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Urbanization in Africa: Does Energy Poverty Matter?

Author

Listed:
  • Jacques Simon Song

    (ACEDA, University of Dschang)

  • Thierry Messie Pondie

    (ACEDA, University of Dschang)

  • Loudi Njoya

    (ACEDA, University of Dschang)

Abstract

The presence of energy poverty in Africa during the last two decades has increased considerably and it is an extremely plentiful literature. The aim of this article is to assess the effects of energy poverty on urbanization observed. Thus, we specify and estimate a panel data model of a sample of 54 African countries by the ordinary least squares (OLS) and fixed effects (FE) methods. The robustness of the results is assessed with the system generalized method of moments (S-GMM) over the period 2000–2020. Our results show that energy poverty (measured by access to electricity and access to clean energy for cooking) increases urbanization in Africa. We suggest a quantitative and qualitative strengthening of energy infrastructure for better urban planning in Africa. The paper aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goals 7 and 11.

Suggested Citation

  • Jacques Simon Song & Thierry Messie Pondie & Loudi Njoya, 2024. "Urbanization in Africa: Does Energy Poverty Matter?," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(3), pages 11750-11783, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:15:y:2024:i:3:d:10.1007_s13132-023-01539-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-023-01539-8
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Africa; Energy poverty; S-GMM; Urbanization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • F50 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - General
    • F51 - International Economics - - International Relations, National Security, and International Political Economy - - - International Conflicts; Negotiations; Sanctions
    • O11 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Macroeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes

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