ABSTRACT
This study investigates the effect of selected macroeconomic variables on export performance in West Africa over the period 1991–2024. Using panel data for 13 countries, the study employs a panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) approach to estimate both short-run and long-run dynamics, while accounting for potential heterogeneity across countries. The dependent variable is export performance, proxied by exports of goods and services (EXGS), while independent variables include exchange rate (EXCR), foreign direct investment (FDI), GDP growth rate (GDPR), inflation (INFL), and trade openness (TRD). Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel unit root tests confirm the properties of the data, while Pedroni residual cointegration tests establish the existence of a stable long-run relationship among the variables. Empirical findings indicate that GDP growth and trade openness significantly drive export performance in the long run, whereas exchange rate fluctuations have a modest positive effect. In the short run, inflation and trade openness influence exports, while the error correction term confirms that deviations from long-run equilibrium are gradually corrected. The study underscores the importance of promoting macroeconomic stability, trade liberalization, and sustained economic growth as key strategies to enhance export performance in West Africa. The findings provide empirical evidence for policymakers seeking to strengthen regional exports and economic integration.

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the factors affecting the sustainability of water projects in Dodoma City, focusing on Msalato Ward. Despite numerous investments by the Tanzanian government and development partners, many community water projects experience operational challenges, low reliability, and poor management. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving 55 respondents, including households, ward leaders, and DUWASA officials. Data were collected using questionnaires, interviews, and observation. The results revealed that the sustainability of water projects in Msalato Ward is affected by technical, financial, institutional, and social factors. Frequent equipment breakdowns, limited spare parts, and insufficient community participation were major constraints. The study recommends strengthening technical capacity, enhancing community ownership, and ensuring transparency in fund management to promote project sustainability.

ABSTRACT
This study focuses on analyzing and evaluating the current status of leadership capacity and the factors affecting the leadership capacity of directors of private healthcare facilities in the North Central region during the 2020-2025 period. Research data were collected from a survey of 496 respondents in five provinces in the North Central region. The results show that the leadership capacity of the directors still has many limitations, especially in modern management knowledge and digital competence, while leadership qualities are assessed relatively positively. On that basis, the study proposes several orientations to improve the leadership capacity of directors of private healthcare facilities, thereby contributing to the sustainable development of the non-public healthcare system in the North Central region.

ABSTRACT
This study investigates the impact of external debt on economic development in the selected West Africa Countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gambia, Mali, Nigeria, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Sierra Leone. The analysis employs ARDL econometric techniques and panel cointegration to investigate long-run and short-run relationships among the variables. GDP per capita was employed as a proxy for economic development, while external debt, external debt service, foreign direct investment, and interest rate served as the explanatory variables. Results suggest that a high external debt burden hinders economic development in these West Africa countries. External borrowing can contribute to economic development when efficiently managed and channeled into productive sectors such as infrastructure, human capital development, poverty alleviation and others. Foreign direct investment and sound financial policy are key drivers of long-run economic development in West Africa, while positive contribution of external debt depends on efficient utilization and management. Policymakers in these regions are therefore encouraged to strengthen their frameworks for debt monitoring, promote productive investment environments, and ensure that foreign borrowing is strategically directed toward sectors with high economic development prospect, West African countries should prioritize sustainable external borrowing, efficient debt management, and foster economic development.

ABSTRACT
Investment studies are fundamental to understanding how to improve living standards and achieve economic growth and stability. The Iraqi economy has experienced sharp fluctuations in growth since 2004 as a result of the interaction of economic and political factors. This research aims to measure and analyze the impact of economic growth and stability on investment in Iraq during the study period using a normative analytical approach, specifically the ARDL model. The research concludes that there is a long-term positive impact of GDP on investment in Iraq. This means that a one-unit increase in the GPT index leads to a 0.5-unit increase in total investment (GF), assuming all other factors remain constant. Conversely, a one-unit increase in the IN index leads to a 0.2-unit decrease in total investment (GF), assuming all other factors remain constant, negatively impacting long-term investment in Iraq. The report recommends strengthening economic stability through sound monetary, fiscal, and trade policies, providing a secure environment, and boosting investor confidence to attract both domestic and foreign investment.

ABSTRACT
Globalization has both negative and beneficial effects on the development of country’s economy. Developing countries are more susceptible to the negative consequences of globalization, and given the current wave of globalization, it will be difficult for developing countries to insulate their domestic economies from the vagaries of globalization. This study therefore examine the impact of globalization on economic development in Nigeria. Globalization is proxied by the degree of trade openness, foreign direct investment inflow, foreign portfolio investment inflow and exchange rate while economic development is measured in terms of the human development index. To conduct the study, annual time-series data from 1990 to 2022 were analysed using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. The findings from the study indicated that globalization via degree of trade openness and exchange rate negatively affects the development of the Nigerian economy. On the other hand, globalization through foreign direct and foreign portfolio investments inflows made insignificant positive contribution to economic development in Nigeria. Among other things, it is recommended that there is the need to improve the country’s competitiveness in international trade transactions so as to reduce the vulnerability of the economy to the perils of globalization.

ABSTRACT
Budget policy is a strategic instrument for local governments to respond to regional economic dynamics and achieve community development and welfare. This study aims to analyze the implementation of the budget policy, as stipulated in Regional Regulation Number 8 of 2023 on the Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget for Fiscal Year 2024, in Malang Regency, and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors in its implementation. This study uses a qualitative, descriptive research approach. Data collection techniques included in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis was carried out using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing techniques. The results show that budget policy implementation in Malang Regency has been carried out in accordance with the regulatory framework and formal mechanisms of local government, but has not been fully optimal in addressing regional economic dynamics. Based on George C. Edward III's policy implementation theory, the internal policy communication aspect has been running quite well, but external communication to the community and MSMEs remains limited. Limited regional budgets, gaps in human resource capacity between OPDs, and suboptimal information technology support affect the effectiveness of policy implementation. The disposition of policy implementers shows a positive trend, although there are variations between individuals and work units. Meanwhile, the bureaucratic structure has a clear division of tasks, but the complexity of procedures and coordination across regional government agencies (OPDs) pose obstacles to increasing policy flexibility. Supporting factors for budget policy implementation include the commitment of regional leaders and officials, a structured planning and budgeting system, and public support and participation. Inhibiting factors include budget limitations, bureaucratic complexity, national and regional economic dynamics, and changes in central government polic