Africa’s Energy Security and Influence on Inclusive Human Development: Examining the Role Played by Governance

Marilyn Edoh Ofeh; Ibrahim Ngouhouo; Salomon Leroy

doi:10.61255/jeemba.v4i5.1475

Authors

Marilyn Edoh Ofeh University of Dschang, Cameroon
Ibrahim Ngouhouo University of Dschang, Cameroon
Salomon Leroy University of Dschang, Cameroon

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61255/jeemba.v4i5.1475

Keywords:

Africa, Energy Security, Inclusive Human Development, Sustainable Development, Quantile Regression

Abstract

Purpose – Looking at how a shift from dirty energies to clean advanced energies would affect livelihood and the fight against the long-aged poverty and inequality plight especially in Africa, has topped academic discourse. This study examines the effect of energy security on inclusive human development in Africa.

Design/methodology/approach – The study adopts a quantitative approach by using the panel regressions like the GMM, quantile regression, and mediation analysis as estimation strategies adopting data from 2010 to 2022 for 34 African countries. Secondary data were obtained from the WDI, WGI, OPEC, and UNDP.

Finding/Results – Firstly, a unit increase in energy security will lead to an increase in inclusive human development in Africa, by unit increases between 0.42 to 4.25. Secondly, those in the upper inclusive human development quantile (Q90) have a better gain from energy security when compared to the lowest quantile (Q10) [0.073 and 0.018 respectively]. Thirdly, lower middle income countries have a better output than lower income countries, with respect to an increase in inclusive human development (0.049 and 0.039 respectively). Lastly, governance acts as a good mediator in the energy security – inclusive human development nexus. This shows that energy security positively influences inclusive human development, through improvement in health, livelihood earnings, and education.

Originality/Value – Energy security delivers the greatest growth dividends where institutions strengthen infrastructure and absorptive capacity—reminding policymakers that reliable energy alone cannot close development gaps without these complementary foundations.

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