The Impact of Information and Communication Technology and Institutional Quality on Social Sustainability: Evidence From West African Countries

ABSTRACT The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) introduced Vision 2020 and Agenda 2050 to advance equitable growth, strengthen regional ICT development, and promote governance reforms that support Sustainable Development. Yet, despite these strategic efforts, many West African countries continue to struggle with effectively harnessing ICT and institutional quality to drive long‐term sustainability. Guided by sustainable transition theory, this study investigates how institutional quality and ICT shape social sustainability across West African countries, drawing on a 23‐year panel dataset spanning 2000 to 2022. The analysis employs Augmented Mean Group and fixed‐effects estimations, incorporating Driscoll–Kraay standard errors to address cross‐sectional dependence. The results reveal that voice and accountability, as well as government effectiveness, exert a negative and statistically significant influence on social sustainability. In contrast, the rule of law, internet penetration, and mobile cellular subscriptions show positive and significant effects. These findings underscore the pivotal role of the rule of law in fostering Sustainable Development. To this end, West African countries must prioritize strengthening legal and institutional frameworks that guarantee transparency, equity, and accessibility for all citizens. Investing in judicial reforms that streamline legal processes, uphold fairness, and rebuild public confidence in justice systems represents a crucial step toward achieving enduring social sustainability in the region.