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Information and Communication Technologies Infrastructure and Environmental Quality in ECOWAS: A PMG Model Approach

Author

Listed:
  • Kouakou A. Yao
  • Kolotioloman Soro
  • Simplice A. Asongu

Abstract

The relationship between information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure and environmental quality remains a critical issue for developing regions such as the ECOWAS member states. While some scholars argue that ICT infrastructure exacerbates environmental degradation, others contend that it can enhance environmental performance. This study focuses on examining the effect of a composite ICT infrastructure index on CO₂ emissions over the period 2005–2022. The effects of disaggregated components are also assessed, namely: internet penetration, mobile subscriptions, and fixed‐line subscriptions. We employ the pooled mean group (PMG) estimator to capture both short‐and long‐run dynamics. Our findings indicate that aggregate ICT induces a positive and statistically significant influence on CO₂ emissions. Components of the ICT index also show a positive impact, demonstrating a significant long‐term effect. Robustness checks using Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) and Fully Modified OLS (FMOLS) confirm the stability of these results, and sensitivity analyses further bolster their reliability. Based on the findings, we propose targeted policy measures to guide ICT and environmental strategies in the ECOWAS region. 信息通信技术(ICT)基础设施与环境质量之间的关系一直是西非国家经济共同体成员国等发展中地区面临的关键问题。一些学者认为, ICT基础设施会加剧环境恶化, 而另一些学者则认为它能提升环境绩效。本研究分析了2005‐2022年间综合ICT基础设施指数对二氧化碳排放的影响。同时, 本研究还评估了各细分指标的影响, 包括互联网普及率、移动用户数和固定电话用户数。我们采用混合平均组(PMG)估计器来描述短期和长期动态变化。研究结果表明, 总体ICT基础设施对二氧化碳排放具有显著的正向影响。ICT指数的各个组成部分也显示出正向影响, 表明其具有显著的长期效应。使用动态普通最小二乘法(DOLS)和完全修正最小二乘法(FMOLS)进行的稳健性检验证实了这些结果的稳定性, 敏感性分析进一步增强了其可靠性。基于这些发现, 我们提出了有针对性的政策措施, 以指导西非国家经济共同体(ECOWAS)地区的ICT和环境战略。 La relación entre la infraestructura de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC) y la calidad ambiental sigue siendo un problema crítico para las regiones en desarrollo, como los Estados miembros de la CEDEAO. Si bien algunos académicos argumentan que la infraestructura de las TIC agrava la degradación ambiental, otros sostienen que puede mejorar el desempeño ambiental. Este estudio se centra en examinar el efecto de un índice compuesto de infraestructura de las TIC sobre las emisiones de CO₂ durante el período 2005‐2022. También se evalúan los efectos de los componentes desagregados, a saber: penetración de internet, suscripciones móviles y suscripciones de línea fija. Empleamos el estimador del Grupo de Medias Agrupadas (PMG) para capturar la dinámica a corto y largo plazo. Nuestros hallazgos indican que las TIC agregadas ejercen una influencia positiva y estadísticamente significativa en las emisiones de CO₂. Los componentes del índice de las TIC también muestran un impacto positivo, demostrando un efecto significativo a largo plazo. Las comprobaciones de robustez mediante Mínimos Cuadrados Ordinarios Dinámicos (DOLS) y MCO Totalmente Modificados (FMOLS) confirman la estabilidad de estos resultados, y los análisis de sensibilidad refuerzan aún más su fiabilidad. Con base en los hallazgos, proponemos medidas políticas específicas para orientar las estrategias TIC y ambientales en la región de la CEDEAO.

Suggested Citation

  • Kouakou A. Yao & Kolotioloman Soro & Simplice A. Asongu, 2026. "Information and Communication Technologies Infrastructure and Environmental Quality in ECOWAS: A PMG Model Approach," Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 7(1), January.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:crtinf:v:7:y:2026:i:1:n:e70017
    DOI: 10.1002/jci3.70017
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