Vol. 28 No. 1 (2025)

Articles

• Open Access Article Economics

  13 Pages Download PDF: Social Capital and Saving Behavior in Ethiopia: Evidence from the Amhara National Regional State

  Social Capital and Saving Behavior in Ethiopia: Evidence from the Amhara National Regional State

  Fentahun Admassu Yayeh, Wondaferahu Mulugeta Demissie

  https://doi.org/10.36923/iefrontiers.v28i1.254

  The paper analyzes the impact of social capital on the saving behavior of members of financial cooperatives in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Explanatory and mixed research methods were employed using a cross-sectional study of 348 stratified and randomly selected financial cooperative members. Primary data was collected through structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and personal interviews. The data was further analyzed using Probit regression and multiple linear regression models. Three types of social capital dimensions:cognitive, relational, and structuralwere operationalized and measured in terms of members' understanding of shared mission and goals, cooperation, and trust. The results revealed strong evidence that the dimensions of social capital affect the amount of savings and the decision to save voluntarily in a way that yields a return. Our findings suggest that structural and relational social capital, particularly through formal networks, effectively increase both the amount saved and the decision to save. However, the lack of cognitive social capital does not encourage saving behavior. Therefore, it is essential to strengthen the dimensions of trustworthiness, cooperation, and understanding of the shared mission and goals within financial cooperatives. This can be achieved through efficient service delivery, financial workshops, and training programs to guide members toward suitable saving instruments

  pp. 01-13 Abstract views:767 Downloads:458

• Open Access Article Digital Economy

  17 Pages Download PDF: Impact of Urban Digital Economy on ESG Performance: Do Technological and Business Model Innovation Matter

  Impact of Urban Digital Economy on ESG Performance: Do Technological and Business Model Innovation Matter

  Shuhua Zhang

  https://doi.org/10.36923/iefrontiers.v28i1.278

  The rapid development of the digital economy is a critical national strategy for the Chinese government, with the establishment of digital economy platforms as a key component. Simultaneously, both the government and enterprises have embraced the concept of sustainable development. Since corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance serves as a crucial micro-indicator of sustainability, it is essential to investigate whether the digital economy platforms developed by the Chinese government can enhance the ESG performance of relevant companies. This paper first examines the impact of urban digital economy platform construction on corporate awareness of ecological and environmental protection, social responsibility, and governance practices. It then proposes two primary mechanisms—technological innovation and business model innovation. Finally, empirical evidence is presented based on a sample of 107 urban CSI 300-listed companies in China, using data from 2015 to 2019. The analysis yields three key findings: (1) the construction of urban digital economy platforms significantly improves the ESG performance of companies in the region; (2) the impact on the social subindex is not significant, but the effect is more pronounced in non-state-owned enterprises, the manufacturing sector, and the eastern region; and (3) business model innovation plays a more significant role in driving ESG performance compared to technological innovation. This study contributes to the understanding of how digital economy platforms influence corporate ESG performance.

  pp. 14-30 Abstract views:702 Downloads:312

• Open Access Article Economics

  15 Pages Download PDF: The Impact of School Infrastructure on Academic Performance in Cameroon: Empirical Evidence From Cameroon

  The Impact of School Infrastructure on Academic Performance in Cameroon: Empirical Evidence From Cameroon

  Njong Mom Aloysius, Ndamsa Dickson Thomas, Abety Paul, Nguena Christian-Lambert

  https://doi.org/10.36923/iefrontiers.v28i1.285

  This study examines the impact of school infrastructure on pupils' academic performance in Cameroon, addressing concerns over persistently low schooling rates and educational outcomes in primary schools. Using cross-sectional secondary data from the PASEC survey conducted across ten Francophone African countries, covering 31,213 pupils from 671 schools in Cameroon. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and robust Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression. The findings reveal that school infrastructure has a significant positive effect on pupils’ academic performance, suggesting that improvements in classroom conditions, access to educational resources, and overall school facilities correlate with better academic outcomes. Additionally, several control variables, including electricity at home, parental involvement in education, access to study guides, and the availability of basic learning materials, also show a positive relationship with academic performance. However, certain factors, such as school canteens, catch-up lessons, and WiFi access at home, exhibit unexpected negative effects on pupils' performance, indicating potential distractions or inefficiencies in their implementation. The study concludes that investment in school infrastructure is crucial for enhancing educational quality in Cameroon. It emphasizes the need for targeted interventions focusing on classroom construction, the provision of teaching materials, and inclusive infrastructure to support diverse student needs. From a policy perspective, the Cameroonian government should address urban-rural disparities through decentralization, ensuring that local authorities play an active role in school infrastructure development. The findings suggest that while digitalization is not yet a priority, fundamental infrastructure improvements, such as classrooms, desks, potable water, and libraries, should be prioritized to create a more conducive learning environment.

  pp. 31-45 Abstract views:3847 Downloads:1562

• Open Access Article Economics Digital Economy

  16 Pages Download PDF: From Peg to Float: Economic and Political Implications of the Ethiopian Birr Flotation

  From Peg to Float: Economic and Political Implications of the Ethiopian Birr Flotation

  Fentahun Admassu Yayeh

  https://doi.org/10.36923/iefrontiers.v28i1.286

  The adoption of a floating exchange rate system constitutes a pivotal economic policy decision that both reflects and influences a nation’s broader political economy. The flotation of the Ethiopian Birr (ETB) marks a substantial shift in Ethiopia’s monetary policy framework, carrying significant implications for the country's macroeconomic stability and development trajectory. This paper investigates the rationale behind the policy shift, its anticipated economic impacts, and potential future pathways for Ethiopia. Through a systematic review of the literature and comparative analysis of case studies from other countries, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the benefits, risks, and strategic considerations associated with the move to a floating exchange rate. While the reform offers promising prospects for greater economic autonomy, enhanced trade competitiveness, and market-driven growth, it also introduces considerable challenges, including inflationary pressures, socioeconomic inequality, and political uncertainty. To fully leverage the potential of this transition, Ethiopia must prioritize sound policy management, institutional strengthening, and structural economic reforms. These measures are critical to mitigating the inherent risks of exchange rate liberalization and to ensuring that the country achieves long-term macroeconomic stability, inclusive growth, and sustained structural transformation.

  pp. 46-61 Abstract views:1264 Downloads:716