Natural Resource Protection: A Path to Human Development in Africa

ABSTRACT Achieving sustainable development requires balancing economic growth with environmental conservation. This study analyses the impact of natural resource protection on human development in 37 African countries from 2006 to 2021. Using advanced econometric methods—Driscoll‐Kraay standard errors, IV‐GMM, and panel quantile regression—we find a strong positive relationship between enhanced natural resource protection and improved human development outcomes. This effect is particularly evident in key dimensions such as education (human capital) and health (life expectancy and infant mortality). Asymmetric analysis confirms the robustness of these results across all quantiles of the human development distribution, indicating benefits for diverse socioeconomic groups. However, sub‐regional analysis reveals significant heterogeneity, emphasizing the need for context‐specific policies. These findings underscore that investments in natural resource protection not only promote environmental sustainability but also drive human development in Africa. To maximize these benefits, targeted policies that promote sustainable resource management, tailored to regional contexts and inclusive of community participation, are essential for ensuring equitable progress across the continent.