Environmental Degradation and Economic Growth in West Africa: A Fixed-Effects Panel Analysis of the WAMZ Region

This study investigated the impact of environmental degradation on economic growth among the West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ) member countries between 1990 and 2022. Utilizing a panel regression model with fixed effects, the analysis focuses on key environmental indicators, including nitrogen emissions, particulate matter, solid fuel consumption, and ozone layer depletion, to assess their influence on economic performance. The findings revealed that certain environmental indicators, particularly nitrogen emissions and solid fuel consumption, exhibit a positive and statistically significant relationship with economic growth in the WAMZ region. This suggests that policy efforts aimed at reducing excessive solid fuel use and maintaining an optimal level of nitrogen in the atmosphere could contribute positively to economic expansion. However, particulate matter emissions remain a major concern, with their negative externalities necessitating stronger environmental regulation. Interestingly, ozone layer depletion was found to have no significant predictive power over economic growth in the region. Given these outcomes, the study advocates for a multipronged policy framework that addresses not only energy-related environmental degradation but also other sources such as bush burning, agricultural practices, and improper household waste disposal. A comprehensive regulatory system is recommended to minimize particulate emissions, safeguard public health, and ensure environmentally sustainable economic growth across the WAMZ countries.