Trade, Energy Efficiency, and Environmental Sustainability in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evaluating the Role of Economic Growth and Demographic Pressures in Shaping Ecological Outcomes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51137/wrp.ijarbm.573Keywords:
Trade Openness, Energy Efficiency, Environmental Sustainability, Ecological Footprint, Economic Growth, Sub-Saharan AfricaAbstract
This study investigates the interlinkages between economic growth, trade openness, energy efficiency, and environmental sustainability in 48 Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries over the period 2015–2023. Employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and robust econometric models, including Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and Robust Linear Models (RLM), the study examines the drivers of ecological pressures, measured through CO₂ emissions and renewable energy usage. Findings reveal that trade openness can alleviate environmental pressures by facilitating cleaner technologies, whereas GDP growth exhibits mixed effects: supporting Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) dynamics under OLS but intensifying environmental degradation when outliers are controlled for in RLM. Electricity intensity significantly influences environmental outcomes, highlighting the importance of energy efficiency, while population growth remains a persistent driver of ecological pressures. The results underscore the necessity for integrated policies promoting green trade, energy efficiency, and demographic considerations to achieve sustainable development in SSA.
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