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Internet usage, innovation and human development nexus in Africa: the case of ECOWAS

Author

Listed:
  • Jeremiah O. Ejemeyovwi

    (Covenant University)

  • Evans S. Osabuohien

    (Covenant University)

  • Olawale D. Johnson

    (Covenant University)

  • Ebenezer I. K. Bowale

    (Covenant University)

Abstract

Internet usage and the sporadic rise in the level of innovations have been major drivers of human progress in the last decades. These leaps in human intelligence have affected almost every area of human endeavour including education, health, finance, commerce, political engagement, and so on. With the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has adopted some strategies in order to ensure that ECOWAS member countries are not left behind. Thus, this study examines the influence of internet usage and innovation on human development in 15 ECOWAS countries. Using the fixed and random effects panel data techniques, the study finds that Internet usage, innovation and their interaction have significant and positive relationship with human development. Furthermore, the study unbundles the ECOWAS countries and finds that countries like Cape Verde had positive significant coefficient for the three cases examined, the results for some ECOWAS members were not significant, while few had significant negative results, which did not have influence on the overall result. Recommendations on how to increase innovation for human development in ECOWAS countries are highlighted in the study.

Suggested Citation

  • Jeremiah O. Ejemeyovwi & Evans S. Osabuohien & Olawale D. Johnson & Ebenezer I. K. Bowale, 2019. "Internet usage, innovation and human development nexus in Africa: the case of ECOWAS," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 8(1), pages 1-16, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecstr:v:8:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1186_s40008-019-0146-2
    DOI: 10.1186/s40008-019-0146-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    3. Jayanti Behera & Dukhabandhu Sahoo, 2022. "Asymmetric relationships between information and communication technology (ICT), globalization, and human development in India: evidence from non-linear ARDL analysis," Journal of Economic Structures, Springer;Pan-Pacific Association of Input-Output Studies (PAPAIOS), vol. 11(1), pages 1-25, December.
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    6. Ofori, Pamela E. & Ofori, Isaac K., 2024. "The Impact of Frontier Technology Adoption on Gender Inequality: Evidence from Africa," EconStor Preprints 298789, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics.
    7. Ofori, Pamela E. & Ofori, Isaac K., 2024. "The Impact of Frontier Technology Adoption on Gender Inequality: Evidence from Africa," MPRA Paper 121245, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    8. Oloke Emmanuel & Olanipekun Wahid Damilola & Mabinuori Oladotun Toriola & Ojo Lucas B. & Aderemi Timothy Ayomitunde, 2022. "Government Educational Spending and Human Capital Development in ECOWAS Sub-Region: Implication For Sustainable Development," Studia Universitatis Babeș-Bolyai Oeconomica, Sciendo, vol. 67(3), pages 37-52, December.
    9. Martini Martini & Doddy Setiawan & Retno Tanding Suryandari & Rayenda Khresna Brahmana & Andi Asrihapsari, 2023. "Determinants of Digital Innovation in Micro and Small Industries," Economies, MDPI, vol. 11(6), pages 1-17, June.
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    11. Debbra Toria Nipo & Jaratin Lily & Sidah Idris & Saizal Pinjaman & Imbarine Bujang, 2020. "Human Development through the Lens of Digital Literacy," Business and Economic Research, Macrothink Institute, vol. 10(3), pages 203-215, September.
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    13. Sosnin, Eduard A., 2021. "Application of the Hardy-Weinberg law in the theory of social management," Economic Consultant, Roman I. Ostapenko, vol. 34(2), pages 4-12.

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