Economic Growth, Energy Consumption, and Environmental Quality in Sub‑Saharan Africa: Testing the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) Hypothesis

This paper empirically tests the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis for sub-Saharan Africa, using CO₂ emission as a proxy for environmental quality. The analysis employs panel pooled data for 39 countries from 1990 to 2019. We find evidence of an inverted U-shaped relationship between income and emissions, as GDP per capita has a positive effect and its square has a negative effect on CO₂ emissions, thereby supporting the EKC hypothesis. Our results reveal a dual role for renewable energy. When CO₂ emissions are the dependent variable, renewable energy consumption significantly reduces emissions, while non-renewable energy increases them. Additionally, population size and literacy rate are found to positively affect CO₂ emissions. In contrast, when economic growth is the dependent variable, renewable energy has a positive and significant influence. These findings indicate that expanding renewable energy production in sub-Saharan Africa offers a dual advantage, enhancing environmental quality while also contributing to stronger economic performance. By demonstrating that renewable energy reduces CO₂ emissions and supports growth, the results provide important guidance for policymakers seeking to advance sustainable development pathways that are compatible with long‑term environmental conservation across the region.