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  The interplay between trade integration and air transport in Africa

  This study examines the interaction between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in the context of economic integration in Africa. The objective is to systematize and synthesize existing literature and to develop an integrated conceptual framework for analyzing their combined economic ... This study examines the interaction between the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) in the context of economic integration in Africa. The objective is to systematize and synthesize existing literature and to develop an integrated conceptual framework for analyzing their combined economic effects. The study adopts a qualitative approach based on a conceptual literature review. The results indicate that trade integration and air transport liberalization are interdependent processes, operating through key mediating factors such as transport infrastructure, institutional coordination, regulatory harmonization, and the reduction of non-tariff barriers. The findings suggest that the interaction between AfCFTA and SAATM can generate cumulative economic effects, although their realization depends on structural and institutional conditions. The study contributes to the literature by integrating two largely separate analytical fields and by proposing a conceptual framework for future empirical research.

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  Why does the size of the shadow economy vary across nations

  This study examines the shadow economy as a macroeconomic and institutional phenomenon that varies across countries. The main objective is to explain these differences by analyzing factors such as tax burden, institutional quality, regulatory environment, and labor market conditions. The study highlights the lack of a unified definition, with the ... This study examines the shadow economy as a macroeconomic and institutional phenomenon that varies across countries. The main objective is to explain these differences by analyzing factors such as tax burden, institutional quality, regulatory environment, and labor market conditions. The study highlights the lack of a unified definition, with the shadow economy most commonly understood as legal activities deliberately concealed from public authorities. The analysis shows that it leads to an underestimation of real GDP and is measured through direct, indirect, and mixed methods. It is found that its share is lower in developed countries, while in less developed economies it often plays a compensatory role. In conclusion, the size of the shadow economy is determined by the interaction between economic incentives and institutional factors.

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  Direct and indirect costs of cyber incidents in the small enterprise

  The present study examines the critical need for a precise differentiation of the economic consequences of cyberattacks for the most vulnerable group of market participants - small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At present, the conditions for doing business in the digital sphere are entirely shaped by increasingly sophisticated technological ... The present study examines the critical need for a precise differentiation of the economic consequences of cyberattacks for the most vulnerable group of market participants - small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). At present, the conditions for doing business in the digital sphere are entirely shaped by increasingly sophisticated technological challenges (AI-based threats, automated attacks, etc.), as well as regulatory pressures (the implementation of more niche and stringent requirements such as the NIS2 Directive), which place companies under significant financial strain. In this context, small businesses often prove to be financially unprepared due to their inherent pragmatic focus on direct and visible costs following such incidents. The main objective of this report is to propose a logical framework for differentiating the costs associated with cyber incidents in SMEs, enabling more accurate identification, tracking, and assessment of economic consequences in the short, medium, and long term.