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Towards a Green Future for Sub-Saharan Africa: Do electricity access and public debt drive environmental progress?

Author

Listed:
  • Stephen K. Dimnwobi

    (Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria)

  • Kingsley I. Okere

    (Gregory University, Uturu, Nigeria)

  • Bernard C. Azolibe

    (Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nigeria)

  • Kingsley C. Onyenwife

    (Igbariam, Nigeria)

Abstract

The combination of rising debt levels, poor electricity access, and environmental deterioration could threaten the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hence, this inquiry examined the implications of public borrowing and access to electricity on environmental sustainability (proxied by ecological footprint (ECOL) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), largely overlooked in the literature. In addition to pre-estimation, diagnostic and robustness checks utilized in the study, the instrumental variable generalized method of moment (IV-GMM) approach is employed to examine annual data from 39 SSA economies between 2005 and 2018. The key findings indicate that public debt negatively influences environmental sustainability in the region, while access to electricity exerts a positive and significant impact on environmental sustainability. The study provides recommendations for SSA policymakers to significantly reduce pollution and protect the environment which is vital for sustainable development.

Suggested Citation

  • Stephen K. Dimnwobi & Kingsley I. Okere & Bernard C. Azolibe & Kingsley C. Onyenwife, 2023. "Towards a Green Future for Sub-Saharan Africa: Do electricity access and public debt drive environmental progress?," Working Papers of the African Governance and Development Institute. 23/043, African Governance and Development Institute..
    • Handle: RePEc:agd:wpaper:23/043
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Yu, Zhang & Khan, Syed Abdul Rehman & Ponce, Pablo & Lopes de Sousa Jabbour, Ana Beatriz & Chiappetta Jabbour, Charbel Jose, 2022. "Factors affecting carbon emissions in emerging economies in the context of a green recovery: Implications for sustainable development goals," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    6. Olumide Olusegun Olaoye, 2022. "Sub‐Saharan Africa's debt‐financed growth: How sustainable and inclusive?," African Development Review, African Development Bank, vol. 34(4), pages 443-458, December.
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    Cited by:

    1. Okere, Kingsley I. & Dimnwobi, Stephen Kelechi & Fasanya, Ismail O., 2025. "Navigating the green frontier: The role of employment dynamics and natural capital in renewable energy consumption in Africa," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C).
    2. Villar-Roldán, Juan J. & Galiano, Aida & Martín-Álvarez, Juan Manuel, 2025. "Economic and geopolitical drivers of renewable energy in Sub-Saharan Africa: A panel data analysis," Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).

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