Information Communication Technology, Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus in Botswana

Abstract

When discussing economic growth, electricity consumption and information and communication technology are both crucial components. Effective resource allocation is made feasible by ICT, which raises demand and drives down prices. Electricity, on the other hand, is critical to modern life since it powers industries, technologies, and necessary services, improving living standards and facilitating social and economic growth. The study aims to assess how ICT, electricity consumption, and economic growth are related in Botswana. This study investigates whether there is a causal link between ICT, power use, and economic expansion. In order to assess the nexus relationship, the study used the autoregressive distributed lag model. The findings showed that ICT has a long-term beneficial impact on economic growth, while economic growth has a long-term negative impact on ICT. The study also demonstrated directional causality between electricity use and ICT. This implies that rising electricity consumption raises the need for electricity, which in turn raises ICT investment. It was discovered that Botswana's economic growth was negatively impacted by education. Long-term economic growth in Botswana is enhanced by a rise in industrial expansion. A two-way causal relationship between ICT and electricity use was also demonstrated; as electricity use rises, so does the demand for ICT investment, which in turn raises ICT investment.  The study recommends that in the diversification thrust of Government of Botswana, electricity and ICT should be given priority since they can be catalyst for economic growth in the long run.