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Do environmental regulations and technological innovation enhance environmental well‐being in sub‐Saharan Africa?

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  • Emmanuel Kwaku Manu
  • George S. Chen
  • Samuel Adomako

Abstract

We investigate the regulation–technology–environment nexus in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), one of the world's most rapidly growing regions. Using a comprehensive panel dataset consisting of 32 countries from 2000 to 2022, we find that stronger environmental regulations and technological innovation enhance environmental well‐being. Moreover, we identify that stronger environmental regulations positively affect pro‐environment innovation. Finally, we present clear evidence for a dynamic and nonlinear regulation–technology–environment relationship, ruling out one‐size‐fits‐all policy approaches to environmental well‐being. Our results remain robust to different estimators, measurements, and sample selections.

Suggested Citation

  • Emmanuel Kwaku Manu & George S. Chen & Samuel Adomako, 2024. "Do environmental regulations and technological innovation enhance environmental well‐being in sub‐Saharan Africa?," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(6), pages 5736-5752, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:bstrat:v:33:y:2024:i:6:p:5736-5752
    DOI: 10.1002/bse.3772
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    Cited by:

    1. Manu, Emmanuel K. & Asongu, Simplice A., 2025. "Renewable energy, innovations and environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Environmental Kuznets Curve, policy thresholds and thresholds for complementary policies," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 249(C).
    2. Stef, Nicolae & Ben Jabeur, Sami, 2026. "How do decarbonization policies affect a firm's financial performance? Evidence from emergent economies," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 153(C).
    3. Jarijari, Theodorah & Deka, Abraham & Cavusoglu, Behiye, 2025. "The synergistic role of natural resources, green finance and green technological innovations in promoting environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa," Resources Policy, Elsevier, vol. 105(C).

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