African Scientific Journal

Can artificial intelligence (AI) help or hinder corporate social responsibility (CSR)? Theorectical reflection

Imane Arrafiki — 2026-04-15

Abstract

As climate change intensifies, more and more companies are embracing sustainable development goals through CSR strategies/actions in order to preserve the environment and safeguard the interests of their main internal stakeholders in particularly employees, and/or their external stakeholders as well.

On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) is also becoming widespread in a variety of fields (medecine, education, music and economics). Hence, companies are keenly aware of the benefits of adopting AI, as it offers considerable advantages in terms of competitiveness (cost reduction, quality improvement, better management of delivery times and manufacturing processes, better use of data analysis of both financial and extra-financial reports, etc.).

However, AI is a double-edged sword that has both advantages and disadvantages, and its adoption presents some risks. Hence, our paper aims to respond to the question: Can artificial intelligence help or hinder CSR in social and environmental fields?

Keywords

AI, CSR, Social, Environmental.

Résumé

Avec l’intensification des changements climatiques, de plus en plus d’entreprises adhèrent aux objectifs du développement durable à travers l’adoption de stratégies et d’actions RSE ; afin de préserver l’environnement et protéger les intérêts de leurs parties prenantes internes ; en particulier leurs employés, ainsi que leurs parties prenantes externes également.

D’autre part, l’intelligence artificielle se répand dans une variété de domaines (médecine, éducation, musique etéconomie). Par conséquent, les entreprises sont pleinement conscientes des bénéfices d’adopter l’IA, du faitqu’elle offre des avantages considérables en termes de compétitivité (minimisation des coûts, amélioration de la qualité, meilleure gestion de temps de livraison et des processus de fabrication, meilleure utilisation de l’analyse des données financières et des rapports extra-financiers, etc.).

Cependant, l’IA est une arme à double tranchant qui présente des avantages et des inconvénients, et son adoption pose quelques risques. Ainsi, notre article a pour finalité de répondre à la question : L’intelligence artificielle (IA) peut-elle améliorer ou entraver la responsabilité sociale de l’entreprise (RSE) dans les domaines social et environnemental ?

Mots clés :

IA, RSE, Social, Environemental.

Collective Land Mobilization in Morocco: A Mixed Methods Analysis of Investment Dynamics in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra Region

Adil Mansour — 2026-04-15

Abstract:

This study examines the mobilization of collective lands (Soulaliyates) in Morocco within the context of the "Generation Green 2020-2030" strategy. Drawing on Heller's (1998) "Anti-Commons" theoretical framework, the research investigates whether the state-led leasing mechanism addresses the structural paralysis historically linked to indivision and fragmented property rights. Employing a mixed-methods approach in the Béni Mellal-Khénifra region, the study integrates quantitative analysis of 32 agricultural investment projects with qualitative semi-structured interviews with local stakeholders. Findings indicate a clear distinction between legal land mobilization and actual economic valorization. Although the leasing mechanism separates ownership from usage and circumvents traditional tribal vetoes, it does not ensure project success: only 44% of the projects achieved effective development, while 56% remain stalled or have been terminated. The analysis reveals an evolution of the "Anti-Commons" effect, as initial community blockages give way to "entrepreneurial" inertia resulting from adverse selection and procedural bottlenecks. The article concludes that while long-term leases are necessary for agrarian transition, they are insufficient without comprehensive reform of territorial governance and investor selection processes.

Keywords: Collective Lands, Anti-Commons, Agricultural Investment, Generation Green 2020-2030.

Contractual recruitment through the lens of the variable motivation of Moroccan teachers

Miryem ZINE EL ABIDINE — 2026-04-17

Abstract

The recent and emblematic phenomenon of contractualisation and regionalisation of resources in the education sector in Morocco, leads us to question the influential effects of this change on the behavioural paradigm of teaching staff and, above all, their motivations.

In this study empirically, a mixed study was conducted in the Fes Meknes region, using a questionnaire administered to 215 contract teachers, selected at random.

The objective is to investigates and better understand the different parameters analysed and to evaluate their experience. The data were analysed using SPSS according to an analytical approach.

The results based on the data collected enabled us to propose a conceptual framework of the main variables explaining the phenomenon of demotivation, feelings of inequality and insecurity among most teachers, particularly in relation to contract recruitment, and to address the various parameters necessary to resolve these issues.

Our findings confirm that there is a significant correlation between recruitment methods and employee motivation.

A large number of teachers viewed this as a source of demotivation and discrimination, and year after year they have continued to demand their integration into the civil service, as evidenced by repeated strikes, absenteeism, insubordination, abandonment of posts, and boycotts of staff meetings.

The survey results indicate that, in the minds of teachers, the employment relationship is structured around a predefined framework; the temporary nature of their employment appears to contradict their explicit, specific expectations, which are driven more by relational than transactional logic, and where issues related to job security take on particular significance.

Key words: Contractualisation, motivation, RH and comportement organisationnel, organisational change, status, teacher.

L’initiative Maroc Atlantique : opportunités et défis

JABRI Nada — 2026-04-15

Résumé

L’économie‍‌‍‍‌‍‌‍‍‌ bleue est un des leviers de la transition vers un développement durable du Maroc, dont la façade atlantique est une des opportunités majeures. L’Initiative Maroc Atlantique est une démarche qui vise à valoriser l'économie bleue marocaine dans ce sens en tirant parti de la façade atlantique pour renforcer la coopération durable intercontinentale entre l’Afrique, l’Europe et les Amériques, améliorer la connectivité régionale et promouvoir un développement durable. Pour comprendre son potentiel, il s’avère essentiel d'analyser les opportunites qui représente pour le pays ainsi que les défis qui pourraient entraver sa mise en œuvre avec une matrice SWOT traduite par une lecture stratégique par la matrice TOWS. L’étude est basée sur une méthodologie qualitative en s'appuyant sur une analyse approfondie de documents et un codage thématique, sur une base d'un corpus de 47 documents étudiés dont des rapports institutionnels, des communications officielles, des articles de presse spécialisés et des travaux académiques. Les résultats de l'analyse montrent que le Maroc dispose d'atouts importants, tels qu'un positionnement géostratégique favorable, des infrastructures portuaires de qualité et un soutien politique de haut niveau. Cependant, ces opportunités sont soumises à plusieurs défis, notamment la complexité de la gouvernance multi-acteurs, les incertitudes financières, les vulnérabilités sécuritaires régionales et les exigences croissantes en matière de durabilité. L'Initiative Maroc Atlantique est un levier stratégique prometteur pour renforcer le dispositif de l’économie bleue marocaine et africaine qui doit s'appuyer sur une gouvernance coordonnée, des mécanismes de pilotage transparents et une intégration effective des dimensions financières, environnementales et géopolitiques.

Mots clés : économie bleue, innovation durable, Atlantique, opportunités, défis

Abstract

The blue economy is one of the key drivers of Morocco’s transition toward sustainable development, and its Atlantic coastline represents a major opportunity in this regard. The Morocco Atlantic Initiative is an initiative aimed at promoting Morocco’s blue economy by leveraging the Atlantic coastline to strengthen sustainable intercontinental cooperation between Africa, Europe, and the Americas, improve regional connectivity, and promote sustainable development. To understand its potential, it is essential to analyze the opportunities it presents for the country as well as the challenges that could hinder its implementation using a SWOT analysis, interpreted through a strategic lens via the TOWS matrix. The study is based on a qualitative methodology, drawing on an in-depth document analysis and thematic coding, based on a corpus of 47 documents examined, including institutional reports, official communications, specialized press articles, and academic works. The results of the analysis show that Morocco possesses significant strengths, such as a favorable geostrategic location, high-quality port infrastructure, and high-level political support. However, these opportunities are subject to several challenges, including the complexity of multi-stakeholder governance, financial uncertainties, regional security vulnerabilities, and growing sustainability requirements. The Morocco Atlantic Initiative is a promising strategic lever for strengthening the Moroccan and African blue economy, which must be based on coordinated governance, transparent steering mechanisms, and the effective integration of financial, environmental, and geopolitical dimensions.

Keywords: blue economy, sustainable innovation, Atlantic, opportunities, challenges

Rôle de l’Etat dans les stratégies d’internationalisation des entreprises

AOURAGH Lalla Malika — 2026-04-15

Résumé

Le choix de la localisation des firmes est stratégique. Devenue acteur central de l’activité économique leur choix impacte à la fois leur performance et leur pérennité mais aussi permet de façonner le paysage socioéconomique d’un territoire. Dans ce travail on s’interroge sur le rôle de l’Etat dans les stratégies d’internationalisation des entreprises. Cela passe d’abord par l’analyse des choix économiques et géopolitiques du l’Etat d’origine et de sa capacité à favoriser et accompagner l’expansion régionale ou internationale de ses entreprises publiques ou privées. Ensuite, du point de vue de l’Etat d’accueil, l’examen de la concurrence entre espaces géographiques en termes de compétitivité, d’accessibilité et d’attractivité territoriales rend compte de son intensité croissante. Cette concurrence accentuée conduit à la réflexion et la mise en place de politiques d’incitation et de stratégies de développement de l’offre territoriale. Par ailleurs, l’étude des relations interétatiques permet enfin de mettre en évidence leurs effets sur les choix de localisation des firmes. Ces relations sont visibles à travers les accords régionaux, les institutions de coopération régionales ou internationales ou encore et surtout dans le cadre de zones d’intégration régionale. Les stratégies d’internationalisation ont ainsi fait naître des échanges régionaux plus concentrés et plus intensifs dans le cadre de ces zones. Sur la base d’une approche profondément argumentative, nous justifions la nécessité pour les Etats de réussir différents rôles et ce dans le cadre d’une économie mondialisée caractérisée par l’intensification des liens économiques et commerciaux et la multiplication des partenariats régionaux.

Mots clés – Etat, IDE, intégration régionale

Abstract

The choice of a company's location is strategic. Having become a key player in the local economy, their decisions not only affect their own performance and long-term viability but also help shape the socioeconomic landscape of the region. This study examines the role of the government in corporate internationalization strategies. This begins with an analysis of the economic and geopolitical choices made by the home country and its ability to promote and support the regional or international expansion of its public and private companies. Furthermore, from the perspective of the host country, an analysis of competition among geographic regions in terms of competitiveness, accessibility, and territorial attractiveness reflects the growing intensity of this competition. This intensified competition has led to the development and implementation of incentive policies and strategies to expand the regional supply. Furthermore, the study of interstate relations finally sheds light on their impact on firms’ location decisions. These relationships are evident in regional agreements, regional or international cooperation institutions, and, above all, within the framework of regional integration zones. Internationalization strategies have thus led to more concentrated and intensive regional trade within these zones. Drawing on a thoroughly analytical approach, we argue that states must successfully fulfill various roles within the context of a globalized economy characterized by increasingly close economic and trade ties and a proliferation of regional partnerships.

Keywords – State, FDI, regional integration

Towards an Innovative and Resilient Blue Economy: A Critical Literature Review of Sustainable Innovation Ecosystems

JABRI Nada — 2026-04-15

Abstract

In a global context characterized by recurrent ecological and economic crises, the blue economy stands out as a strategic lever for developing new models of sustainable and resilient growth. Innovation lies at the heart of this transformation, mobilizing maritime ecosystems that integrate technological, social, territorial, and environmental challenges. This study provides a critical and theoretical international literature review of the innovations implemented within marine ecosystems and tested through the evolution of the blue economy via a qualitative, critical, and synthetic methodological approach (theoretical and thematic analysis).

The objectives are threefold: (1) to provide a state of the art of existing knowledge on the link between “innovation and sustainability” within the blue economy as a resilient ecosystem; (2) to identify entrepreneurial resilience factors in coastal environments; and (3) to propose a conceptual model explaining the relationship between these key concepts. This review helps fill a theoretical gap concerning the interactions among ecosystems, innovation, and resilience, while opening new research and policy avenues to support the economic transitions of coastal zones.

Keywords: Blue Economy; Sustainable Innovation; Resilience; Ecosystems; Sustainability