The Impact of Digitalization on the Three Pillars of Sustainable Development: An Empirical Analysis in the Context of African Countries

Samar Rezgui () and Sayef Bakari ()
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Samar Rezgui: Faculty of Legal, Economic and Management Sciences of Jendouba, University of Jendouba, Tunisia
Sayef Bakari: LIEI, Faculty of Economic Sciences and Management of Tunis, University of Tunis El Manar, Tunisia; Faculty of Legal, Economic and Management Sciences of Jendouba, University of Jendouba, Tunisia

Economic Research Guardian, 2025, vol. 15, issue 1, 62-87

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of digitalization on the three pillars of sustainable development - economic, social, and environmental - in 48 African countries from 1999 to 2020. Using panel data analysis and ARDL models, the research reveals a bidirectional positive relationship between digitalization and economic growth in the long term, underscoring digitalization's role in driving innovation and productivity. However, no significant causal link is found between digitalization and human development, indicating that digital transformation alone cannot address social inequalities without complementary investments in education and healthcare. Digitalization also positively influences environmental quality in the long term, though restrictive environmental policies may slow digital infrastructure expansion. In the short term, digitalization's impact on sustainable development is limited, highlighting the need for sustained investment and strategic planning. The study emphasizes the importance of an integrated approach to maximize digitalization's potential for inclusive and sustainable development in Africa.

Keywords: Digitalization; Sustainable Development; Economic Growth; Environmental Quality; Human Development; Africa; Panel Data Analysis; ARDL Model; Cointegration (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: C33 O33 O55 Q01 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:wei:journl:v:15:y:2025:i:1:p:62-87

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