Information and Communications Technology Penetration and Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ambe Cosmas; Okere Wisdom; Ajayi Olusuyi Emmanuel; Mabinuori Oladotun; Badmus Dauda Adeyinka; Ogunmola Adekunle Shola; Aladegoroye Idris Eniola

doi:10.32479/ijefi.20410

Authors

Ambe Cosmas Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa
Okere Wisdom Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela, South Africa
Ajayi Olusuyi Emmanuel Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Mabinuori Oladotun Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Badmus Dauda Adeyinka Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Ogunmola Adekunle Shola Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria
Aladegoroye Idris Eniola Department of Economics, Accounting and Finance, Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32479/ijefi.20410

Keywords:

Information and Communications Technology, Technology, Environmental Sustainability, SSA, Poverty

Abstract

Africa's information and communications technology (ICT) expansion, especially in mobile phone use, has been substantial; nonetheless, it falls behind in internet accessibility and has environmental sustainability issues, such as climate change and pollution. This study investigates the nexus between ICT penetration and environmental sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa, using data from the World Bank and utilising a Panel Generalised Method of Moments analysis. Research demonstrates that ICT, as seen by mobile phone utilisation, positively correlates with CO2 emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa. ICT has opportunities to promote environmental sustainability via creative solutions, such as mobile money systems and energy-efficient technologies. The research highlights the need to tackle infrastructural and cost issues, advance national ICT efforts, and implement sustainable practices, such as energy-efficient hardware and life-cycle asset assessments. Policymakers are urged to use ICT as a strategic instrument to address environmental concerns and attain sustainability in the area.