The role of energy vulnerability in shaping human development outcomes: A multidimensional analysis

Though African countries are experiencing progress in access to reliable, modern, and affordable energy sources, many African people remain vulnerable to energy access, which negatively impacts human development outcomes. This study investigates the effects of energy vulnerability on human development, measured by the Human Development Index (HDI), infant and under-five mortality, life expectancy, and human capital in 27 African countries over the 2000–2019 period. The Driscoll-Kraay standard errors, IV-GMM, and panel quantile regression methods are employed to account for cross-sectional dependence, heterogeneity, and endogeneity issues. The results indicate that a one percent increase in energy vulnerability is negatively associated with human development outcomes. Sub-regional analysis shows reliable and consistent findings. The findings of this study suggest expanding access to electricity, promoting the development of renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, and investing in energy infrastructure and capacity building to improve the reliability and quality of energy services. Further research should examine mechanisms.