From Smartphones To Computerized Business Operations: Modeling ICT Development and Electricity Consumption in Emerging Digital Economies

From Smartphones To Computerized Business Operations: Modeling ICT Development and Electricity Consumption in Emerging Digital Economies

Isaac Ankrah, Michael Appiah-Kubi, Sampson Twumasi-Ankrah, Frank Gyimah Sackey, Richard Asravor, Brenya Boahemaa, Derrick Donkor, Lilian Arthur, Christopher Lamptey, Eric Mochiah

economies imposes incessant pressure on their energy systems. It has become crucial to draw result implications for future energy sustainability by exploring all relevant issues, particularly in light of how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) influence electricity demand. Using the West African region as the subject of analysis, this study provides insights into the implied connection, taking into account the region’s disparate cultural and linguistic patterns. The study is complemented by a result-based analysis of the socioeconomic and policy implications. The outcomes, derived from the application of a dynamic panel data model to a dataset spanning 1990-2021, show that ICT adoption has significant implications on electricity consumption, with notable positive impact observed in the long run. Interestingly, this effect is largely driven by French-speaking countries in the region. Beyond this statistical revelation, this study underscores the need for a balanced approach to address the ICT-electricity demand interplay. An important conclusion emerges: Embracing digitalization while ensuring energy security and sustainability can unlock economic growth, promote social inclusion, and foster a sustainable future for West Africa.

https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=view_citation&hl=en&user=2H8lVDsAAAAJ&citation_for_view=2H8lVDsAAAAJ:UeHWp8X0CEIC

English