The challenge of providing reliable electricity during power interruptions, especially in rural and remote regions, has prompted the exploration of Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRESs). This systematic review employs the PRISMA framework to conduct a comparative analysis of HRES configurations, specifically those integrating rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV), diesel generators (DGs), converters, and battery energy storage systems (BESSs). This review assesses the techno-economic performance of these systems in various countries, highlighting the cost efficiency, reliability, and environmental impact compared to traditional single-resource systems. The analysis reveals that HRESs offer significant advantages in managing energy supply during power interruptions, particularly in regions with high solar potential but unreliable grid access. A comparative analysis with other countries demonstrates that while HRES configurations are tailored to local conditions, the integration of solar PV with diesel generators is a consistently effective strategy across different contexts. This review provides essential insights for policymakers and stakeholders, facilitating the optimization of energy solutions tailored to regional needs.

Sub-Saharan economies often rely heavily on a narrow range of commodities, making them particularly vulnerable to price fluctuations in global markets. This volatility predisposes these countries to economic instability, threatening short-term growth and long-term development goals. As a result, this study examines the sustainability implications of commodity price volatility and commodity dependence for 31 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2000 to 2023. Eleven agricultural commodity-dependent countries, six energy commodity-dependent countries, and fourteen mineral and metal ore-dependent countries were chosen. This study uses balanced annual panel data from World Development Indicators, World Bank Commodity Price Data, and Federal Reserve Bank Data. The data were analyzed using the VECM, and this study’s findings were threefold and unanimous for all three categories of commodities (agricultural, energy and mineral, and metal ore). First, commodity dependence is positively related to economic growth, suggesting that higher commodity prices benefit the economy in the long run. Second, commodity price volatility is negatively related to economic growth, indicating adverse impacts on economic stability in the long run. Third, commodity dependence is positively related to commodity price volatility in the long run. By analyzing the interconnectedness of these factors, this study underscores the need for diversified economic policies and sustainable practices to reduce vulnerability and promote sustainable development in the region. The findings highlight the critical role of strategic resource management and policy interventions in achieving economic stability and ensuring the well-being of future generations.

Working capital management is critical because it affects a company’s profitability, liquidity, and investment decisions, all of which have an impact on financial performance. As a result, effective and efficient working capital management is an essential component for commercial and service businesses. Given the importance of the commercial and services industries to the Kenyan economy, the goal of this research was to investigate the impact of working capital management on the financial performance of these firms, particularly those listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), from 2003 to 2022. Working capital management was measured using the average age of inventory, average collection period, average payment period, and cash conversion cycle, whereas financial performance was measured using return on asset, return on equity, and net operating profit margin. Using panel regression analysis, the results showed that the average inventory age, average collection period, average payment period, and cash conversion cycle were all negatively related to financial performance for NSE-listed commercial and service firms. Based on the findings, it is recommended that Kenyan commercial and service firms adopt prudent optimal working capital management practices to improve firm financial performance and maximize shareholder wealth.

The savings behavior of individuals has been a topic of both macroeconomic and policy importance throughout history. Theoretical and empirical research shows that savings result from several demographic and economic factors working together to produce long-term, sustainable economic growth. This study therefore examined the nexus between domestic savings and sustainable economic growth in a South African perspective between 1990–2023, emphasizing the critical role that savings play in fostering long-term economic stability and environmental resilience. The ARDL framework was used to analyze data from the World Bank and the South African Reserve Bank. The results of the study demonstrate that corporate savings have a major effect on sustainable economic growth, especially over the long term. When corporate savings rise by 1%, the economy expands by 3.12%, which highlights the significant multiplier effect of investment. The extent of this impact depends on factors such as the efficiency of capital allocation, technological capacity, financial market development, government policies, and macroeconomic stability. These factors collectively determine how effectively corporate savings are transformed into productive investments that drive sustainable economic growth. Conversely, savings made by the government and the public, especially in the long run, have no appreciable impact on sustainable economic growth. Given that domestic savings mobilization is the most suitable channel for financing capital accumulation to support economic growth and development, the study suggests reviewing current policies to encourage domestic savings mobilization. This paper contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable economic policies in emerging markets, offering actionable insights for policymakers, financial institutions, and stakeholders promoting a more sustainable economic future for South Africa.

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Purpose: Small, medium, and micro-sized enterprises (SMMEs) are integral to global economies, contributing significantly to employment, innovation, and economic growth. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to most SMMEs around the world, reshaping their operational landscape and management strategies. This conceptual study seeks to review the available information in detail on contemporary management issues affecting SMMEs in the post-COVID-19 era. The study further assesses the management processes adopted by SMME managers to address these issues and provide a clear and easily understandable conceptual framework for SMMEs to survive post-COVID-19 challenges. Design/Method/Approach: The study rigorously analysed 1,105 peer-reviewed articles from reputable databases and adopted an interpretive qualitative approach and the systematic literature review technique. In this regard, a thematic analysis identified the recurring themes, thereby forming the basis for the conceptual framework. Findings: The identified themes include financial disruptions, shifts in consumer behaviour, resilience, and survival, rapid digital transformation, and remote work dynamics. A conceptual framework was developed, emphasising emotional intelligence, customer-centric adaptations, innovation risk management, financial resilience, technological innovation, adaptive leadership, sustainable business models, and remote workforce management. Theoretical Implications: Contribute to expanding conceptual knowledge base regarding SMMEs post-COVID-19 strategies in dealing with contemporary management issues. This includes the integration of organizational learning theory, which shows how SMMEs can learn from their experiences and adapt to the shifting business dynamics in the contemporary era. Practical Implications: The policy implication for these findings is that governments should develop targeted interventions, fostering a resilient environment for SMMEs. The findings of this study can enable SMMEs to Collaborate among stakeholders so as to propose essentials for creating sustainable solutions, ensuring that SMMEs continue their vital contributions to economic growth and innovation. Originality/Value: Theoretical perspectives on SMMEs post-COVID-19 strategies in dealing with contemporary management issues. The COVID-19 crisis has placed reliance on SMMEs to generate strategies for urgent management challenges, financial resilience, and an improvement in revenue streams. Research Limitations/Future Research: This research was limited to conceptual review and thus created the need to develop a conceptual framework that researchers can utilize to obtain empirical data on SMMEs post-COVID-19 strategies in dealing with contemporary management issues across the globe. Future research could also delve deeper into developing a more robust framework that shows the micro and medium-sized enterprise innovations, industry associations, and capacity-building initiatives that empower SMMEs to navigate the dynamic business landscape in the post-COVID-19 era. Paper Type: Conceptual JEL Classification: G32, L25, L26, M21