Law and Economy

Implications of Diversification on Financial Performance of Financial Institutions in the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC)

2025-06-06T11:54:56+00:00

This paper sought to investigate the effect of diversification on the financial performance of financial institutions in the CEMAC region. Data for the study was collected from COBAC National Bureau of Statistics website, BEAC and the World Bank Statistics reports regarding the activities of financial institutions in the region for the period 2000 to 2021. The collated data was run with the aid of STATA software version 13.0. The researcher used regression analysis (PCSE, PanelGLS) to investigate the effect of diversification (liquid asset to cash, non-interest income to total income, inflation, non-bank financial institution and LGDP) on the financial performance of financial institutions in the region. Finally, Driscool-Kraay regression technique was used to investigate the influence of diversification on competition among these financial institutions. The findings from the PCSE regression showed that diversification explained 56.4% (R² = 0.564) of the variation in financial performance. In conclusion, it was revealed by the regression analysis that diversification had a significant effect on the financial performance of financial institutions in the region. The findings suggest that policymakers should carefully consider the implications of incentivizing banks to increase their lending to government and state owned enterprises. While such policies might aim to support national development goals, they can inadvertently lead to detrimental effects on the financial sector’s health. The study recommends that the emphasis on liquidity aligns with regulatory frameworks that mandate certain liquidity ratios, such as those outlined in Basel III. Maintaining higher liquidity positions helps banks meet regulatory requirements and avoid penalties, which can be financially detrimental.

An Assessment of the Mechanisms for the Protection of Traders in International Trade Disputes

2025-06-06T11:57:09+00:00

International trade functions as a crucial engine of economic development, propelling growth, innovation, and the transnational exchange of goods and services. By enabling nations to leverage their comparative advantages through specialized production, it bolsters efficiency and fuels economic expansion. This study analyzes the safeguards available to protect traders embroiled in international trade disputes. Tracing the evolution of international trade from rudimentary bartering systems to the sophisticated architecture of the World Trade Organization (WTO), the analysis illuminates the enduring quest for a stable and efficient trading regime. Notwithstanding the WTO’s endeavors, trade disputes remain prevalent, exposing the precarious position of traders in cross-border transactions. This study posits that sound protective mechanisms are indispensable, given traders’ function as both risk mitigators and facilitators of market efficiency. The research also recommends for proactive preventative measures, targeted capacity-building initiatives, and amplified collaboration among stakeholders.

Combating Climate Change to Promote the Right to Health in Cameroon: A Legal Appraisal of Practical Measures and Conundrums Faced

2025-06-19T09:59:15+00:00

Climate change has in the 21st Century been regarded not only as an environmental concern but also as a public health emergency. In contemporary times, almost all members of the international community including Cameroon have been grappling with the scourge of climate change. Even with Cameroon’s efforts to counteract climate change, the consequences of the phenomenon are still evident, with the right to health suffering greatly. Findings of this paper reveal that despite the level of success recorded by the State of Cameroon in the fight against climate change, several challenges have over the years been faced. These challenges have in various ways hampered on the effective fight against climate change to promoting the right to health in Cameroon. Findings of this paper further reveal the fundamental role played by State courts in the pursuit of environmental protection, specifically the fight against climate change in Cameroon in a bid to protect and promote the right to health. In view of the challenges faced in the fight against climate change, the paper makes several recommendations including: the education and sensitisation of the Cameroonian populace; the harmonisation of environmental legislation and the promotion of cooperation amongst environment actors in Cameroon.