Towards Sustainable Development in Africa: The Influence of Clean Energy Adoption, Natural Endowments and Socio‐Economic Dynamics

Chor Foon Tang and Paul Terhemba Iorember

African Development Review, 2026, vol. 38, issue 1

Abstract: Africa continues to grapple with limited access to modern energy, environmental degradation, socio‐economic inequality, and weak institutional frameworks. These issues collectively pose a challenge to the continent's progress toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This study investigates the influence of clean energy adoption, natural endowments, and socio‐economic dynamics on sustainable development in Africa, controlling for national leadership quality. The study employs Feasible Generalised Least Squares and Panel Correlated Standard Errors on panel data covering 2000– 2022. Findings reveal that the adoption of clean energy and socio‐economic dynamics significantly enhance sustainable development. Conversely, natural resource endowments negatively impact sustainable development. These findings are corroborated by the robustness tests. The results emphasise the need for integrated policies that promote the expansion of clean energy, socio‐economic transformation, and effective resource governance, while strengthening institutions. These strategies are vital for steering Africa toward a sustainable development trajectory and meeting its 2030 SDG commitments.

Date: 2026
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