Institutional efficiency and the nexus between renewable energy consumption and health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose This study investigates how renewable energy consumption affects health outcomes in Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the moderating role of institutional efficiency in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3). Design/methodology/approach The study uses panel data from 43 Sub-Saharan African countries spanning from 1996 to 2023. A system generalized method of moments (System GMM) technique is employed to control for endogeneity, omitted variable bias and dynamic relationships. Findings The results indicate that renewable energy consumption is associated with reduced infant and child mortality but has a negative effect on life expectancy when institutional quality is weak. However, institutional efficiency significantly moderates these relationships – reversing the negative impact on life expectancy and enhancing the beneficial effects of renewable energy on health outcomes. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of improving institutional governance to ensure that renewable energy investments generate measurable health dividends. Policymakers should pair renewable energy expansion with institutional reforms and integrated health-energy strategies to realize SDG 3. Originality/value This study is among the first to empirically demonstrate the moderating role of institutional efficiency in the renewable energy consumption–health nexus in developing countries. It contributes novel insights into how governance structures can shape the development impact of green transitions.