Information and communication technologies and sustainable development in ECOWAS subregion: Evidence from a panel cointegration analysis
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Date
2022-08-06
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Wiley
Abstract
This study investigated the causal linkage between information and communication
technologies (ICT) and sustainable development (environmental—CO2, economic—
RGDP, and social—HDI) in the ECOWAS subregion categorized into low-income and
lower-middle-income countries for the period 1995–2020. Cointegrating regression
and causality methods were employed to estimate the dynamic linkage among vari
ables in panel fully modified ordinary least squares (PFMOLS) and Dumitrescu–Hurlin
causality models. The results of the study support the environmental Kuznets curve
(EKC) hypothesis for low-income countries while it rejects EKC for lower-middle
income countries. The study recommends policy formulations targeted at incentiviz
ing the use of environmentally friendly technologies that minimizes positive impact
on the environment and enhance sustainable development
Description
This study explores the causal relationship between information and communication technologies (ICT) and sustainable development in the ECOWAS subregion, focusing on environmental (CO₂ emissions), economic (real GDP), and social (human development index) dimensions. The analysis covers the period 1995–2020, with countries categorized into low-income and lower-middle-income groups. Using panel fully modified ordinary least squares (PFMOLS) and Dumitrescu–Hurlin causality models, the study investigates the dynamic interlinkages among the variables.
Findings reveal support for the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in low-income countries, suggesting that economic growth initially increases environmental degradation but later improves it with higher income levels. Conversely, the EKC hypothesis is rejected for lower-middle-income countries, where ICT adoption appears to have different developmental implications.
The study recommends targeted policy measures to promote environmentally friendly ICT innovations and incentivize sustainable practices that minimize negative environmental impacts while strengthening economic growth and social well-being in the ECOWAS region.