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Environmental policies and green technologies: Impacts on energy sustainability in the African continental free trade area

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  • Yang, Xiaohui
  • Feng, Yanchao
  • Hussain, Nasir

Abstract

This research focuses on environmental pollution, a significant concern today due to energy use. Improving ecological sustainability suggests a framework for sustainable energy behaviours. This paper reviews the advances in environmental policies and green technology in designing efficient energy systems, but some gaps remain. The variables considered in this research are analyzed through Fully Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS) and Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) models to determine their effects on energy structures and the environment in 31 of the 55 countries within the AFCFTA. Some main results show that one percentage point improvement in environmental legislation leads to decreased ecological footprints by 9.11 % (DOLS) and 20.98 % (FMOLS). On the other hand, a one percent increase in green innovations reduces ecological footprints by 0.6 % (DOLS) and 1 % (FMOLS). Also, service imports reduce sustainability by decreasing it by 2.98 % (DOLS) and 1.47 % (FMOLS), while service exports improve sustainability by increasing it by 1.59 % (DOLS) and 1. 09 % (FMOLS). Thus, these results underscore the need to maintain and strengthen environmental legislation and encourage green investments, as well as the importance of green innovation environmental policies and renewable energy to enhance environmental quality.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Xiaohui & Feng, Yanchao & Hussain, Nasir, 2025. "Environmental policies and green technologies: Impacts on energy sustainability in the African continental free trade area," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:238:y:2025:i:c:s096014812401944x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121876
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