Persistence of emissions in selected African countries: Energy consumption and population growth dynamics

This paper relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13. We uniquely investigate a population growth-energy-emissions persistence trilemma in Africa. This study contributes to the literature and policymaking by determining the effect of population growth and energy consumption on emissions and whether this interaction dims or enhances the effect of energy consumption on emissions persistence using static panel estimation techniques with annual data from 2000 to 2022. The panel data analyses of twenty-four countries in sub-Saharan Africa reveal that an increase in energy consumption results in decreased carbon emissions. However, population increase reduces the positive impact of energy consumption on carbon emissions and the persistence of carbon emissions. The empirical outcomes engender a new argument that the population growth rate in Africa interacts distinctly with the rate of clean and conventional energy consumption to determine the persistence of carbon emissions. Furthermore, the study provides empirical justification for extending clean energy to rural African communities, where reproduction occurs faster than in urban areas. Relevant policy implications are discussed, and some recommendations are made. • A rise in energy consumption reduces carbon emissions-indicating energy transition. • Population growth negatively moderates the link through fossil fuel reliance. • Persistency of carbon emissions evident in sub-Saharan Africa.