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Institutional Quality: A hurdle or a catalyst to eliminating energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa?

Author

Listed:
  • Kritzinger W.

    (University of Pretoria)

  • Prof. Inglesi-Lotz R.

    (University of Pretoria)

  • Dr. Bohlmann J.

    (University of Pretoria)

  • Prof. Graham V.

    (University of Johannesburg)

  • Dr. Senyonga L.

    (Makerere University Business School)

  • Prof. Ramoelo A.

    (South African National Space Agency)

Abstract

Energy poverty is considered a significant challenge in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), significantly impeding economic growth and social development. This study examines the role of institutional quality in addressing energy poverty across 45 SSA countries from 2002 to 2022, focusing on two critical indicators: access to clean cooking technologies and fuels and access to electricity. This study explores six institutional quality indicators—Control of Corruption, Regulatory Quality, Government Effectiveness, Rule of Law, Voice and Accountability, and Political Stability—and finds that corruption control is a key factor in reducing energy poverty across various income groups. Political stability is also linked to lower access to clean cooking, while the rule of law supports electricity access. Additionally, urbanisation is identified as a crucial factor for improving electricity access. This study underscores the central role of institutional quality in addressing energy poverty in SSA and calls for further research that includes infrastructure investment, affordability, and sustainability to better understand the complexities of energy access challenges in SSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Kritzinger W. & Prof. Inglesi-Lotz R. & Dr. Bohlmann J. & Prof. Graham V. & Dr. Senyonga L. & Prof. Ramoelo A., 2025. "Institutional Quality: A hurdle or a catalyst to eliminating energy poverty in sub-Saharan Africa?," ERSA Working Paper Series 163, Economic Research Southern Africa.
    • Handle: RePEc:rza:ersawp:163
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • O13 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Agriculture; Natural Resources; Environment; Other Primary Products
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • Q43 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Energy and the Macroeconomy
    • Q48 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Energy - - - Government Policy
    • H11 - Public Economics - - Structure and Scope of Government - - - Structure and Scope of Government

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