CIMEGS-SEJ (Socio-Economic Journal) ISSN 2819-6252 CIMEGS-SEJ (Socio-Economic Journal) is an international, peer-reviewed academic journal published by the Canadian Institute for Middle East and Gulf Studies (CIMEGS), Canada. The journal is published triannually (three issues per year) and offers an open-access platform for cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research addressing the evolving socio-economic, environmental, political, and technological dynamics of the Middle East and Gulf regions. CIMEGS-SEJ focuses on high-impact scholarly contributions in the following core areas: Economic development and transformation in Gulf and MENA countries Climate change and environmental governance Digital transformation, smart technologies, and innovation Cultural identity, migration, and geopolitical shifts Public policy, governance, and institutional reform Urban planning, architecture, and sustainable cities The journal particularly welcomes empirical, theoretical, and policy-oriented research that bridges academic insight with real-world challenges. With a commitment to scholarly excellence and regional relevance, CIMEGS-SEJ aims to become a key reference for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners engaged in shaping the future of the Middle East and Gulf. All submissions undergo rigorous double-blind peer review and are published under a Creative Commons license (CC BY 4.0) to ensure broad dissemination and long-term accessibility.
Canadian Institute for Middle East and Gulf Studies (CIMEGS)
De la dépendance à la diversification : Stratégies économiques face aux fluctuations des prix du pétrole
This paper examines the transition of oil-producing economies from dependence to economic diversification through a theoretical and empirical comparative approach, with a particular focus on Algeria. Drawing on the theories of natural resource dependence, the renter state, and productive diversification, the study analyzes how oil rents shape economic structures and long-term development trajectories. Methodologically, the paper adopts a comparative quantitative approach based on key diversification indicators, including the contribution of non-oil sectors to GDP, export structure, and vulnerability to oil price shocks. The results indicate that countries which have successfully diversified, such as Norway and the United Arab Emirates, have effectively transformed oil rents into engines of sustainable growth through coherent public policies and strong institutions. In the Algerian case, the findings reveal a gradual but tangible process of internal productive diversification, reflected in the growing contribution of non-hydrocarbon sectors to GDP. However, the persistently low share of non-oil exports highlights continued external vulnerability. The study concludes that Algeria is undergoing a structural transition toward diversification, which requires further targeted reforms to strengthen export capacity and ensure long-term economic resilience.
Copyright (c) 2026 CIMEGS–SEJ (Socio-Economic Journal)
Le syndrome de Lynch : Un modèle de prédisposition héréditaire au cancer colorectal
Le but de cette revue est de synthétiser les connaissances actuelles sur le syndrome de Lynch en tant que modèle de prédisposition héréditaire au cancer colorectal, et d’analyser les avancées diagnostiques et thérapeutiques récentes. Elle vise également à clarifier les mécanismes moléculaires impliqués et leurs implications cliniques. La méthodologie repose sur une analyse narrative des travaux publiés entre 2021 et 2025 à partir des bases de données Scopus et Web of Science, en incluant les études décrivant les gènes MMR, l’instabilité microsatellitaire (MSI), les approches de dépistage et les traitements émergents. Les principaux outils diagnostiques utilisés dans la littérature (critères d’Amsterdam et de Bethesda, IHC, MSI, séquençage MMR) ont été intégrés dans l’évaluation. Les résultats montrent que le syndrome de Lynch représente environ 3 % des cancers colorectaux et constitue la forme la plus fréquente de cancer colorectal héréditaire, lié à des mutations dans les gènes MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 et PMS2. Il se caractérise par un phénotype MSI-H et prédispose également à d’autres cancers, notamment de l’endomètre, de l’ovaire et de l’estomac. Les inhibiteurs de points de contrôle immunitaire présentent une efficacité notable dans les tumeurs MSI-H. Les implications cliniques soulignent l’importance du diagnostic précoce, de la surveillance personnalisée et du conseil génétique familial. Les politiques de santé devraient promouvoir l’utilisation systématique des tests MSI/IHC chez les patients atteints de cancer colorectal. Une approche multidisciplinaire demeure essentielle pour optimiser la prise en charge, la prévention et l’accompagnement des familles concernées.
Intelligence Artificielle et Automatisation : Promouvoir le Changement Économique au Moyen-Orient et dans les États du Golfe
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation are reshaping production and service systems and have become central drivers of economic transformation across the Middle East and Gulf States. This paper investigates their contribution to advancing industrial innovation, improving resource efficiency, and strengthening global competitiveness. It focuses on AI-enabled developments in smart manufacturing, digital finance, and renewable energy, and situates these within the broader objectives of regional Vision 2030 agendas, which seek to reduce reliance on hydrocarbon revenues and foster a knowledge-based economy. The analysis further examines critical challenges associated with this transition, including ethical and governance issues, labor market restructuring, and the readiness of digital and institutional infrastructures. Drawing on a comparative assessment of global and regional trajectories, the paper formulates strategic recommendations for leveraging AI and automation to support sustainable economic development and enhance the long-term competitive positioning of Middle Eastern and Gulf economies in the digital era.
Corruption et performances macroéconomiques des pays de la région MENA : analyse descriptive
This article investigates the impact of corruption on economic growth in the MENA region, focusing on both direct and indirect effects. The theoretical framework defines corruption as the misuse of public power for private gain and explores its transmission channels through foreign direct investment (FDI) and human capital accumulation. A descriptive analysis highlights significant disparities across countries. Economies with high levels of corruption attract fewer and less diversified FDI and face deficits in human capital development, which constrain productivity and long-term growth. Conversely, countries with stronger institutions and more diversified economic structures manage to mitigate some negative effects of corruption. The findings suggest that corruption acts as a structural impediment, limiting the transformation of economic growth into sustainable development. Policy implications include the need for institutional reforms, targeted human capital investments, and differentiated strategies tailored to national contexts. The study also provides avenues for future research, such as quantitative assessments of the indirect effects of corruption and evaluations of anti-corruption policies in the MENA region.
Immunotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Comprehensive Literature Synthesis
This study aims to assess the therapeutic impact of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1, PD-L1 and CTLA-4 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with particular emphasis on PD-L1–guided treatment strategies and implementation challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A structured case-study–based literature synthesis was conducted, including landmark randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses and international guidelines published between 2015 and 2025, retrieved from PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science, focusing on clinical efficacy, immune-related adverse events and biomarker-driven decision-making. The results indicate that ICIs significantly improve overall survival in NSCLC, extending median survival from approximately 8 months with conventional chemotherapy to nearly 24 months in selected patients; therapeutic benefit varies according to PD-L1 expression, favoring monotherapy for PD-L1 ≥50% and chemo-immunotherapy combinations for lower expression levels, while immune-related toxicities and biomarker heterogeneity remain major limitations. From a policy and public-health perspective, LMICs such as Algeria require standardized PD-L1 testing, reinforced multidisciplinary expertise for toxicity management, and adaptive health policies incorporating cost-containment strategies and digital oncology tools to optimize equitable access and maximize the clinical impact of immunotherapy in NSCLC.
Comprehensive risk assessment of infant exposure to Bacillus cereus bacteria in commercially baby flour marketed in Bechar, South western Algeria
Infants represent the foundation of society, therefore, safeguarding their health is an essential responsibility. This research focuses on the biological factors that may lead to organic diseases in infants due to the consumption of weaning foods contaminated with the sporulated bacterium Bacillus cereus in Bechar region of southwest Algeria. In recent years, the consumption of infant flour has increased. Although this product is designed for children, it is inherently non-sterile and produced at temperatures below 50 degrees Celsius, making it susceptible to bacterial proliferation. Bacillus cereus was detected in 78% of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 2 to 3 log. Resistance to temperature was assessed at 90°C, 95°C, and 98°C, demonstrating its resilience, certain strategies were shown to be effective in eradicating the bacterium.
Pancreatic cancer in Algeria – Cost-effectiveness study: A Comparative Study of FOLFIRINOX and GEMCITABINE Protocols
Pancreatic cancer is a formidable disease, often diagnosed at an advanced stage, with poor overall survival. Advances in therapeutic protocols have improved tumor response rates in certain situations, but at the cost of high expenses and significant adverse effects. In the absence of local guidelines, a cost-effectiveness evaluation is essential to guide therapeutic decisions, particularly in resource-limited countries. To compare efficacy, toxicity and real-world direct medical costs of FOLFIRINOX versus gemcitabine-based regimens in routine practice at EHU Oran, Algeria. This is a prospective descriptive observational study conducted in the Medical Oncology Department of the EHU Oran between October 2020 and December 2023. All patients with pancreatic cancer, regardless of stage, were included. The analyzed protocols were FOLFIRINOX and GEMCITABINE, used in neoadjuvant or palliative settings. Tumor response criteria (RECIST v1.1), toxicity (CTCAE v4.0), and economic data (total cost over 6 months, cost per cycle) were systematically collected. Of the 133 patients included, 42 received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (14 FOLFIRINOX, 13 GEMCITABINE), and 77 received palliative treatment (18 FOLFIRINOX, 25 GEMCITABINE). Response rates with FOLFIRINOX were higher than with GEMCITABINE in both settings (37.5% vs. 12.5% in neoadjuvant, 35.7% vs. 28.5% in palliative). However, the average cost of a complete 6-month treatment was estimated at 360,000 DA for FOLFIRINOX, compared to 35,100 DA for GEMCITABINE. The addition of supportive treatments such as Eprex did not alter this trend. Our results demonstrate that, although FOLFIRINOX is more effective in terms of tumor response, its high cost and toxicity limit its routine use, particularly in elderly or frail patients. Systematic use of a multidisciplinary tumor board (RCP) enables the selection of patients likely to benefit from it. This study, the first of its kind in Algeria, highlights the importance of combining clinical and economic criteria to tailor therapeutic strategies to individual patients. Pancreatic cancer represents a major public health challenge in Algeria. Integrating cost-effectiveness evaluations into clinical practice is a valuable decision-making tool. Multicentric studies are needed to validate these findings on a larger scale and guide future national recommendations.
Technical and Scale Efficiency of Tunisia’s Regional Public Transport: A DEA Study
This study examines the technical and scale efficiency of twelve regional public transport companies in Tunisia over an eight-year period (2008–2015) using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA). The analysis considers three input variables (number of employees, fleet size, and fuel consumption) and one output variable (offered seat-kilometers, PKO). Efficiency is evaluated under both constant returns to scale (CRS) and variable returns to scale (VRS) assumptions. The results reveal significant variations in efficiency across companies and over time. Under CRS, average efficiency scores range from 0.26 to 0.91, while under VRS, they range from 0.4 to 0.96, highlighting the presence of pure technical inefficiencies and scale inefficiencies. The study finds that certain companies could achieve substantial productivity gains by aligning with the efficient frontier, and that inefficiencies persist regardless of company size. These findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and transport planners aiming to improve the operational performance of regional urban transport systems in Tunisia.
Financial Drivers of SME Resilience to Economic Shocks: Empirical Evidence
The recent economic environment, characterized by a succession of major shocks, has severely tested the financial stability of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). In this context, firms’ ability to absorb disruptions and maintain financial stability (commonly referred to as resilience) has become a central concern for both policymakers and practitioners. This paper examines the financial determinants of SME resilience to recent economic shocks using a sample of SMEs. Resilience is defined as a firm’s ability to maintain a relatively stable financial position during the shock period. An empirical approach based on logistic regression is employed to estimate the probability of resilience as a function of firms’ financial characteristics. The results indicate that liquidity, financial structure, and profitability have a significant effect on the likelihood of SME resilience, whereas firm size appears to be less influential in the short term. These findings highlight the importance of anticipatory financial decisions in strengthening SME resilience and provide relevant managerial and economic implications.
FDI and domestic Investment in North Africa: a correlation between substitution and stimulation
The objective of this article is to empirically study the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and domestic investment in a sample of six North African countries. The study draws on the theoretical frameworks proposed by Agosin and Mayer (2001) and explores two main hypotheses: (1) multinational companies create a crowding-out effect on local firms, and (2) FDI stimulates national investments. The empirical approach is based on the methodology of Arellano and Bond (1991), applied to panel data covering the period from 1995 to 2023. The results show that FDI leads to a phenomenon of creative destruction, with a short- and long-term crowding-out effect on domestic investment. For the sectoral relationship, we find that FDI may transfer investments from the agricultural sector to the manufacturing sector.
investment climate and simultaneous equations
An Integrated Predictive-Analytical Modeling Framework for E-Learning Quality Assessment: Evidence from the TBSA Program
The rapid expansion of e-learning necessitates robust frameworks to evaluate and enhance learner experience. This study proposes an innovative hybrid methodology that integrates machine learning (ML) with fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making (Fuzzy MCDM) to assess perceived e-learning quality. Using data from the TBSA (Training for Business Start-up Advisors) program, we first employ Gradient Boosting with SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) analysis to objectively determine feature importance from learner responses. These data-driven weights are then integrated into a Fuzzy TOPSIS model to manage inherent uncertainties in educational assessments and produce robust quality dimension rankings. Our results reveal that Responsiveness/Ease of Use (dimension weight: 0.5714) is the most critical dimension, followed by Tangibility (0.2020), Assurance (0.1592), and Security/Reliability (0.0674). The hybrid framework demonstrates substantial explanatory power (R = 0.5156) while providing interpretable, action- able insights for e-learning optimization. This approach offers educational institutions a scientifically-grounded methodology for prioritizing quality improvements and resource allocation.
How do non-performing loans affect productivity? Evidence from Tunisian banks using a parametric hyperbolic distance function
As solving the problem of the high level of non-performing loans presents a key factor in strengthening the soundness of the banking system, Tunisian government has considered the reduction of the nonperforming loans burden of a paramount importance. In this paper, we construct a new total factor productivity (TFP) index using a parametric hyperbolic distance function, which simultaneously credits for an expansion in economic outputs (loans and others earning assets) along with contractions undesirable output (nonperforming loans). This new TFP index provides more fruitful and meaningful economic decomposition. In addition to the first three parts (technical change, efficiency change and scale effect change), our index offers one more part related to undesirable output reflecting its effect on productivity. Subsequently, this index is employed to evaluate the TFP change for 10 listed Tunisian banks during 1992–2014. The results indicate that over the studied period, the banking sector experienced a progress in term of Efficiency change as well as a technical change by 0.5%, and 0.3%, respectively. However, these improvements were offset by regress in term of scale effect change and NPLs effect change. Thus, over the entire period (1992-2014), there was no significant change in the average TFP. Public banks are found to have been more successful than the private ones in capturing benefits from changes in technology and efficiency. In addition, the scale changes and undesirable output effects are found to be problematic for the private and public banks indicating that they do not operate at an optimal scale and do not efficiently manage their risk.
Fuel Consumption and Energy use in Tunisia’s Public Road Transport: A Descriptive Study
This paper presents a descriptive analysis of fuel consumption and energy use in Tunisia’s public road transport sector during the period 2008–2014. The study covers 13 regional transport companies and the National Interurban Transport Company (SNTRI). Based on data on passenger numbers, kilometers traveled, vehicle fleet characteristics, and fuel consumption, the analysis highlights the main determinants of energy demand and compares energy efficiency across companies. The results show that while fuel consumption remained relatively stable, fuel expenditures increased over time. Significant disparities in energy performance persist among transport operators, and improvements in energy efficiency remain limited, pointing to the need for better energy management in the sector.
Foreign direct investment and the triangle of growth, inequality and poverty in north Africa
This study examines the impact of foreign direct investment (FDI) on poverty in North Africa over the period 1995–2023. It distinguishes between two potentially conflicting effects of FDI on poverty: the growth effect and the inequality effect. The first part of the article provides a theoretical analysis of the relationships linking foreign direct investment to the “growth–inequality–poverty” triangle. The second part is empirical in nature. Using a simultaneous-equations econometric model applied to an unbalanced panel dataset, the study captures the interactions between FDI and the triangle as documented in the existing literature. The results indicate that FDI has a negative effect on inequality and a positive, though relatively modest, effect on economic growth. However, according to the model’s estimates, FDI has not had a statistically significant impact on poverty levels in North Africa.
Agriculture Hydroponique Intelligente : La Solution Technologique pour l’Avenir de la Sécurité Alimentaire et de la Stabilité Économique au Moyen-Orient
The Middle East is confronted with serious challenges such as water shortage, desertification, and climate change that threaten food security and economic stability. Hydroponic agriculture, smart and soilless, is a sustainable solution, conserving 90% of water. IoT and AI make it even more advantageous to monitor and cultivate crops in real-time and optimize crop yields. Bioprinting pushes the platform of innovation in agriculture even further. These solutions improve food autonomy, decrease reliance on imports, and create employment opportunities. Regional integration of policies can promote cooperation and sustainable development.
Copyright (c) 2025 CIMEGS–SEJ (Socio-Economic Journal)
Impact de la Croissance Démographique et Urbaine sur la Demande Énergétique en Algérie.
L'Algérie connaît une forte croissance de sa demande énergétique, stimulée par une urbanisation rapide et une augmentation constante de la population. Ce travail applique une approche économétrique avancée pour analyser la relation entre ces facteurs et la consommation énergétique. En utilisant des méthodes de cointégration de Johansen, un modèle VAR/VECM sous EViews, cette étude met en lumière les déterminants clés de la demande énergétique en Algérie. Les résultats obtenus permettent de proposer des recommandations stratégiques pour une gestion durable des ressources énergétiques en Algérie.
L’impact de l’économie verte sur le développement durable, cas de l’Algérie
Cette étude analyse dans quelle mesure la transition vers une économie verte peut permettre de concilier croissance économique, équité sociale et préservation de l’environnement en Algérie. À travers une approche qualitative, elle met en lumière les fondements de l’économie verte, les secteurs porteurs et les politiques publiques en place. Les résultats indiquent que l’économie verte constitue un levier opérationnel du développement durable. Pour l’Algérie, elle représente une opportunité stratégique face à la dépendance aux hydrocarbures. Sa réussite nécessite cependant des réformes profondes, une gouvernance renforcée et des investissements durables.
Development of e-MDTMs in Western Algeria: From Concept to Reality
Multidisciplinary Team Meetings (MDTMs) are pivotal for optimizing cancer care through collaborative decision-making. In Western Algeria, electronic MDTMs (e-MDTMs) for thyroid and urological cancers, initiated in 2017, enhance care coordination at Oran University Hospital (EHUO). This article details the development, deployment, and challenges of the e-MDTM platform, which supports patient record management, meeting scheduling, and data analysis. Despite COVID-19 disruptions, the pilot phase resumed in 2024, with full implementation planned for 2025. Challenges include infrastructure limitations, funding dependency, and training needs. The e-MDTM improves decision-making and offers potential for research and expanded cancer care.
The Significance of AI Policies and Regulations on Fostering a Sustainable Educational Landscape in the Middle East
Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations play a crucial role in public international law by establishing a robust legal framework across nations. In the Middle East, strict rules on AI implementation are necessary to develop privacy laws that specifically cater to the region's needs. This study focuses on AI policies in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, with a particular emphasis on their impact on education sustainability. The study analyzes hard and soft law approaches and their implications for technology use within the academic community. The findings reveal a significant gap in the existing legal framework for AI in education, providing straightforward insights into future strategies for fostering sustainable education in the region.
Gelatin production from camel bones: A sustainable model to promote green economy in the Arab world
This study assesses the economic and environmental feasibility of gelatin extraction from camel bones within the context of sustainable development and the green economy. In 2023, Camel meat production in the Arab world reached 420,000 tons, generating over 62,000 tons of bones which can yield approximately 14,364 tons of gelatin, sufficient to meet the Arab world's entire demand. Current gelatin imports exceed 10 million USD annually, while establishing a production unit requires only about 1 million USD, making local production highly feasible. Camel bones offer a significant economic opportunity, enabling the production of high-quality halal gelatin that can support food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries.
Developing Edible Mushroom Cultivation Through the Use of Local Seeds and the Recycling of Agricultural Waste for a Sustainable National Economy
Edible mushroom cultivation, based on local strains and agricultural waste recycling, promotes a sustainable economy by reducing reliance on imported mycelium and enhancing local resource use. Despite mushrooms' sensitivity to contamination, production can be improved through resistant strains, optimized substrates, and natural additives. The goals are to increase yields, improve quality, enhance disease resistance, and support sustainable farming. This approach boosts employment, food security, and waste management, contributing significantly to the economic development of rural and peri-urban areas.