Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Through Water and Sanitation: Do Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) Matter for Africa?

Tii Nchofoung, Guivis Zeufack Nkemgha (), Dieu ne Dort Talla Fokam () and Arsène Aurelien Njamen Kengdo ()
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Guivis Zeufack Nkemgha: University of Bamenda
Dieu ne Dort Talla Fokam: University of Dschang
Arsène Aurelien Njamen Kengdo: University of Dschang

Journal of the Knowledge Economy, 2024, vol. 15, issue 1, No 175, 4383-4407

Abstract: Abstract This paper aims to empirically investigate the effect of information and communication technologies (ICTs) on access to improved water sources and sanitation services in Africa. ICT is measured through the number of mobile phone subscribers per 100 and the Internet penetration rate. The sample consists of 44 African countries with data spanning between the 2000 and 2018 periods. The results from the system GMM methodology reveal firstly that ICTs have a significant enhancing effect on access to improved water sources. Secondly, the effect on access to improved sanitation services is detrimental. These results are robust in both urban and rural areas. Thirdly, education is the main channel through which these effects are modulated producing positive net effects for water services and negative net effects for sanitation services. As policy implications, digital development towards water monitoring and follow-up is encouraged, and the educational system digitalised. Moreover, domestic finance should be developed towards providing funds for investment in water and sanitation projects instead of relying on external debts.

Keywords: Clean water sources; Modern satination services; ICT; Africa; Sustainable development (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s13132-023-01361-2

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