Search Results (173)

This study investigates the impact of cultural openness on intertemporal consumption behavior in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, using panel data from 14 countries spanning 2010 to 2022. Unlike prior research that primarily focused on lifestyle shifts or product preferences, this study explores how cultural globalization influences the trade-off between present consumption and future savings, as captured by the consumption-to-savings ratio (LCESR). Cultural openness is operationalized using the Cultural Globalization General Index (LCGGI), and its effect is analyzed alongside key control variables including Internet penetration, real GDP per capita, inflation, and tourism. To address endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity, this study employs the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator, supported by robustness check models. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between cultural openness and LCESR in both the short and long run, indicating that increased exposure to global cultural flows enhances consumption tendencies in the region. Internet penetration and inflation negatively affect saving behavior, while GDP per capita shows a positive effect. Tourist arrivals exhibit limited influence. This study also highlights the importance of historical consumption behavior, as the lagged dependent variable strongly predicts the current LCESR. Robustness checks confirm the consistency of the results across all models. These insights suggest that cultural openness, digital infrastructure, and macroeconomic stability are pivotal in shaping consumption/saving patterns. The results carry important implications for financial education, digital consumption governance, and cultural policy strategies in the MENA region and similar emerging markets undergoing rapid cultural integration. Full article

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on corporate tax avoidance in the banking industry, focusing on banks in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This study employs regression analysis on a sample of 123 banks in the MENA region, covering the period from 2011 to 2022. The results indicate a negative relationship between digital transformation and tax avoidance, with conventional banks showing a stronger inclination to adopt these trends compared to Islamic banks. Digital transformation is identified as an effective mechanism that enhances transparency and mitigates tax avoidance activities. Full article

Amid growing environmental concerns and an increasing push for sustainable development, countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region have taken proactive steps toward green growth, energy transition, and technological innovation. As a result, this study examines the effects of green growth, energy transition, technological innovation, financial inclusion, and urbanization on environmental sustainability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Moreover, this study breaks new ground by exposing the hidden environmental costs of financial inclusion, urbanization, and technological innovation in the MENA region’s development trajectory, thereby providing compelling evidence for rethinking sustainability through an integrated approach that aligns economic ambition with ecological responsibility. Data for the studied variables were sourced from the World Bank database covering the period 1990 to 2021. The results show that green growth and energy transition significantly reduce CO₂ emissions, supporting the idea that economic expansion aligned with environmental priorities can contribute to ecological improvement. However, the impact of technological innovation is statistically insignificant, indicating that innovation in the region has not yet translated into meaningful environmental gains, possibly due to the dominance of non-green or industrial-focused innovation. Financial inclusion is found to increase CO₂ emissions, likely by facilitating greater access to credit and financial services that fuel energy-intensive consumption and production activities. Similarly, urbanization also contributes to rising emissions, reflecting the unsustainable nature of urban growth in many MENA region. Based on this study, we advocate for a coordinated regional approach to climate and energy policy, underpinned by shared governance and collective action. Full article

Background: In today’s rapidly evolving business environment, organizational agility (OA) has become increasingly critical for companies to maintain competitiveness and sustainability. Business intelligence (BI) is pivotal in enabling organizational agility by providing the necessary tools and insights to navigate uncertainties and capitalize on opportunities. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between BI and organizational agility, particularly within the pharmaceutical manufacturing sector in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The systematic literature review followed Kitchenham’s guidelines, which was supplemented with a VOS analysis to visualize the interconnectedness of BI and organizational agility. The analysis revealed a direct relationship between BI and organizational agility, with the critical variables of innovation, competitive advantage, firm performance, and dynamic capabilities influencing this connection. The MENA region shows promise in contributing to this field, but further research is needed. Leveraging BI capabilities can enhance organizational agility, positioning companies for sustained success amidst uncertainty. Addressing challenges and fostering a supportive organizational culture is essential for realizing the full potential of BI-driven agility. This study makes an original and timely contribution by examining the relationship between business intelligence (BI) and organizational agility (OA) through a systematic literature review across multiple countries. The study focuses specifically on the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, which has received insufficient attention in previous research. Unlike previous studies that focus on isolated cases, this work combines bibliometric analysis with a structured review methodology. It provides a clear summary of how BI supports key outcomes such as innovation, dynamic capabilities, and competitive advantage Full article

Using panel data spanning 2004–2023 of 21 countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region, we measure systemic risk and assess its influence on key banking sector performance indicators, including financial stability (proxied by commercial bank branches per 100,000 adults), providing evidence from the emerging market context. One of the key findings of the study is the pivotal role played by financial access in promoting banking stability. In particular, the density and outreach of commercial banking branches were shown to have a stabilizing effect on the banking system. Also, findings reveal that systemic risk significantly undermines bank stability and operational efficiency while constraining financial depth. The study contributes to the literature by offering empirical evidence on the adverse effects of systemic risk in a region characterized by financial volatility and structural vulnerabilities. These findings align with existing global evidence that links financial development with reduced systemic risk, yet they also offer new empirical insights that are contextually relevant to the MENA region. The findings provide actionable recommendations for policymakers. Regulatory authorities in the MENA region should consider strategies that not only enhance the robustness of financial institutions but also promote inclusive access to banking services. The dual focus on institutional soundness and outreach could serve as a cornerstone for sustainable financial stability. Tailored policies that encourage branch expansion in underserved areas, coupled with incentives for inclusive banking practices, may yield long-term benefits by reducing the concentration of risk and improving the responsiveness of the financial system to external shocks. Full article

The Global Health Network Middle East and North Africa (TGHN MENA) was officially launched on 21 October 2024, representing a pivotal initiative to address the region’s distinct and complex public health challenges. Building on the comprehensive global framework of the central TGHN network, the regional TGHN MENA network was founded by region-based experts with support from the TGHN team. The network was established as a pioneering initiative to bring together 18 partners from 14 countries, representing various sectors such as academia, policymakers, and governmental and non-governmental organizations, to tackle pressing issues such as chronic diseases, mental health, and climate change impacts. High-level panel discussions were held to define the goals of TGHN MENA in building resilient public health systems. This perspective outlines the network’s vision for building resilient health systems through research prioritization and capacity strengthening, amidst growing uncertainties in the regional public health landscape. The MENA region has diverse and complex public health challenges related to health systems, emergencies, chronic disease, mental health disorders, and climate change, due to cultural, social, and geographic differences. The TGHN MENA network is a community of practice and can identify commonalities and priorities and find shareable solutions. Key strategies proposed include establishing an open-access, online platform to support knowledge exchange, implementing on-the-job training and capacity-strengthening initiatives, and emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence in public health research. This perspective outlines TGHN MENA’s inaugural one-year action plan, which emphasizes regular knowledge-sharing activities, capacity-building initiatives, and sustained partners’ commitment as foundational steps towards improved public health outcomes in the region. Full article

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has faced challenges like political instability and economic fluctuations, which have impacted non-performing loans (NPL) levels. At the same time, over the years, reforms and regulations have encouraged stronger board structures to enhance corporate governance and improve risk management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how board characteristics affect non-performing in the MENA region. Board characteristics shape governance quality, which influences risk management and reduces banks’ risk-taking behaviours. Hence, effective governance can reduce non-performing loans by improving oversight and credit decisions. To this end, we used a sample of 70 banks operating in 12 countries in the MENA region from 2010 to 2022. The System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) was employed as an empirical technique. To benefit from a comparative analysis, we divided the entire sample into two subsamples. The first subsample covers six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries with 42 banks. The second subsample is also relative to six non-Gulf Cooperation Council (non-GCC) countries with 28 banks. The empirical findings indicate that the presence of independent board members, a higher number of female board members, board remuneration, and the board index decrease NPLs across all regions, including MENA, GCC, and non-GCC. However, we found that board size, tenure, and duality increase NPLs. The results of this paper are beneficial for both policymakers and bankers, as they provide insights into how governance through board characteristics influences credit risk. These results support better decision-making in board appointments and governance practices to improve risk management and reduce non-performing loans. Full article

This study investigates the impact of financial technology (Fintech) on bank stability in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Utilizing panel data from 94 banks in 10 countries over a 13-year period from 2011 to 2023, this research employs panel GMM regression to examine the relationship between the level of Fintech adoption, as measured by the Fintech index, and a bank’s stability. This paper controls for bank characteristics (efficiency, profitability, size, liquidity risk, and dividend payout ratio) and macroeconomic variables (GDP growth and inflation). The Fintech index is calculated using data text mining from the banks’ annual reports. This research contributes to the existing literature by providing empirical evidence of the positive effects of Fintech adoption in the MENA banking sector. The positive findings underscore the transformative impact of Fintech on banking stability, highlighting the importance of technological integration in MENA’s financial institutions for growth, stability, and effective strategies. The robustness of the results regression confirmed that our findings hold. Full article

In natural resource-dependent economies, global resource price volatility makes financial systems more vulnerable to economic shocks. The relationship between natural resource rent and bank stability lies in how fluctuations in resource revenues can affect financial institutions’ stability. The purpose of this paper is twofold. First, it explores the effect of natural resource rent (NRR) on bank stability (BS) in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Second, it examines whether institutional quality (IQ) moderates the association between BS and NRR. To achieve these goals, we used a sample of 68 conventional banks located in the MENA region between 2005 and 2020 and performed the System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM) as an econometric approach. The empirical findings show that NRR is negatively and significantly associated with BS, while IQ significantly enhances BS in the MENA region. Additionally, the outcomes support evidence that the MENA banks benefit from an interaction between IQ and NRR. This result was confirmed for both the Z-ROA and Z-ROE as measures of BS. The results of this paper could have several useful applications for policymakers and bankers. Policymakers should prioritize strengthening institutional frameworks to mitigate the adverse effects of resource dependence on financial stability. In addition, bankers are invited to focus on improving institutional quality by fostering an institutional environment, including compliance with anti-corruption standards and coordination with regulatory bodies to boost financial resilience. Full article

Over the past decade, the debate on the microeconomic effects of financial inclusion has intensified, with a growing body of research exploring how access to financial services impacts banks’ behaviors. Studying the effect of financial inclusion on bank risk is crucial because it helps understand how expanding access to financial services influences exposure to bank risks. This study explores the impact of financial inclusion on credit risk, measured by non-performing loans (NPLs), and liquidity risk measured by the loan-to-deposit (LTD) ratio in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The analysis is based on a sample of 74 banks observed between 2010 and 2021, and uses the System Generalized Method of Moments (SGMM). To conduct a comparative analysis, the whole sample is divided into two groups: the first includes GCC countries, while the second consists of non-Gulf Cooperation Council countries (NGCC). This sensitivity analysis was justified by several economic, financial, social, and regulatory differences between these two groups of countries. The findings reveal that across the MENA region and the two sub-regions, financial inclusion significantly reduces liquidity risk. However, it increases the level of NPLs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Furthermore, findings indicate that banks in the MENA region and the GCC countries benefit from an interaction between financial inclusion and liquidity since it significantly reduces the level of NPLs. Finally, the analysis shows that financial inclusion does not play a moderating role in the relationship between credit and liquidity risks in the NGCC countries. Full article

Before the Arab Spring erupted at the turn of 2010 and 2011, Islamic fundamentalism had long played a significant role in the political and social landscapes of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Often associated with groups advocating for a return to a strict and literal interpretation of Islamic principles, Islamic fundamentalism manifested in various movements, ideologies and violent insurgencies. These movements aimed to shape governance, challenge existing regimes and resist Western influence. The decades leading up to the Arab Spring saw a rise in both peaceful political Islamist movements and militant groups with more radical objectives. Islamic fundamentalist organisations have played varied and significant roles in the political systems of North African states. From the peaceful reformist agendas of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and Ennahda in Tunisia to the radical insurgencies of the LIFG in Libya and the GIA in Algeria, these organisations have shaped political discourse, challenged authoritarian regimes and represented the discontent of marginalised populations. In some cases, such as in Morocco, Islamist groups have found ways to work within the political system, while in others, they have been pushed into violent opposition. The impact of Islamic fundamentalist organisations before and after the Arab Spring reveals their enduring influence on North Africa’s political landscape. Full article

Background: In the era of precision medicine, Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) has emerged as an important tool for identifying targetable mutations and tailoring treatment options. Yet the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) lags behind in adopting this technology. This study aims to demonstrate the transformative potential of molecular profiling in the region. Methods: This retrospective study reviewed cancer patients at the American University of Beirut Medical Centre, comparing outcomes between those who received NGS-based treatment adjustments (NBTAs) and those who did not. Results: The study enrolled 180 patients, including those with non-small-cell lung cancer (21.2%), sarcomas (20%), gastrointestinal malignancies (23.3%), breast cancer (10.6%), and other cancers (24.9%); 58.3% had stage 4 cancer at diagnosis. Before molecular profiling, 20.6% had stable disease, 21.7% showed partial response, and 57.8% had progressive disease. Most (96%) had received treatment, mainly systemic (90%), with chemotherapy (89%) being the most common. Forty patients (22.2%) underwent NGS-based treatment adjustments (NBTAs). Post-NGS, targeted therapies increased from 35% to 43% and immunotherapies from 14% to 18%. Mutations were detected in 98% of patients, with a median of four mutations per patient. NBTA patients had a median overall survival of 59 months, compared to 23 months for non-NBTA patients (p = 0.096), and significantly improved progression-free survival (5.32 vs. 3.28 months, p = 0.023). Conclusions: The use of large-scale molecular profiling to guide treatment adjustments promises advancements in patient care. Integrating NGS into clinical practice correlates with improved PFS, calling for a broader adoption of its use in the MENA region. Full article

This study explores how adjustments in risk management can influence the future financial performance of 20 countries in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. While the existing literature has explored risk factors in emerging economies, this research provides novel empirical evidence on how risk management practices influence long-term financial stability and growth, a dimension underexplored in the MENA context. Using a Panel Vector Autoregression (PVAR) model, we analyze data from 2005 to 2021 to quantify the dynamic relationship between risk mitigation strategies and key financial outcomes, accounting for regional volatility and cross-country heterogeneity. This methodology allows for the examination of the impact of risk management on future financial outcomes, considering both current uncertainties and strategic approaches to mitigating risks. The results reveal that robust forward-looking risk management practices significantly impact the future financial performance and resilience of the countries in the MENA region. Our findings highlight that a well-designed risk management strategy is crucial for averting financial crises and supporting long-term economic growth and sustainability of nations. This study contributes to the understanding of how strategic risk management can drive future economic and financial stability in the MENA region, providing unique insights into the role of forward-thinking risk practices in shaping national success. Full article

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant global health threat, largely driven by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a multidrug-resistant pathogen, remains a critical target for novel antibiotic development. This study explores the rhizosphere of the wild apple tree (Malus trilobata) in Lebanon as a potential source of antibacterial compounds. A bacterial strain, MR7S4, identified as Streptomyces anulatus, was isolated and characterized. Its crude extracts exhibited potent activity against Gram-positive pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of 2 µg/mL against S. aureus ATCC 29213, S. aureus Newman, and S. aureus N315 (MRSA), and of 1 µg/mL against Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433. Bio-guided fractionation and structural analysis identified a novel antibacterial pyrazinone derivative, MR7S4-F3. This compound demonstrated MIC values of 4–16 µg/mL against Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, multiple S. aureus strains, E. faecalis ATCC 19433, E. faecium DSM 17050 (VRE), and E. faecium DSM 20478, while exhibiting no activity against Gram-negative bacteria. Whole-genome sequencing of MR7S4 revealed 35 biosynthetic gene clusters, underscoring its potential for natural product discovery. These findings highlight the untapped microbial diversity of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region as a valuable reservoir for antibiotic discovery. MR7S4-F3 emerges as a promising bioactive scaffold, addressing the urgent need for new therapeutic options to combat AMR. Full article

The extensive genetic diversity of HIV-1 represents a major challenge to public health interventions, treatment, and successful vaccine design. This challenge is particularly pronounced in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, where limited data among other barriers preclude the accurate characterization of HIV-1 genetic diversity. The objective of this review was to analyze studies conducted in the MENA region to delineate possible barriers that would hinder the accurate depiction of HIV-1 genetic diversity in this region. A systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar was conducted for published records on HIV-1 genetic diversity in the English language up until 1 October 2024 across 18 MENA countries. The pre-defined themes of challenges/barriers included limited sampling, data gaps, resource and infrastructure constraints, HIV-1-specific factors, and socio-cultural barriers. A total of 38 records were included in the final review, comprising original articles (55.3%), reviews (21.1%), and sequence notes (10.5%). Libya (15.8%), Morocco (13.2%), Saudi Arabia, and MENA as a whole (10.5% for each) were the primary sources of the included records. Of the 23 records with original MENA HIV-1 sequences, the median number of sequences was 46 (range: 6–193). The identified barriers included the following: (1) low sampling density; (2) limited clinical data (21.7% with no data, 60.9% partial data, and 17.4% with full data); (3) reliance solely on population sequencing and insufficient use of advanced sequencing technologies; (4) lack of comprehensive recombination analysis; and (5) socio-cultural barriers, including stigma with subsequent under-reporting among at-risk groups. The barriers identified in this review can hinder the ability to map the genetic diversity of HIV-1 in the MENA. Poor characterization of HIV-1’s genetic diversity in the MENA would hinder efforts to optimize prevention strategies, monitor drug resistance, and develop MENA-specific treatment protocols. To overcome these challenges, investment in public health/research infrastructure, policy reforms to reduce stigma, and strengthened regional collaboration are recommended. Full article