Advanced Research in Economics and Business Strategy Journal

Building Green Trust and Green Awareness: How Green Viral Communication and Green Advertising Affect Generation Z's Green Purchase Intention

Akhmad Roqi Alawi — 2025-12-31

This study seeks to investigate the effects of Green Viral Communication (GVC) and Green Advertising (GAT) on Green Purchase Intention (GPI) among Generation Z, with Green Awareness (GA) and Green Trust (GT) serving as mediating variables. Data were collected from 185 Generation Z respondents within the Semarang Residency via an online survey employing a quantitative research design. The data were analysed using SmartPLS software through structural equation modelling. The findings reveal that Green Advertising (GAT) exerts a statistically significant positive effect on Green Purchase Intention (GPI). In contrast, the relationship between Green Viral Communication (GVC) and GPI was found to be statistically insignificant. Both Green Awareness (GA) and Green Trust (GT) function as critical mediators in these relationships. Notably, Green Awareness (GA) demonstrates a more substantial influence than Green Trust (GT), indicating that environmental awareness is of greater importance than trust in the purchasing decisions of Generation Z. These results emphasise the necessity for transparency in sustainability communications and support the adoption of evidence-based, educational green marketing strategies. This study thereby contributes to the extant literature by enhancing the understanding of Generation Z's purchasing behaviour and its implications for green marketing communications.

Career or Gig, How New Work Preferences are Dismantling Traditional Employment?

Dickson Mdhlalose — 2025-12-31

Introduction: The swift growth of the digital era, which radically disrupted the old work environment, led to the rise of the gig economy and a change in viewpoint in the tandem between employers and employees. This study aims to investigate the impact of gig economy inclinations on traditional employment patterns and to develop a framework. Research Method: The conceptual framework was developed based on a review of the literature. Results and Discussion: Traditional employment patterns are being impacted by the gig economy, which is mediated by workforce dynamics and economic ramifications and controlled by legislative responses and demographic variables. Conclusion: By providing flexible but unstable employment options, the gig economy undermines traditional employment and calls for specific regulations to protect worker security and facilitate labour market reforms. Future studies should use empirical evaluations of the efficacy of policies in various demographic and geographic situations, as well as longitudinal studies to monitor the transitions of gig workers.

Career Shift Toward Medicine Among Health Workers in Zambia

Austine Dolopo — 2025-12-31

This study explores the increasing trend of career shifts toward medicine among sponsored health workers in Zambia. The introduction highlights systemic disparities in remuneration, professional recognition, and career progression that drive health workers to abandon their original professions.
A mixed-methods approach was adopted, involving quantitative analysis of salary correlations and chi-square tests, as well as qualitative insights from participants. Results showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.94) between profession type and salary level, confirming that higher earnings are associated with the medical field. Regression analysis further supported this trend with an R² value of 0.89, indicating salary as a strong predictor of career shifts. A chi-square test of independence was performed to examine whether gender influenced motivations for shifting careers. The test yielded a statistic of χ² = 0.00 and a p-value of 1.000, confirming no statistically significant association between gender and motivation.
These findings indicate that financial incentives especially higher salaries are a universal motivator for both male and female health workers. The study concludes by emphasizing the need for balanced workforce policies that address these disparities to preserve equity and diversity in Zambia’s health system.

Catalysing Nigeria’s Economic Recovery Through Human Capital, Innovation, and Governance for Sustainable Global Ascent

Charity Ifeyinwa Anoke — 2025-12-31

Despite vast resources, Nigeria continues to underperform, education spending dropped to 0.35% of GDP in 2022 (global average: 4.15%), Research & Development investment remains low at 0.28%, and Nigeria scores just 17.1 on the Global Innovation Index, well below the world average of 31.57. Its Fragile States Index rating of 96.6 (2024) signals deep institutional weaknesses. This study analyses how integrating quality human capital development, innovation capacity, and governance can drive economic recovery and global competitiveness. The research questions are: What are the drivers and barriers to sustainable transformation in Nigeria. Is there any relationship between human capital, innovation, governance, and other macro-economic indicators. Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, the study examined secondary data from 1990–2024 sourced from the World Development Indicator and synthesized reviews. Key variables include GDP per capita, education, health and R&D expenditure, and governance data. Regression analyses reveal a positive correlation between increased education/R&D spending and GDP growth, higher investments in human capital, particularly education and healthcare, innovation, quality governance are key drivers to experience more inclusive growth and productivity gains, while systemic barriers in governance, security, and infrastructure, institutional reforms inhibit sustainable transformation. Also exist relationship between human capital, innovation, governance, and other macroeconomic indicators in shaping developmental outcomes in Nigeria. This implies that Nigeria’s economic recovery hinges not on isolated investments, but on an integrated, systemic approach that synchronizes human capital development, innovation ecosystems, and governance reform, offering policymakers a data-driven blueprint to transition from extractive dependency to a knowledge-driven, inclusive economy

Contribution of TASAF-III Program on Poverty Reduction among Female-Headed Households in Kasulu District Council, Tanzania

Maria Calyst Tarimo — 2025-12-31

Tanzania has made notable progress in reducing poverty, yet challenges persist, especially among vulnerable groups like Female-Headed Households (FHH). This study investigates the impact of the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF III) on poverty alleviation for FHH in Kasulu District, utilizing primary data collected from a sample of 120 mixed respondents, 117 respondents from the treatment group, and 101 respondents from the control group. The research aims to assess changes in annual income levels before and after cash transfers, determine the proportion of FHH that escaped poverty through the program, and identify barriers to accessing benefits. The novelty of this study lies in employing a mixed-methods approach, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Difference-in-Difference (DiD) estimation, and descriptive statistical methods for analysis. The results indicate that all independent variables, except housing financing, significantly impact household income, with an increase of about 4.3% due to the program, enhancing consumption capabilities. However, beneficiaries reported that cash transfers received are inadequate to cater for rising living costs, particularly education expenses. Key barriers include a lack of institutional support, difficulties in accessing financial resources, long distances to registration offices, and delays in fund disbursement. Despite these challenges, about 78% of FHH reported improved living conditions post-intervention, enabling better family support. The study underscores the need for supplementary policy strategies, such as training programs and microloans, to ensure sustainable improvements of FHH. While TASAF III has positively impacted income and consumption, addressing identified barriers is essential for further empowerment of FHH in Kasulu District, Tanzania.

Determinants of Competitive Advantage for Higher Education: Institutions: A Case of Selected Zambian Universities

Daphne Sowi Munsaka Phiri — 2025-12-31

The purpose of this study was to explore how universities can achieve and sustain competitive advantage by examining the determinants of sustainable competitive advantage for Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Zambia. The study employed a sequential, quantitative-qualitative research design. Data was collected from 640 students and 13 interview participants across five universities. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to test research hypotheses, mediation effects, and multi-group analysis. The study also used thematic content analysis. The results indicate that- human resources (β = 0.14, p = 0.13), administrative resources (β = 0.202, p = 0.001), and marketing capabilities (β = 0.116, p = 0.002)—positively influence sustainable competitive advantage, while physical resources (β = -0.019, p = 0.705) and university reputation (β = 0.006, p = 0.876) do not. Differentiation strategy was found to significantly impact sustainable competitive advantage (β = 0.364, p = 0.000) and served as a mediator between internal resources and sustainable competitive advantage. Differences in competitive advantage determinants were observed between public and private universities, while private universities exhibited minimal variations. Furthermore, two additional internal resources from the qualitative survey, alumni and research output, emerged as key determinants of sustainable competitive advantage.

The study provides empirical evidence on how universities can leverage internal resources and strategic positioning to enhance competitive advantage. However, the study is limited to a sample of Zambian universities, which may affect the generalizability of findings to other contexts. Further research could also explore external environmental factors influencing competitive advantage in HEIs.

Domestic Oil Price Variation and Economic Performance in Nigeria

Sabiu Bariki Sani — 2025-12-31

This analysis uses quarterly data from 2017Q1 to 2023Q4 to examine the consequences of the variations in oil prices on Nigeria's economic performance. In particular, domestic oil prices, the official exchange rate, the consumer price index, and economic performance with real GDP as the proxy for financial performance. The results, which were obtained using the ARCH/EGARCH models, show that rising domestic petrol prices significantly worsen economic performance. This is probably because they result in higher production and consumer expenses. On the other hand, real GDP is positively linked with favorable exchange rates and moderate inflation. The findings also revealed an asymmetric volatility pattern, which reflects increased uncertainty during downturns and is characterized by negative economic shocks increasing volatility more than positive shocks. The research concluded that the variation in the pump price of petrol in Nigeria is detrimental to the economy. The research recommended that increasing energy efficiency and using other energy sources can help the economy become less dependent on petroleum, which lowers the risks related to fluctuating fuel prices. Investments in renewable energy and cutting-edge technologies, such as electric cars, can strengthen the economy's resilience to fluctuations in the global energy market.

Dynamics of Valence Framework on Adoption Intention of Financial Derivatives in Developing Markets

Ruva G. Tunze — 2025-12-31

This study examines the intention to adopt financial derivatives by integrating valence-based factors, perceived benefit and perceived risk, while examining the moderating role of perceived complexity. Data were collected from 142 finance and risk directors across financial institutions in Tanzania and model tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The results reveal that both Perceived Benefit and Perceived Risk significantly influence the intention to adopt financial derivatives. Complexity significantly moderates the relationships. This study contributes theoretically by validating an extended Valence-risk-Benefit framework. It enhances derivative adoption, emphasises the benefits and related risks while cautioning on complexity as a hindrance.

Efficacy of Social Protection Programs in Tanzania: A Comprehensive Literature Review on Strategies for Poverty Alleviation

Reverien Ndereyimana — 2025-12-31

Social protection programs help alleviate poverty and improve the well-being of households; however, their effectiveness is still questionable, and challenges persist, with disparities in access to social protection for women and informal workers hindering poverty reduction efforts. This study assessed the existing social protection programs in Tanzania, their effectiveness, and the challenges faced by these programs in effectively addressing poverty among households. Mixed approaches, purposive sampling strategies, documentary review, and content analysis were employed. Through a desk review analysis of secondary data, the study findings revealed various social protection initiatives in Tanzania, including cash transfers, social insurance schemes, community-driven development interventions, and food security initiatives. Findings from Propensity Score Matching (PSM) estimation to analyse the impact of a Cash Transfer (CT) program on the overall wealth index and housing conditions revealed positive impacts on poverty reduction and household well-being. This was particularly evidenced by improvements in poverty rates, income levels, and access to essential services such as healthcare, food security, improved housing conditions, and education. Cash transfer programs, such as those administered by the Tanzania Social Action Fund (TASAF), have shown significant efficacy in different areas, like Lindi District.

Additionally, voluntary community-based health insurance schemes are pivotal in mitigating catastrophic health expenditures. However, challenges persist, including poor fund management, gender disparities in access, and inadequate support for aging rural households. The study concludes that the existing social protection programs have an impact on poverty reduction. To enhance the efficacy and efficiency of social protection programs, policymakers are urged to prioritize targeted interventions, reinforce financial management systems, mainstream gender considerations, and expand healthcare coverage for vulnerable populations.

Energy Consumption, Economic Growth, and Environmental Trade-Offs in West Africa: Nexus of Foreign Direct Investment

Nathan Udoinyang — 2025-12-31

Environmental degradation has become a significant concern across the West African region; this study examines the impact of energy consumption, economic growth (GDP), and foreign direct investment (FDI) on environmental degradation measured by CO₂ emission in four West African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Niger, and Mali from 1980 to 2023 with reference to the Environment Kuznets Curve (EKC). Using secondary data from the World Development Indicators, the study employed various econometric techniques. First, it evaluated the stationarity of the variables by means of unit root tests. Long-run connections were then established using panel cointegration tests. While three panel ARDL estimation approaches (PMG, MG, and FE) were used to estimate the models, descriptive statistics provided a summary of the data. Finally, a heterogeneous panel causality study was done to look at causal links between the factors. In the short run, energy consumption and GDP have a notable positive effect on greenhouse gas emissions, according to the results. Although in the long run, energy consumption and FDI have a positive and significant impact, whereas GDP squares representing the inverted U-shaped EKC exert a negative and significant impact, thereby validating the EKC. Furthermore, based on these results, several environmental welfare improvement-related policy suggestions are suggested, including promoting green investment, monitoring and regulating foreign direct investment, fostering sustainable economic growth, and encouraging economic diversification, while encouraging the exploration of alternative economic indicators for future work.

Financial Inclusion Outcomes in East Africa, 2017-2025: A Cross-Country Analysis of Access, Usage, Quality and Empowerment

Joseph Jakisa Owor — 2025-12-31

Financial inclusion is central to sustainable development in Africa, yet its effectiveness depends on more than simply expanding access to financial accounts. This study examines progress in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda between 2017 and 2025, focusing on whether increased access to financial services has translated into meaningful empowerment outcomes. The analysis is guided by four hypotheses: (1) access does not guarantee regular usage; (2) service quality determines sustained inclusion; (3) digital channels can foster empowerment; and (4) gender disparities persist despite narrowing gaps in account ownership.

Findings reveal divergent country experiences. Kenya is approaching saturation in account ownership, with digital services increasingly integrated into daily life and contributing to higher levels of resilience, though risks of over-indebtedness are evident. Tanzania demonstrates strong gains in mobile money adoption and interoperability, yet empowerment outcomes remain limited due to persistent service quality concerns. Uganda shows steady growth in access, but usage continues to lag, constrained by high transaction costs, weak consumer protection, and entrenched gender inequalities.

Overall, East Africa outperforms many developing regions in expanding access, but empowerment outcomes remain uneven and fall below global averages. The study concludes that the next frontier of financial inclusion lies not in widening access but in strengthening quality, building resilience, and embedding gender-sensitive digital innovations. Policy recommendations call for user-centred strategies that emphasize affordability, transparency, consumer protection, and empowerment, ensuring that financial inclusion becomes a transformative pathway to sustainable development.

Governance Distance as a Catalyst of Trade: Insights from Tanzania’s Exports to Sub-Saharan Africa

Richard Lui Shio — 2025-12-31

This study investigates how governance distance affects Tanzania’s exports to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) countries. The study is based on the new institutional economics and the augmented gravity model. The Poisson Pseudo-Maximum Likelihood (PPML) estimation is used to analyse panel data from 2002 to 2023. The study used the fuzzy index to compute the governance similarity index based on the Worldwide Governance Indicators (WGI). The results reveal that closer alignment of governance dimensions to Tanzania by the SSA country fosters Tanzania's exports, confirming that governance similarities reduce transaction costs and expand trade. Gravity model variables, such as Tanzania's and SSA countries' GDPs, positively affected exports, and distance adversely affected trade as anticipated. Thus, policymakers should strive to improve Tanzania’s governance quality, reduce governance distance with developed countries, and improve Tanzania’s global exports.

Harnessing Agriculture for Economic Growth: A Study of Sub-Saharan Africa using the Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond Estimation Model

Jackson Bulili Machibya — 2025-12-31

Despite facing various challenges, agriculture remains a vital pillar for economic development in Sub-Saharan African countries. This paper examines the role of agricultural growth in promoting economic development across fifteen SSA nations from 1990 to 2024, utilizing the Arellano-Bover/Blundell-Bond (ABBB) estimation model. A significant contribution of this paper is its use of Dynamic Panel Data analysis to explore the complex relationship between agricultural sector development and economic growth while controlling for the dynamics of the manufacturing industry and population growth. The findings reveal a significant positive correlation, indicating that a 1% increase in agricultural growth leads to a 0.2% increase in GDP per capita. This underscores agriculture's essential role as a catalyst for economic progress, consistent with the Dual Economy framework. Additionally, the results show a positive effect of the manufacturing sector on economic growth, where a 1% increase in manufacturing output results in a 0.03% increase in GDP per capita. Conversely, the study identifies a negative impact of population growth, with a 1% increase correlating to a 1.1% decrease in GDP per capita, highlighting the challenges posed by rapid demographic changes. The study recommends that policymakers prioritize investments in agricultural technology and infrastructure, enhance educational initiatives to develop a skilled workforce, and implement effective population management strategies. Furthermore, fostering public-private partnerships can stimulate investments in agriculture and manufacturing, leading to diversified economies. Thus, by adopting these strategies, SSA countries can leverage their agricultural potential to achieve sustainable economic growth and improved living standards, ultimately enhancing global economic competitiveness.

Improving Child Health in Malawi: Wealth, Education, and Infrastructure

Redson Mwandama — 2025-12-31

This paper investigates the roles of maternal education, household wealth, and community infrastructure in determining child nutrition outcomes in Malawi using data from the fifth Malawi Integrated Household Survey (IHS5) conducted in 2019-2020. Employing multilevel linear mixed models to account for the hierarchical structure of the data, the study analyses standardized z-scores for height-for-age (HAZ), weight-for-age (WAZ), and weight-for-height (WHZ) as indicators of stunting, underweight, and wasting, respectively. The findings reveal that household wealth is a strong positive predictor across all nutrition measures, while recent child illness consistently exacerbates malnutrition. Male children are more vulnerable to stunting, and a non-linear age effect shows worsening nutrition up to a critical point before marginal improvement. Maternal education shows positive but insignificant associations, supporting a threshold effect where benefits emerge only at secondary levels or higher. Community factors, such as access to ADMARC markets and certain water sources, exhibit weak positive links, highlighting potential complementarities with household resources. These results underscore the need for targeted policies to enhance wealth, reduce

Individual Motivation and its Influence on Academic Research Output at Livestock Training Agency (LITA), Tanzania

Pendo Jackson Mdogo — 2025-12-31

In many developing countries, including Tanzania, academic research output remains low despite its crucial role in advancing institutional performance and academic excellence. This study, guided by Self-Determination Theory (STD), examined how key dimensions of individual motivation- namely, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, collaboration, and peer-social influence-affect research output among academicians under the Livestock Training Agency (LITA). This institution has consistently fallen short of its research targets. A mixed-methods design was employed, combining a cross-sectional survey of 109 academic staff from eight LITA campuses with qualitative interviews from key informants. Quantitative data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings revealed that extrinsic motivation and peer-social influence significantly and positively affect research output (p<0.05), indicating that tangible rewards and supportive social environments enhance academic output.

In contrast, intrinsic motivation and collaboration were not significant predictors (p>0.05), though qualitative findings suggest they contribute indirectly. Their influence appears weakened by limited internal drive and the absence of a strong research culture within LITA. The study concludes that improving research performance requires strengthening extrinsic incentives while fostering intrinsic motivation. Enhancing the rewards system, promoting research autonomy, and cultivating a supportive peer environment are vital for building a sustainable research culture. These strategies will improve individual output and facilitate knowledge generation within Tanzania's livestock training sector.

Innovating for Growth: Green Technology and ICT Integration in G7 Economies towards Sustainability

Elahi Elahi — 2025-12-31

The paper entitled "Innovating for Growth: Green Technology and ICT Integration in G7 Economies towards Sustainability," employs panel data spanning from 1992 to 2023 for the G7 nations (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the UK, and the USA) to analyse the complex interactions between independent variables and the Human Development Index (HDI). The approach utilizes quantile regression methods to reveal differential effects across several stages of growth and development. The findings indicate that the diffusion of environmental technology adversely affects HDI at lower quantiles, suggesting little advantages in underdeveloped settings owing to infrastructure deficiencies and limitations on resources. In contrast, ICT infrastructure continuously exhibits positive benefits across all quantiles, especially in advanced countries, highlighting the significance of ICT as a crucial catalyst for economic advancement and human development. Furthermore, the widespread use of green energy. Favors the Human Development Index (HDI) at elevated quantiles, strengthening sustainable development objectives. The data also illustrates that internet usage substantially improves HDI, particularly in lower quantiles, underscoring the significance of connection to education possibilities. The validity of these results is substantiated by meticulous verification using several regression methodologies, affirming the inferences derived from the first research. The analysis proposes that G7 countries embrace policies to advance green technology, enhance ICT infrastructure, and encourage renewable energy use as essential tools to boost human development. The research underscores the need to match technical breakthroughs with regional needs to ensure the successful execution and optimization of outcomes spanning every stage of transformation.

Market Monopoly Perspectives: Exploring the Relationship Between Service Delivery Quality and Customer Satisfaction Among Public Pension Beneficiaries in Tanzania

Paschal Nade — 2025-12-31

Ideally pension schemes are designed to support employees financially for the purpose of improving their welfare after long decades of their service provision and respective contributions. Fulfilling these obligations by the pensions’ schemes have been a subject of discussion. This study aimed to assess the influence of service delivery quality on customer satisfaction in a non-competitive business environment. The study employed a cross-sectional research design with a sample size of 249 pension beneficiaries in Dodoma City. Data were collected through personally administered questionnaires and key informant interviews. The data were analysed through descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings indicate that the quality of service offered by pension services significantly influences customer satisfaction. The findings specifically suggest that 42.6% of customer satisfaction can be explained by quality services related to benefit processing efficiency, while 10.9% of customer satisfaction can be explained by the quality of services related to the amount of benefits offered to pension beneficiaries. It is recommended that the PSSF pension scheme should improve the benefit amount for adequacy, payment fairness, and payment procedure to enhance overall member satisfaction. The scheme should consider reviewing the pension calculation formula as it relates to lower contributions to customer satisfaction.

The Credit Market Linkage in the Financial Mediation and Economic Development Connectivity

Evelyn Nwamaka Ogbeide-Osaretin — 2025-12-31

This study examined the Relationship between financial mediation and economic development, with a focus on the credit market in both developed and developing countries. The panel data of selected developed and developing countries over the period 1993 to 2023 were used on some financial indicators such as broad money growth (BMG), domestic credit to the private sector (DCPS), Bank non-performing loans (BNPL), and real interest rate (RINT) in relation to human development (HDI) in a Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and the System GMM estimators. The results revealed significant disparities between the two economic groups, developing and developed countries. The developed countries exhibited more stable financial structures and higher human development levels. BMG harmed HDI in developed economies, while it had a substantial positive impact in developing countries. DCPS was found to be positive but had an insignificant effect in developed countries, but a positive, significant impact in developing countries, supporting the Credit Market Imperfection Hypothesis. Thus, while financial intermediation plays an essential role in economic development, its impact varies across economic environments. The study therefore recommends, among others, the strengthening of the financial market structures, enhancing credit accessibility, implementing institutional reforms, and adopting balanced monetary policies for sustainable economic development.

The Effects of Bank Loans on Economic Growth in Nigeria (1981-2021)

Ulasi Joshua Ikechukwu — 2025-12-31

Countries desire economic growth due to its effects on the entire economy. Growth leads to reduced unemployment, increased income, and, all things being equal, improved standards of living. However, several countries have experienced weaker-than-expected growth in their economies. In this paper, I explored the relationship between bank credit and economic growth in Nigeria, and how bank credit can cause growth. The data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria statistical bulletin were tested for co-integration and unit root tests. The ordinary Least Squares Method was used to analyze the sourced data. My data set was subjected to various statistical (First-Order) tests. Econometric (second-order) tests were also employed. The results showed a positive relationship between credits to both the manufacturing and public sectors of the economy and GDP. However, loans to the commercial and services sectors did not seem to generate the expected growth levels. The results suggest that more credit needs to be approved for the manufacturing sector of the Nigerian economy rather than the services sector.

The Impact of Globalization Dimensions on Macroeconomic Performance in SAARC Countries: A Panel Data Analysis

Yadav Mani Upadhyaya — 2025-12-31

This study examines the impact of globalization—economic, social, and political—on the macroeconomic performance of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries from 1980 to 2023. An unbalanced panel dataset consisting of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka is generated and used to examine the effects of globalization on GDP growth and inflation, with foreign direct investment (FDI) and trade openness as critical mediating variables. To address cross-sectional dependence, heteroskedasticity, and autocorrelation, panel fixed effects models are employed in the analysis, and the robustness of the study is assured with unit root testing, cointegration, and diagnostic testing. Our results indicate that economic and social globalization positively foster growth, with economic globalization having the highest positive impact (coefficient = 0.089***). Additionally, we conclude that FDI and trade openness have significant positive effects on growth, while political globalization does not have a significant positive or negative relationship with it. In line with the disciplining hypothesis, our inflation model indicates that trade openness exerts a significant disinflationary effect (coefficient = -0.042***).

In contrast, foreign direct investment (FDI) influences inflation positively (coefficient = 0.124**), presumably due to demand-side risks. Our study suggests that member countries of SAARC must continue to strategize and integrate into the global economy. For policy implications, countries should design initial macroeconomic resilience by insisting on fiscal discipline, maintaining foreign exchange buffers, and diversifying the economy to minimize the impact of volatility in the global economy.

The Influence of Market Promotion on the Performance of Tanzania Horticulture Sector

Steven Tumaini — 2025-12-31

Market promotion on the horticulture sector's performance at the regional and international levels has emerged as an important activity. Nevertheless, countries in the horticulture sector continue investing in market promotion for several reasons that impact the investment performance. This research examines the influence of market promotion on the performance of the Tanzania horticulture sector. The study involved 22 exporters investing in the horticulture business and employed descriptive statistical tools, SPSS version 26, and thematic analysis for data analysis. The results indicate that Avocado dominates the export market. Moreover, exporters’ participation in trade promotion is reported to have a positive impact on generating new contacts and potential business deals. However, trade barriers and unresolved phytosanitary issues for certain crops seem to affect competitiveness. The findings highlight the necessity for the government to strengthen the market system by providing financial support, capacitating emerging exporters in trade promotion knowledge, investing in exhibition decoration, and developing a strong marketing strategy. This research contributes to our understanding of the impact on the horticulture business, offering practical implications for policymakers, donors, and the private sector investing in the horticulture export business.

The Influence of Risk Aversion, Efficiency, Credit Risk, Diversification on Cost of Financial Intermediation in Lower-Middle-Income Economies around the World

Prem Bahadur Budhathoki — 2025-12-31

Previous empirical studies reveal inconsistent outcomes regarding the relationship between risk aversion, efficiency, credit risk, diversification, liquidity, industry-specific factors, macroeconomic variables, and the social cost of financial intermediation. This study investigates the impact of risk aversion, efficiency, credit risk, diversification, liquidity, industry-specific factors, and macroeconomic conditions on the cost of financial intermediation (CFI) in lower-middle-income countries (LMIC), using secondary data obtained from the World Bank (2023, 2025) for the years 2000 to 2021. This study deployed POLS, fixed-effect (FE), and random-effect (RE) estimators, and the best estimator was selected utilizing the Hauman and Breusch-Pagan LM tests. Our findings indicate that income diversification reduces CFI in LMIC. Inefficiency, credit risk, risk aversion, and liquidity contribute to an increase in CFI. Bank concentration, an industry-specific variable, also enhances CFI. Banking sector development (BSD) negatively impacts CFI. The macroeconomic variable inflation positively affects CFI, whereas GDP growth negatively impacts CFI. This study presents several policy implications derived from our findings, particularly concerning lower-middle-income countries (LMIC): (1) Policymakers should promote competition to enhance efficiency and diversification by reducing entry barriers and providing tax incentives and subsidized loans; (2) policymakers should encourage banks to expand their deposit bases by attracting a larger number of depositors and decreasing reliance on a small number of large deposits, which significantly reduces the need to maintain higher liquidity and equity capital; and (3) policymakers should implement monetary policies aimed at reducing the inflation rate, fostering economic growth, and supporting the development of the banking sector.

Political Stability and Ease of Doing Business: Implications for Financial Sector Development in East Africa

Abraham Charles Nathanael — 2025-12-31

This study analyses the influence of political stability and ease of doing business on financial sector development in six East African countries. Focusing specifically on foreign direct investment inflows and domestic credit to the private sector, the research examines how established conditions shape financial deepening in a region characterized by dynamic yet uneven economic progress. A panel dataset that covering from 2008 to 2024 was collected, utilizing pooled OLS, fixed effects, and random effects strategies for quantitative examination. The Hausman test informed model selection to ensure robustness and address country-specific heterogeneity. The findings indicates that political stability significantly attracts FDI in cross-country comparisons, though its effect diminishes within countries over time. Conversely, it positively influences domestic credit extension when controlling for unobserved country effects. Ease of doing business robustly promotes FDI across all models, but its effect on domestic credit is inconsistent, suggesting deeper structural constraints in local financial systems. The results highlight the importance of political stability as a precondition for attracting foreign investment and of regulatory reforms in lowering transaction costs, while also underscoring the structural limitations of East Africa’s domestic credit markets. The study contributes to the finance and development literature by contextualizing institutional and regulatory drivers of financial deepening in low-income, high-potential economies and offers policy recommendations for strengthening governance and financial intermediation. This study extends the finance governance nexus by providing new empirical evidence on how political stability and regulatory quality jointly shape financial deepening in East Africa an under-explored institutional context.

Employee Innovative Work Behaviour, Job Involvement and Career Commitment in Ghanaian Service Organisations

Lateef Okikiola Olanipekun — 2025-12-31

This study explores the relationship between employee innovative work behaviour (IWB), job involvement (JI), and career commitment (CC) in Ghana’s organisations. Grounded in the Job Demands Resources Theory and Self-Determination Theory, it examined whether employees who engage in innovative activities demonstrate higher job involvement and stronger career commitment. A quantitative, descriptive design was employed, with data collected through structured questionnaires from 92 employees in the Greater Accra Region. The hypotheses were tested using the bi-correlations analysis to ascertain the degree of relationship between the constructs of the study. Findings indicated that a significant nexus existed between employee innovative work behaviour and job Involvement with (r=0.942, p-value<0.05); in addition, existence of a significant association exist between employee innovative work behaviour and career commitment with (r=0.925, p-value<0.05). These results highlight innovation as a catalyst for enhancing both employee engagement in job roles and long-term professional dedication. The study concluded that encouraging innovative work behaviour can contribute to higher involvement and stronger career commitment among employees. It was recommended that management of organisations should create environments that foster autonomy, provide adequate resources, recognise creativity, and offer clear career development pathways. Such strategies can strengthen innovation culture and improve organisational performance.

National Innovation Systems and the Sustainable Development Goals in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Systematic Review of Pathways, Gaps, and Policy Interfaces

Kassim Alabani — 2025-12-31

In Sub-Saharan Africa, national innovation systems are increasingly cited as instruments for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, but evidence on their effectiveness and coherence remains fragmented. Analysing 161 studies published between 2020 and 2025, this review finds that while national innovation systems are widely promoted in development policy, its integration into SDG strategies remains limited and inconsistent. Most contributions are focused on agriculture, energy, health, and education but lack system-wide coordination, monitoring, and long-term support. Only a few countries have aligned innovation policies with SDG implementation plans. Institutional fragmentation, weak evaluation frameworks, and regional research imbalances continue to hinder progress. The review recommends adopting modular innovation sub-systems, improving policy–SDG alignment, investing in monitoring systems, and expanding support for cross-sector and regional research collaboration. Strengthening the NIS–SDG interface is essential for building inclusive, responsive, and sustainable development pathways in the region.