed to traditional blockchain approaches of fraud detection. The significance of these results is the evidence that such a proposed framework could be used to stop all fraudulent activities when the overhead of the operation is minimal. At the same time, the integrity of transactions could be assured in volatile and adversarial conditions. The proposed paradigm of cognitive blockchain introduced in this paper sets a new marker of predictive security financial with scalability, robustness and regulatory compliance, or in other words, a solution to fraud mitigation in next-generation financial systems

The promotion of environmentally responsible economic growth is one of the fundamental responsibilities of biosphere reserves. Ecotourism and ethical travel are two powerful strategies that help biosphere reserves to accomplish this objective via their efforts. The satisfaction of tourists is a primary driver of tourism in areas that are designated as biosphere reserves. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the aspects of the biosphere reserve that have an impact on the level of satisfaction experienced by visitors. This research attempts to explore the primary factors that determine the degrees of satisfaction experienced by visitors. If we want to optimise service performance and boost destination attractiveness, expanding the tourism sector is dependent on having a solid understanding of the factors that influence the level of satisfaction experienced by tourists. The research is governed by three primary aspects: the quality of the service, the price, and the infrastructure. These characteristics were selected because of the tremendous influence they had on the whole journey. In the tourist industry, the quality of service is determined by the responsiveness, professionalism, and friendliness of the operators. Pricing is related to the cost of the visitors as well as their perceived worth, while infrastructure refers to the housing and other fundamental services that are provided at the location. Descriptive research was the approach that was chosen for this project. Primary data were collected via the use of a standardised questionnaire that was sent to visitors at certain places. Secondary data were obtained from published books and reports written by tourists. An examination of the link between the factors and the level of pleasure experienced by tourists was carried out with the assistance of SPSS tools. According to the data, the satisfaction of visitors is affected to some degree by all three aspects; nevertheless, the quality of service has the most impact among those that are considered.

Abstract:

The COVID-19 pandemic profoundly exposed vulnerabilities in Africa’s health systems, causing severe disruption to essential services, exacerbating structural weaknesses, and prompting both challenges and transformative reforms. During the pandemic’s peak, African countries experienced declines of over 50% in health service utilization across outpatient, inpatient, maternal, malaria, and immunization care—a result of lockdowns, fear of infection, and resource reallocation. Critical health domains such as HIV, tuberculosis, and chronic disease management saw setbacks due to service interruptions, with long-term impacts including deferred care and surges in advanced disease presentations. The crisis spotlighted chronic underfunding, fragile health infrastructure, and gaps in workforce, diagnostics, and supply chains, especially in rural and marginalized communities.

Yet, the pandemic also catalyzed innovations and investments—accelerating digital health adoption, infrastructure upgrades, workforce resilience initiatives, and a policy shift toward universal health coverage and emergency preparedness. Cases from Senegal, Rwanda, and South Africa demonstrate how targeted reforms can build resilience, though enduring obstacles remain such as financing gaps, human resource shortages, and inadequate mental health support. The long-term burden is heightened by “long COVID” symptoms, with prevalence in Africa ranging widely and contributing to cumulative health system stress. Moving forward, sustained investment, regional collaboration, and a commitment to equity and health system strengthening are crucial for African countries to transform the pandemic’s lessons into lasting progress.

Post-conflict African states face critical challenges in rebuilding and transforming health systems decimated by violence, displacement, and institutional breakdown. Strengthening these health systems is crucial for improving population health, restoring trust, ensuring resilience, and paving the way for universal health coverage (UHC) and sustainable development. This article explores the evolution, challenges, strategies, and lessons learned in health system strengthening (HSS) across post-conflict contexts in Africa, supported by evidence, real-world case studies, and practical recommendations.

Populism has surged in Africa over recent decades, reshaping political landscapes and governance mechanisms across the continent. This article reviews the historical development, core features, and impact of populist politics on African governance. It examines the strategies populist leaders employ, their effects on institutions, democracy, and policymaking, and offers a comparative analysis across several African countries. The article concludes with policy implications and recommendations for navigating the populist wave.

This article explores the evolving role of African parliaments in shaping, legislating, and scrutinizing national development plans. Emphasizing their lawmaking, oversight, and representative functions, it analyzes how African parliaments engage with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), foster accountability, and confront barriers like executive dominance and resource constraints. The article draws on country case studies and includes charts to illustrate parliamentary engagement, highlighting emerging trends and best practices for effective development planning in Africa.

This article examines the trajectory of judicial reform and the rule of law across Africa in the context of democratic consolidation, governance, and human rights protection. It explores the systemic challenges facing African judiciaries—including executive interference, corruption, underfunding, and limited public access—while highlighting regional trends, reform methodologies, and case studies from countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Malawi, Nigeria, and Benin. The analysis underscores the critical importance of judicial independence, legal modernization, and access-to-justice initiatives in transforming court systems and restoring public trust. Additionally, it outlines the role of technology, legal aid, and institutional oversight in promoting accountability and transparency. Drawing on empirical data and policy reviews, the article offers targeted recommendations to bolster judicial efficiency and independence, proposing a framework for sustainable reform that aligns with democratic values and international legal standards.

This research article explores the role of traditional leadership within modern governance structures, paying particular attention to the historical significance, evolving dynamics, current relevance, and challenges faced by traditional authorities in democratic contexts. Drawing from empirical literature, country case studies, and survey data, the paper examines how traditional leaders support or complicate governance across local and national levels, highlights examples of integrative best practices, and recommends ways forward for synergistic coexistence.

Since the early 1990s, civil society has played a pivotal role in Africa’s democratic transformation. This article explores how civil society—including non-governmental organizations, grassroots movements, and advocacy groups—has contributed to the consolidation of democracy across the continent. Through civic education, electoral monitoring, anti-corruption advocacy, human rights defense, and social mobilization, civil society has emerged as a key driver of accountability, political participation, and institutional reform. Drawing on country case studies from Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, the article analyzes both the achievements and the challenges faced by civil society actors. While countries with vibrant civil society sectors show greater democratic resilience, the sector remains constrained by shrinking civic space, funding dependencies, political interference, and internal fragmentation. The paper concludes by offering policy recommendations to strengthen civil society’s role in democratic consolidation and emphasizes the need for legal protection, capacity building, inclusive coalitions, and digital civic innovation. The future of democracy in Africa may well depend on how governments and international partners support and engage with civil society.

This article analyzes decentralization reforms in Kenya and Uganda, focusing on their pursuit of robust local governance and improved service delivery. By comparing historical trajectories, legal frameworks, outcomes, and challenges, the article distills practical lessons for other countries embarking on similar paths.

Corruption remains a major impediment to effective public service delivery across Africa, undermining economic development, exacerbating inequality, and eroding trust in state institutions. This article investigates the complex interplay between corruption and public services, focusing on how practices such as bribery, embezzlement, and procurement fraud directly compromise access to healthcare, education, infrastructure, and public safety. Drawing on recent data from the 2024 Corruption Perceptions Index and Afrobarometer surveys, the paper analyzes the scope, forms, and consequences of corruption, especially for marginalized populations. Case studies from South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana illustrate systemic failures and the urgent need for institutional reform. Root causes—including weak legal frameworks, political interference, and lack of accountability—are critically examined alongside promising anti-corruption models in countries like Rwanda, Botswana, and Seychelles. The article concludes by offering practical policy recommendations, emphasizing transparency, civic engagement, and digital innovation as tools to enhance service delivery and build public trust across African states.

Rural electrification is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone for economic transformation in East Africa, where over 140 million people still live without electricity^[1]. This research article examines the state of rural electrification, its methods, and its economic empowerment impacts—from enhancing productivity and education to supporting entrepreneurship, health, and gender equality. Drawing on data, case studies, and recent project reports, the article explores successes, persistent challenges, and future trajectories for energy access as a driver of inclusive growth.

Youth employment remains one of Sub-Saharan Africa's (SSA) most urgent socio-economic challenges. This article provides a comprehensive comparative review of policies across SSA that target youth employment. It synthesizes recent trends, assesses the effectiveness of demand- and supply-side interventions, highlights persistent barriers, and draws policy lessons from country case studies. Data visualizations and recent statistics illuminate the magnitude and diversity of the problem as well as the impacts of ongoing policy efforts.

Local entrepreneurship is increasingly recognized as a cornerstone of sustainable economic growth, particularly in developing and marginalized regions. This article explores how community-based entrepreneurial ventures stimulate inclusive development by creating jobs, diversifying economies, fostering innovation, and encouraging environmentally responsible practices. Drawing on theoretical frameworks, global case studies, and recent empirical evidence—including successful interventions in agriculture, renewable energy, and rural technology—the article demonstrates the catalytic impact of local businesses in advancing economic resilience and social equity. It also examines the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems in amplifying these outcomes, emphasizing the importance of access to finance, education, infrastructure, and supportive policy. While local entrepreneurship offers powerful pathways toward sustainability, persistent barriers such as regulatory complexity, infrastructure gaps, and limited capital access continue to restrict its full potential. The article concludes with policy recommendations to strengthen local entrepreneurial ecosystems, incentivize sustainable practices, and ensure inclusive, long-term impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals.

This article explores the dynamics of remittance flows in West Africa and investigates their impact on household welfare. Drawing on recent data and scholarly research, the analysis emphasizes trends, drivers, challenges, and the transformative role of remittances in poverty reduction. The assessment further discusses policy implications and areas for future research.

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), launched in 2021, represents a transformative framework to unite Africa’s 55 nations into the largest free trade area globally by membership and geography. With a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion and a population of over 1.3 billion, AfCFTA is designed to significantly increase intra-African trade, drive industrialization, attract investment, reduce poverty, and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness. This article critically examines AfCFTA’s potential and analyzes the challenges impeding its full implementation. Opportunities include market expansion, job creation, sectoral diversification, and infrastructure development. However, persistent non-tariff barriers, inadequate infrastructure, currency fragmentation, and political and regulatory misalignments remain significant hurdles. Using sectoral projections and institutional data, the article offers policy recommendations for effective implementation—emphasizing the importance of harmonization, inclusive governance, digital integration, and SME engagement. AfCFTA’s success is pivotal to achieving long-term economic resilience and transformation across the African continent.

As global energy dynamics shift and oil loses prominence, many African economies are confronting the urgent need for diversification. This article examines the vulnerabilities of oil-dependent states—such as Nigeria, Angola, and Libya—and explores how diversification can foster economic resilience, reduce volatility, and enable inclusive growth. Through a comparative lens, it analyzes national strategies, such as Kenya’s success in fintech and renewables, Botswana’s beneficiation policies, and Mauritius’s transition to a service-based economy. Key drivers like governance, innovation, private sector participation, regional integration, and human capital are discussed in detail. The article highlights persistent barriers including policy instability, infrastructural deficits, and skills mismatches, and proposes actionable strategies for structural transformation, digital integration, and sustainable sectoral development. It concludes that with targeted investments, institutional reform, and political will, post-oil African economies can build diversified, future-ready economic systems.

Microfinance has emerged as a pivotal strategy for poverty reduction across Sub-Saharan Africa, a region with stubbornly high poverty rates and widespread financial exclusion. This article provides a comprehensive review of theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence, and real-world case studies, analyzing the mechanisms, strengths, and limitations of microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation. Quantitative results, practical challenges, and future research directions are discussed. Relevant graphs and tables illustrate trends in microfinance reach, usage, and poverty outcomes.

This paper examines the multifaceted impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on African agriculture over recent decades. By synthesizing empirical research and numeric trends, the study explores how FDI flows affect productivity, technology transfer, income, and rural livelihoods, while also addressing equity issues and institutional constraints. Using data from eastern and sub-Saharan Africa, this research highlights the opportunities and challenges emerging from FDI’s expanding footprint in the sector.

Africa faces a significant infrastructure financing gap, estimated between $68–$108 billion annually, across critical sectors including energy, transportation, water, and digital connectivity. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a strategic model to bridge this gap by leveraging private sector capital, expertise, and innovation. This article explores the rationale behind the adoption of PPPs in Africa, emphasizing their value in risk sharing, improving service delivery, and accelerating project execution. It provides an overview of the current legal and institutional frameworks, highlighting regional disparities and trends in PPP policy enactment. Through analysis of PPP structures such as BOT, DBFO, and concessions, and real-world case studies from Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Senegal, the paper illustrates both the benefits and challenges of implementing PPPs on the continent. It underscores the necessity of robust legal systems, bankable project pipelines, dedicated PPP units, and stakeholder engagement for sustainable success. Finally, the article offers policy recommendations aimed at strengthening PPP ecosystems and unlocking Africa’s infrastructure potential through blended finance and regional collaboration.

This article explores the critical role of informal economies in shaping African urban growth, particularly in the context of rapid urbanization without parallel industrial development. It examines how informal economic activities—comprising over 60% of urban employment in Sub-Saharan Africa—serve as essential mechanisms for livelihood, service delivery, innovation, and social resilience. Drawing on case studies from Accra, Nairobi, and Lagos, the paper highlights how informality fills gaps left by state and market systems, while also presenting challenges related to precarity, environmental strain, and inequality. The discussion focuses on the drivers of informality, its socio-economic contributions, and the policy dilemmas surrounding its management. The article argues for inclusive urban governance approaches that integrate rather than marginalize informal actors and underscores the need for adaptive, digitally supported, and equity-focused policies to support Africa’s evolving urban future.

This article analyzes the transformative impact of social media on African elections, highlighting both the opportunities and challenges of digital democracy across the continent. With rapidly rising internet penetration and mobile adoption, platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and X (Twitter) have become key arenas for political engagement, particularly among Africa’s youth. Social media now enables broad-based voter mobilization, real-time information sharing, and innovative civic initiatives, as seen in recent electoral cycles and protest movements. However, the article also addresses the proliferation of misinformation, algorithm-driven polarization, surveillance, and government-imposed restrictions that risk undermining electoral integrity and freedom of expression. Drawing on recent case studies from Tanzania, Ghana, and Cameroon, the discussion explores regional trends, the persistence of digital divides, and varying policy responses to the double-edged sword of digital participation. The article concludes by recommending strategies to strengthen digital literacy, inclusivity, and regulatory transparency to ensure that social media advances, rather than impedes, democratic governance in Africa.

This article examines the state of gender mainstreaming in African political institutions, highlighting its significance for inclusive governance and sustainable development. It traces the evolution of gender equality efforts in Africa within global and regional frameworks such as the Beijing Declaration and the African Union’s Maputo Protocol. While women’s representation in African parliaments has seen incremental progress—with countries like Rwanda and South Africa leading globally—significant socio-cultural, structural, and political challenges persist across the continent. The paper analyzes key barriers including patriarchal norms, weak enforcement of gender quotas, and economic exclusion, and presents case studies from Rwanda, South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana. It further outlines policy initiatives and mechanisms promoting women's political participation, and discusses the positive impact of gender mainstreaming on democracy and governance. The article concludes with targeted recommendations to accelerate progress toward gender-equitable political institutions in Africa.