Ahmed BenSaïda | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Ahmed BenSaïda | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Faculty from University of Sousse, Tunisia

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda is a distinguished full professor of finance at Effat University in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. With over two decades of academic experience, he has significantly contributed to the fields of finance and accounting. His academic journey began with a Ph.D. from the University of Tunis, Tunisia, and a Master’s degree from Nagasaki University, Japan. Dr. Bensaïda’s research interests encompass financial markets, behavioral finance, chaotic dynamics, risk management, spillovers and contagion, and asset pricing. He has authored numerous publications in these areas, reflecting his deep engagement with both theoretical and practical aspects of finance. His teaching portfolio includes undergraduate, postgraduate, and Ph.D. courses, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to education. Dr. Bensaïda has also played vital roles in academic administration, contributing to curriculum development, accreditation processes, and academic councils. His international exposure, combined with his extensive research and teaching experience, positions him as a leading figure in the field of finance education and research.

Professional Profile

Education

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s academic foundation is rooted in a robust international education. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Tunis, Tunisia, where he developed a strong analytical and theoretical understanding of financial systems. Prior to this, he completed his Master’s degree at Nagasaki University in Japan, an experience that provided him with a global perspective on financial practices and economic theories. This diverse educational background has equipped Dr. Bensaïda with a unique blend of Eastern and Western academic philosophies, enriching his teaching and research methodologies. His academic pursuits have been characterized by a commitment to excellence and a continuous quest for knowledge, laying the groundwork for his subsequent contributions to academia and the field of finance.

Professional Experience

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s professional journey in academia spans over 20 years, marked by progressive roles and responsibilities. He began his career as a contractual lecturer at the Higher Institute of Management, University of Tunis, in 2002. He then served at HEC Sousse, University of Sousse, and FSEG Mahdia, University of Monastir, where he held positions ranging from lecturer to assistant professor, and eventually associate professor. In these roles, he was instrumental in developing course syllabi, managing academic departments, and contributing to scientific councils. In 2019, Dr. Bensaïda joined Effat University as an associate professor and was promoted to full professor in 2020. At Effat, he has been actively involved in student advising, accreditation management, and serving on various academic councils. His extensive experience reflects a deep commitment to academic excellence and leadership in higher education.

Research Interests

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s research interests are diverse and interdisciplinary, focusing on areas critical to understanding and navigating modern financial systems. His work delves into financial markets, exploring the dynamics that drive market behavior and asset pricing. He has a keen interest in behavioral finance, examining how psychological factors influence investor decisions and market outcomes. Dr. Bensaïda also investigates chaotic dynamics within financial systems, aiming to understand complex, nonlinear behaviors that traditional models may overlook. His research on risk management addresses strategies to mitigate financial uncertainties, while his studies on spillovers and contagion analyze how economic shocks propagate across markets. Through these research endeavors, Dr. Bensaïda contributes valuable insights into the mechanisms that underpin financial stability and efficiency.

Research Skills

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that enable him to conduct rigorous and impactful studies in finance. He is adept at quantitative analysis, employing statistical and econometric methods to model financial phenomena and test hypotheses. His proficiency in data analysis tools allows him to handle large datasets, extract meaningful patterns, and derive actionable insights. Dr. Bensaïda’s expertise extends to developing theoretical frameworks that integrate concepts from economics, psychology, and mathematics to explain complex financial behaviors. He is skilled in academic writing, effectively communicating his findings through scholarly publications. Additionally, his experience in interdisciplinary research equips him to collaborate across fields, enriching his studies with diverse perspectives and methodologies.

Awards and Honors

Throughout his academic career, Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda has been recognized for his contributions to finance education and research. While specific awards and honors are not detailed in the available information, his promotion to full professor at Effat University in 2020 signifies a recognition of his academic achievements and leadership. His involvement in key academic councils and accreditation processes further reflects the esteem in which he is held by his peers and institutions. Dr. Bensaïda’s consistent progression through academic ranks and his active participation in shaping academic programs underscore his commitment to excellence and the impact of his work in the field of finance.

Conclusion

Dr. Ahmed Bensaïda’s distinguished career in finance academia is marked by a blend of international education, extensive teaching experience, and a profound research portfolio. His contributions to understanding complex financial systems, investor behavior, and market dynamics have enriched both academic literature and practical applications in finance. As a full professor at Effat University, he continues to mentor students, lead academic initiatives, and engage in research that addresses contemporary financial challenges. Dr. Bensaïda’s dedication to education and research exemplifies the role of academia in advancing knowledge and informing practice in the ever-evolving field of finance.

Publications Top Notes

  • Hedge and safe haven properties during COVID-19: Evidence from Bitcoin and gold

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, R. Chemkha, A. Ghorbel, T. Tayachi

    • Year: 2021

    • Citations: 202

  • Herding and excessive risk in the American stock market: A sectoral analysis

    • Authors: H. Litimi, A. BenSaïda, O. Bouraoui

    • Year: 2016

    • Citations: 173

  • Good and bad volatility spillovers: An asymmetric connectedness

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2019

    • Citations: 152

  • Herding effect on idiosyncratic volatility in US industries

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2017

    • Citations: 131

  • Volatility spillover shifts in global financial markets

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, H. Litimi, O. Abdallah

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 116

  • The contagion effect in European sovereign debt markets: A regime-switching vine copula approach

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 81

  • High level chaos in the exchange and index markets

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, H. Litimi

    • Year: 2013

    • Citations: 78

  • Noisy chaos in intraday financial data: Evidence from the American index

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2014

    • Citations: 70

  • Shapiro-Wilk and Shapiro-Francia normality tests

    • Author: A. BenSaïda

    • Year: 2022

    • Citations: 67

  • The shifting dependence dynamics between the G7 stock markets

    • Authors: A. BenSaïda, S. Boubaker, D.K. Nguyen

    • Year: 2018

    • Citations: 59

Karim Nabaloum | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Mr. Karim Nabaloum | Econometrics and Finance | Best Researcher Award

Thomas SANKARA University from Burkina Faso

Karim NABALOUM is a Burkinabè economist and researcher specializing in macroeconomic policy, development planning, and climate finance. With over a decade of academic and professional experience, he combines rigorous economic analysis with a strong capacity for practical implementation in development and public policy contexts. He is currently completing his Ph.D. in Economics at Université Thomas Sankara, where he also serves as a lecturer in macroeconomics and monetary economics. Karim has demonstrated excellence in both teaching and applied research, with extensive contributions to regional economic policy initiatives through his role as Chargé d’étude at AMD International. His consulting work includes public expenditure reviews, climate adaptation planning, and policy analysis across West Africa and the Maghreb region. In addition to his academic accomplishments, Karim is recognized for his strong analytical and statistical skills, with proficiency in software such as EViews, Stata, and R. He has authored several scientific articles and research reports, with a focus on monetary transmission, financial inclusion, and poverty alleviation in the UEMOA zone. A reviewer for African Development Review, Karim is known for his academic rigor, teamwork, and commitment to evidence-based policy. He is a promising young scholar whose profile aligns well with excellence in research, policy relevance, and regional impact.

Professional Profile

Education

Karim NABALOUM’s academic journey reflects a deep and consistent commitment to the field of economics. He began his studies at Université Thomas Sankara, where he earned a Licence and Maîtrise in Macroéconomie et Gestion du Développement between 2013 and 2016. He went on to complete a Diplôme d’Étude Approfondie (DEA) in Économie Appliquée in 2019 under the PTCI regional program. In 2025, Karim is set to complete his doctoral thesis in Economics at Université Thomas Sankara, marking the culmination of a rigorous and well-rounded academic path. His academic development has been further enhanced through specialized programs and certifications. These include participation in the Campus de Cours Commun à Option at Université Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar, and training in strategic foresight, climate policy, and sustainable finance. He also holds certifications in topics such as health and climate change, the African Continental Free Trade Area (ZLECAf), and gender-responsive planning. This diverse and high-level education has equipped Karim with both theoretical depth and practical insight, allowing him to address complex economic and development challenges in West Africa and beyond. His academic foundation is a key pillar supporting his strong performance in teaching, research, and applied policy work.

Professional Experience

Karim NABALOUM has built a robust and diverse professional portfolio encompassing academia, consulting, and policy research. His academic roles include serving as a lecturer and assistant across several major institutions, most notably Université Thomas Sankara and Université Saint Thomas d’Aquin. Since 2020, he has taught a range of economics subjects, including macroeconomics, monetary policy, and economic fluctuations, at both undergraduate and graduate levels. These teaching roles have allowed him to contribute significantly to the training of future economists in Burkina Faso. Simultaneously, Karim has developed substantial applied research experience through his position as Chargé d’étude at AMD International. Between 2022 and 2025, he contributed to various high-impact missions, including public expenditure reviews, climate adaptation planning, institutional analysis, and project development for international climate finance mechanisms. His work spans multiple countries including Senegal, Algeria, and Burkina Faso, and often involves integrating climate, gender, and economic policy objectives. This dual-track experience—combining academic teaching and field research—demonstrates Karim’s capacity to bridge theory and practice. It highlights his effectiveness in translating economic concepts into actionable policy recommendations, positioning him as both a skilled educator and a practical economist working at the intersection of research and development implementation.

Research Interests

Karim NABALOUM’s research interests lie at the intersection of macroeconomic policy, monetary transmission mechanisms, financial development, and climate economics. A key focus of his academic work is understanding how central bank policies influence banking behavior and economic outcomes within the UEMOA region. His DEA and doctoral research have explored themes such as banking liquidity, regulatory constraints, and the effectiveness of monetary policy. His published and ongoing research includes studies on the pass-through of interest rates, the role of mobile money in poverty reduction, and the interaction between financial sector dynamics and macroeconomic performance. In recent years, Karim has also developed a strong interest in the economics of climate change. His consulting work has provided valuable insights into how public finance systems and institutional planning can be restructured to support climate adaptation and sustainable development. He is also increasingly involved in research that addresses the integration of gender and environmental considerations into economic planning. This blend of macroeconomic theory and applied development economics positions Karim’s work at the forefront of relevant and timely policy research for West Africa. His interests are well aligned with regional development priorities, and his multidisciplinary approach makes his research both impactful and policy-relevant.

Research Skills

Karim NABALOUM possesses a comprehensive set of research skills that span theoretical modeling, quantitative analysis, and field-based evaluation. His academic training in macroeconomics and applied economics has equipped him with a solid foundation in economic theory, policy analysis, and econometrics. He demonstrates strong capabilities in data collection, econometric modeling, and statistical analysis using tools such as EViews, Stata, and R (RStudio and RCommander). His practical research experience, both in academia and as a consultant, reflects his ability to design and execute complex research assignments. He has conducted sectoral studies, contributed to public expenditure reviews, and developed policy-oriented reports aligned with international standards. In addition, Karim has experience writing policy briefs, synthesizing technical reports, and developing funding proposals for multilateral finance institutions like the Green Climate Fund. His reviewer role for African Development Review further attests to his capacity for critical evaluation and engagement with scholarly literature. Moreover, his multilingual communication skills—especially his fluency in French and Moore—enable him to conduct research that is both locally grounded and regionally relevant. His research approach is characterized by rigor, clarity, and policy relevance, making him a strong contributor to the academic and development policy communities.

Awards and Honors

Karim NABALOUM has received several academic distinctions and professional recognitions that reflect his excellence in research and capacity-building. Notably, he earned a mention très bien (high honors) for his Master’s thesis in Applied Economics, which investigated the relationship between banking liquidity and monetary policy effectiveness in the UEMOA zone—a significant topic for regional economic governance. His selection to participate in high-level training programs, such as the Campus de Cours Commun à Option at Université Cheikh Anta Diop and the UEMOA Capacity Building Workshop for Researchers, demonstrates recognition of his academic potential and commitment to professional development. He also holds a certificate as a reviewer for the African Development Review, marking his involvement with peer-reviewed academic publishing at an early stage in his research career. These honors are supplemented by a suite of professional certifications in areas such as climate change, sustainable finance, and strategic planning. Each of these awards and training programs reinforces Karim’s readiness for leadership in economic research and policy advisory roles. Although he has not yet received a formal “Best Researcher” award, his academic output, service contributions, and impact-oriented projects make him a deserving candidate for such recognition.

Conclusion

Karim NABALOUM exemplifies the profile of a committed and impactful researcher in economics, particularly in the context of West Africa’s development challenges. Through a blend of academic excellence, teaching experience, field research, and policy engagement, he has built a multidisciplinary skillset that enables him to contribute meaningfully to both academic discourse and public policy reform. His research addresses some of the most pressing issues in the region—including monetary policy effectiveness, financial inclusion, and climate resilience—making his work highly relevant to both scholars and practitioners. His strong methodological skills, proven track record of publication, and regional consulting experience all point to a researcher whose work bridges the gap between theory and action. Additionally, his active role in academic communities—as a lecturer, assistant, and peer reviewer—reflects his leadership potential and dedication to knowledge sharing. With a commitment to rigor, collaboration, and innovation, Karim is well-positioned to make lasting contributions to the fields of economics and sustainable development. His candidacy for the Best Researcher Award is both timely and well-deserved, supported by a clear history of academic achievement, policy relevance, and regional impact. He represents the next generation of African economists with a vision for inclusive and evidence-based development.

Publication Top Note

  • Title: Regulatory Constraints and Transmission of Monetary Policy to Bank Lending in the WAEMU

  • Author: K. Nabaloum

  • Year: 2025

  • Journal: African Development Review, Volume 37, Issue 2, Article e70008

 

 

Yentéma NAMOUNTOUGOU | Econometrics and Finance | Best Scholar Award

Mr. Yentéma NAMOUNTOUGOU | Econometrics and Finance | Best Scholar Award

Doctoral Student at Thomas Sankara University, Burkina Faso

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma is a dedicated third-year PhD student in Development Economics at Thomas Sankara University, with a strong academic background that includes a Master’s in Applied Macroeconomics and International Finance and a Bachelor’s in Economic Analysis and Policy. Yentéma has demonstrated significant research capabilities, evidenced by their recent paper on natural resource spillover effects and active participation in international colloquiums and seminars. Their training includes prestigious certifications from institutions such as Oxford University and the Inter-American Development Bank, highlighting their commitment to specialized knowledge. Professionally, Yentéma has experience in research and innovation at the Association for Public Financial Education and possesses high proficiency in research tools like STATA, SPSS, and QGIS. With strong personal attributes such as dynamism and rigor, Yentéma is a promising candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award, showing potential for further growth and impact in their field.

Profile

Education

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma’s educational journey is marked by a robust academic foundation in economics and development studies. Currently pursuing a PhD in Development Economics at Thomas Sankara University (TSU), Yentéma’s research is guided by a focus on socio-economic development. Prior to this, Yentéma completed a Master’s in Applied Macroeconomics and International Finance (AMIF) at TSU from 2019 to 2021, which deepened their expertise in economic policy and finance. Their undergraduate studies were completed at Norbert Zongo University (NZU) in Koudougou, where they earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economic Analysis and Policy (EAP) from 2013 to 2017. Yentéma’s educational achievements are complemented by various certifications, including online tutoring, human resources management, development project management, and multidimensional poverty index design, reflecting a commitment to continuous learning and practical application in their field.

Professional Experience

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma’s professional experience spans roles in research, innovation, and education. From 2020 to 2024, Yentéma served as the Responsible for Research and Innovation of Training Content at the Association for Public Financial Education (APEFP) in Ouagadougou. In this role, they contributed significantly to developing and enhancing training materials related to public financial education. Additionally, Yentéma has been actively involved in academic circles, including serving as a reporter for the Thomas Sankara International Colloquium (both the 1st and 2nd Editions) at Thomas Sankara University. This experience highlights their active engagement in scholarly communication and academic events. Their role as a researcher and contributor to seminars, such as the presentation of their paper on natural resource exploitation at the CESSDR seminar, underscores their commitment to advancing knowledge in their field. This combination of practical and academic experience enriches their professional profile.

Research Interest

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma’s research interests primarily focus on development economics, particularly examining the impact of natural resources on economic development and foreign direct investment (FDI) within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Yentéma’s recent work explores the spillover effects of natural resources on the attractiveness of FDI in ECOWAS countries, contributing valuable insights into how resource abundance influences economic policies and investment flows. This research is critical for understanding the dynamics of resource-driven development and for formulating strategies to optimize the benefits of natural resource endowments. Additionally, Yentéma’s interests extend to macroeconomic analysis and international finance, reflecting a broader commitment to studying economic growth, development policies, and their implications for regional economies. Through these research endeavors, Yentéma aims to address key challenges in economic development and provide evidence-based recommendations for policy-making and sustainable development.

Research Skills

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma exhibits robust research skills essential for the field of development economics. Their proficiency in using statistical software, including STATA 18.5, SPSS, and R, underscores their capability to handle complex data analysis and econometric modeling. Yentéma’s experience with QGIS and Geoda further demonstrates their competence in spatial data analysis and geographic information systems. Their research is reflected in their recent publication on the spillover effects of natural resources on foreign direct investment in ECOWAS countries, showcasing their ability to address relevant economic issues with empirical evidence. Additionally, their role as a reporter for international colloquiums highlights strong communication skills and a capacity to disseminate research findings effectively. Yentéma’s academic background, complemented by various specialized training certifications, contributes to a well-rounded skill set that supports rigorous and impactful research.

Award and Recognition

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma has demonstrated remarkable dedication and expertise in the field of development economics, earning recognition for his significant contributions. His ongoing PhD studies at Thomas Sankara University, coupled with a Master’s in Applied Macroeconomics and International Finance and a Bachelor’s in Economic Analysis and Policy, underscore his strong academic foundation. Yentéma’s recent publication on the spillover effects of natural resources on foreign direct investment in ECOWAS countries in Resources Policy highlights his ability to address pressing economic issues. He has also been actively involved in presenting his research at prestigious seminars, such as the CESSDR seminar and the Thomas Sankara International Colloquium. His extensive training, including certifications from Oxford University and the Inter-American Development Bank, complements his professional experience at the Association for Public Financial Education. These achievements reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge in his field and position him as a deserving candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award.

Conclusion

NAMOUNTOUGOU Yentéma is a strong candidate for the Research for Best Scholar Award. Their solid academic background, relevant research contributions, and extensive training reflect a high level of commitment and expertise. To further enhance their candidacy, focusing on increasing research output, expanding professional experiences, and improving research visibility would be advantageous. Overall, Yentéma shows great potential and dedication, making them a commendable candidate for the award.

Publications Top Notes

Spillover Effects of Natural Resources on the Attractiveness of Foreign Direct Investment in ECOWAS Countries