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Regional disparities and trends in national ESG performance across africa: A comparative analysis (1990–2020)

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  • Ko, Jeremy
  • Leung, Chun Kai
  • Dodoo, Albert Nii
  • Agbajor, Favour David

Abstract

This study examines national ESG (environmental, social, and governance) performance across 24 African countries over three decades (1990–2020), employing a disaggregated approach to assess sustainability outcomes. Building on the World Bank's Sovereign ESG Framework and using the entropy weight method, the research assigns weightings of 42.13 ​% to environmental factors, 30.39 ​% to social factors, and 27.47 ​% to governance factors. By segmenting the period into three decade-based intervals, the study systematically captures long-term trends and short-term disruptions in sustainability performance. The analysis reveals notable regional disparities and temporal shifts in ESG scores, with significant improvements in social and governance dimensions in some regions contrasted by modest gains or even declines in environmental indicators. These outcomes highlight the challenges of measuring sustainability in contexts marked by heterogeneous institutional capacities and diverse socio-economic dynamics. Furthermore, the study identifies that formal metrics often overlook grassroots sustainability practices rooted in informal networks. The findings underscore the need for tailored policy interventions that integrate both conventional and non-traditional sustainability measures, thereby providing nuanced insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to bridge gaps in conventional ESG frameworks. This research not only contributes to the academic discourse on national sustainability assessments but also offers practical recommendations for enhancing regional ESG strategies in Africa.

Suggested Citation

  • Ko, Jeremy & Leung, Chun Kai & Dodoo, Albert Nii & Agbajor, Favour David, 2025. "Regional disparities and trends in national ESG performance across africa: A comparative analysis (1990–2020)," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(3).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ingrde:v:4:y:2025:i:3:s2949753125000281
    DOI: 10.1016/j.igd.2025.100231
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Han Long & Gen‐Fu Feng & Qiang Gong & Chun‐Ping Chang, 2023. "ESG performance and green innovation: An investigation based on quantile regression," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 32(7), pages 5102-5118, November.
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    1. Ko, Jeremy & Leung, Chun Kai, 2025. "Gender Inequality and ESG performance: A global analysis of governance, environmental, and social outcomes in 97 countries," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(4).
    2. Alina Elena Ionașcu & Dereje Fedasa Hordofa & Alexandra Dănilă & Elena Cerasela Spătariu & Andreea Larisa Burcă (Olteanu) & Maria Gabriela Horga, 2025. "ESG Performance in the EU and ASEAN: The Roles of Institutional Governance, Economic Structure, and Global Integration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-29, September.
    3. Ma, Yan & Yin, Zhu-Jia & Fu, Qiang, 2025. "A national Blue-ESG index: measurement of marine sustainability," Innovation and Green Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(4).

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