This study explores the impact of Islamic financing products, specifically Musharakah and Murabahah, on the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Hargeisa, Somaliland. With an increasing demand for Shariah-compliant financing, the research highlights how these products contribute to the financial stability, operational efficiency, and business relationships of SMEs. A survey of 100 SMEs revealed that 90% expressed interest in Islamic financial products, yet 90% were dissatisfied with the current offerings, citing a lack of tailored products and high costs, particularly with Murabahah. The study further examined the role of Musharakah in fostering long-term growth through risk-sharing and strategic support, but also identified challenges such as complexity and limited availability. Murabahah, with its fixed cost structure, was found to be more popular, offering immediate access to capital but also creating financial strain due to high markup rates. The findings suggest a need for more diverse, flexible, and cost-effective Islamic finance options, as well as greater awareness and understanding of these products. The study concludes by recommending the expansion of Islamic finance offerings and further research into the long-term effects of these financing models on SME sustainability in emerging markets.

The impact of urbanization on environmental sustainability is a critical issue that requires careful planning and management to ensure positive outcomes. This study aims to assess the effects of urbanization on urban environmental sustainability. A descriptive research design was employed to achieve this objective. Out of nine urban kebeles, five were purposively selected based on their relevance to the study. The sample size consisted of 394 respondents selected from a total target population of 29,932. Both primary and secondary sources of data were utilized, including questionnaires, interviews, observations, and document reviews. Data analysis involved the use of percentages, frequencies, diagrams, and charts. The findings revealed that rural-urban migration was a primary driver of urbanization, leading to rapid urban growth and associated challenges. Sustainable urban development initiatives were found to be inadequately implemented, resulting in the overconsumption of natural resources, improper waste disposal, and deforestation. While urbanization brought positive effects such as job opportunities and improved infrastructure access, negative consequences like informal settlements, crime, and high living costs were also evident. The study highlighted a lack of government focus on urban sustainability, emphasizing the need for increased agricultural development in rural areas to curb migration. Recommendations included stricter enforcement of laws, community training on environmental conservation, and the implementation of sustainable practices such as tree planting and waste recycling. Encouragingly, supporting underprivileged communities to improve their livelihoods was also advised to enhance overall urban sustainability.

This research meticulously investigates the intricate interplay between Asset and Liability Management (ALM) practices and the profitability dynamics of selected private commercial banks in Ethiopia over the period spanning 2011 to 2023. Employing a comprehensive fixed effect balanced panel regression analysis across a time horizon of 13 years and encompassing data from ten meticulously chosen banks, this study sheds light on critical aspects of financial management in the banking sector. Utilizing a quantitative approach and an explanatory design rooted in secondary data extracted from audited financial statements, the study rigorously examines a spectrum of key variables. These variables include income diversification, liquidity, bank size, GDP, asset quality, capital adequacy, loan and advance, and operational efficiency, all meticulously analyzed using E-view 12 econometrics software. The research findings underscore the pivotal significance of certain factors in enhancing bank profitability. Notably, asset quality, liquidity ratio, GDP, loan and advance, and bank size emerge as positive influencers on bank profitability, exhibiting statistically significant impacts. Conversely, operational efficiency and income diversification were found to exert negative effects on profitability. Surprisingly, capital adequacy was established as statistically insignificant in this context. This study accentuates the critical importance of asset quality, operational efficiency, liquidity management, bank size, GDP, income diversification, and loans as fundamental drivers of banks' return on assets. By accentuating the strategic significance of these variables, bank managers are equipped to navigate the complex financial landscape, leveraging effective ALM strategies to optimize profitability and ensure sustained financial viability.

This study examines the impact of digitalization on customer satisfaction in Islamic banking in Ethiopia, focusing on central and eastern regions. A sample of 400 participants was surveyed, with 361 valid responses, using a five-point Likert scale. Data analysis, including explanatory factor analysis and regression, was conducted using SPSS 25 and Amos 23. The results indicate that compliance, reliability, service quality, and human skills significantly and positively influence customer satisfaction with digital Islamic banking. The study's limitations include its focus on a single country, which may limit generalizability to other contexts. Future research could explore cross-cultural differences, longitudinal studies, and qualitative methods to gain deeper insights into customer satisfaction in Islamic banking, especially about technology and global crises like cybersecurity concerns, pandemics, and economic instability. The study suggests that Ethiopian Islamic banks can enhance trust and satisfaction by prioritizing Sharia compliance, investing in staff training, transparent communication, and reliable technology. Customers should support institutions that align with their religious values, fostering long-term relationships. This research addresses a critical gap in understanding customer satisfaction with digital banking services, particularly in global crises such as cybersecurity issues, pandemics, and economic instability. It focuses on how customers of full-fledged Islamic banks perceive and evaluate digital services, the impact of cybersecurity on trust and satisfaction, and the influence of cultural and religious values. Moreover, to the researchers' best knowledge, it is the first study in the country to examine this topic in Islamic banks.

This study investigates the relationship between foreign aid and economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa using a panel ARDL model. Data from 15 selected countries over 20 years (2002–2021) were analyzed. Findings show that institutional quality and unemployment rate are significant in the short-run (mean group (MG) estimation). In the long-run (dynamic fixed effects (DFE) model), variables such as trade openness, exchange rate, population growth, unemployment rate, institutional quality, consumption expenditure, official development assistance, and aid square significantly affect economic growth. Recommendations include strengthening institutions, promoting trade openness, addressing unemployment through skill development, maintaining price stability, and improving development assistance transparency.

This study delves into the intricate relationship between credit risk management strategies and the financial performance of commercial banks in Ethiopia. By analyzing data from 14 banks over a span of 13 years (2011-2023) using correlation and regression analyses in E-Views 12 software, the research sheds light on the impact of key indicators such as credit interest income ratio, loan to total deposit ratio, and loan to total asset ratio on financial outcomes. The findings reveal that while certain metrics positively influence financial performance, such as credit interest income and loan ratios, the presence of nonperforming loans exerts a negative impact on bank profitability, emphasizing the critical need for effective management of credit risks to ensure sustained financial health. In light of these results, it is recommended that Ethiopian commercial banks prioritize the enhancement of credit risk management practices, with a specific focus on strategies to address nonperforming loans. Strengthening credit analysis frameworks and refining loan administration processes are crucial steps towards safeguarding profitability and bolstering long-term stability within the banking sector. Policymakers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to collaborate in developing and implementing robust risk management frameworks that not only protect the financial viability of commercial banks but also contribute to the resilience and growth of the broader financial landscape in Ethiopia.