Sustainable Development In Africa Research Articles

The causal relationship between foreign divestment, economic growth and financial development in African countries

This paper examines the causal relationship between foreign divestment (FD), economic growth, and financial development in African countries between 2000 and 2020. The research addresses the inadequately studied influence of macroeconomic variables on FD, focusing on the African context, where scholarly investigations on FD remain scarce. The study seeks to provide policymakers with insights on strategies to mitigate FD outflows and promote sustainable development. The research employs the Dumitrescu-Hurlin Panel Causality test to investigate causal relationships between FD, economic growth, and financial development. The study uses panel data covering multiple African nations over two decades, offering a robust temporal and spatial analysis. The approach emphasises examining unidirectional and bidirectional causation within the macroeconomic framework, contributing to a nuanced understanding of the interplay between these variables. The main findings of the study reveal a unidirectional causation between FD and economic growth across African countries, although this relationship is not consistent in all instances. Additionally, a bidirectional causal relationship is identified between FD and financial development (FIN). These findings underscore the interconnectedness of FD with macroeconomic stability and highlight the importance of fostering economic growth and financial sector development to address FD outflows effectively. This study contributes to the underexplored area of FD in African nations by highlighting its causal relationships with economic growth and financial development. It offers valuable insights for policymakers, scholars, and multinational enterprises (MNEs). The findings further underscore the importance of sound governance practices, economic stability, and financial sector development in mitigating FD outflows and fostering sustainable development in Africa.

Culture-Centered Strategic Communication for Sustainable International Development in Africa

ABSTRACT Strategic communication is gaining traction in international development practice to address the failures of development programs in the global South. This study examined the phenomenon in Africa. Using in-depth interviews with stakeholders of two USAID flagship projects in post-Ebola Liberia as a case study, the research revealed public consultation, community outreach and mobilization, gender-based capacity building, the use of men as proxy advocates for women, and community-based traditional media as the strategic communication approach employed by USAID to navigate the cultural roadblocks to sustainable development in Africa. While these tactics were temporarily effective, they fail to sustain development outcomes that are culturally determined. The study suggests a culture-centered strategic communication that promotes participatory listening in line with the norms and media systems of recipient communities to ensure sustainable international development in Africa.

The nexus between food security, health outcomes, and climate change: a multisectoral approach to sustainable development in Africa

BackgroundIn Africa, where climatic unpredictability exacerbates food shortages and raises health risks, food security and climate change are crucial determinants influencing health outcomes. The present research investigates the significant relationship among food security, health outcomes, and climate change in African nations, and provides policy recommendations for sustainable development. Specifically, while considering the effect of climate change, the study examines how the pillars of food security proportionately affect the corresponding dimensions of health outcomes using a regional-based panel analysis.MethodThe study utilized a strongly-balanced panel times series data consisting of 45 counties which are sub-divided into the various regions in Africa (Northern, Eastern, Central, Western and Southern) from 2010 to 2022. Taking into account potential issues of residual cross-sectional correlations and slope heterogeneity in panel data settings, the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) estimation method is executed. The robustness of the AMG outcomes is further examined using Common Correlated Mean Group approach (CCEMG).FindingsResults from the study reveals a clear relationship where food security and health outcome are positively linked in the aggregated, Central, and Western African regional panels whereas the vice versa is evidenced in Northern, Eastern and Southern Africa. Further, the respective food security pillars (food utility, accessibility, availability and utility) were evidenced to have diverse effects on health outcome dimensions (life expectancy, infant and maternal mortality, infectious disease and burden disease rates) across the regional panels in Africa, while climate change consistently worsened health outcomes and its respective dimensions among all utilized regional panels of African countries.ConclusionThe study highlights the need for region-specific food security strategies in Africa, integrating robust climate adaptation measures to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on health. These insights are essential for guiding policy-makers towards sustainable solutions that address both food security and health vulnerabilities.

Green Human Resource Management System Development in Africa: A Systematic Literature Review

Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) has garnered widespread international attention, yet the GHRM practices implementation and the challenges they face in African organisations remain underexplored. Given that the majority of GHRM studies in the African context have been published over the past four years, there is a clear need for a systematic review of the literature on GHRM in this region. This review examines 23 studies to identify which GHRM topics have been explored in the African context and what theories and methodologies have been adopted in these studies. Drawing from the selected literature, a conceptual framework is established to facilitate a more structured understanding of GHRM practices within the African context, which finds that GHRM works as an organisational subsystem embedded within broader institutional, environmental, and socio-economic systems. In the concluding section, this review paper further highlights the key gaps in the existing research and offers recommendations for future studies related to GHRM implementation in African organisations. This review paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge in both the theoretical and practical areas of GHRM, while also contributing to the broader goal of sustainable development in Africa.

Leveraging quantum science and technology for sustainable development in Africa

Quantum science and technology is a rapidly growing field that harnesses the unique properties of quantum mechanics. The manipulation of quantum systems has led to unprecedented development in secure quantum communication, simulation, computing, sensing and metrology. Despite the significance of these technologies, the existing literature lacks a comprehensive understanding of how they can address various challenges faced by Africa. We address this gap by using systematic literature review methods and draw insights from diverse perspectives to present an overview of the current state of quantum science and technology in Africa. Furthermore, we explore how the full adoption and implementation of quantum technologies can contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 1-4, 10, 13, and 17. We analyze the data from literature review and insights from African quantum experts, which we synthesize into a cohesive summary. This review underscores that, with appropriate efforts, quantum technologies can significantly promote social, economic, and environmental sustainability in Africa. This review goes beyond the present literature to offer a conceptual framework, theoretical insights and practical recommendations. This study is particularly timely, coinciding with the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, which recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics.

GREEN TRANSITION AND CIRCULAR ECONOMY PRACTICES: UNLOCKING AFRICA'S POTENTIAL FOR SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

This paper addresses the urgent need for sustainable development in Africa amid the increasing environmental challenges posed by climate change. Despite accounting for less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the continent faces critical issues such as droughts and limited energy access, threatening economic stability and growth. The research focuses on the interplay between sustainability initiatives and economic growth, arguing that the adoption of renewable energy and circular economy (CE) practices can serve as catalysts for industrial expansion and job creation. To explore this relationship, the study employs a SWOT analysis to evaluate the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with Africa's green transition. The analysis reveals both the advantages of adopting sustainable practices and the significant obstacles hindering progress, such as inadequate infrastructure and funding shortfalls. Additionally, the paper highlights how circular economy approaches can enhance the continent's sustainable development efforts by promoting resource efficiency and reducing waste. In conclusion, the article underscores the necessity of integrating sustainable and circular practices within national development strategies to achieve resilience and sustainability in Africa. The recommendations include prioritizing investments in renewable energy infrastructure, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting policies that facilitate access to funding for CE initiatives to support economic growth. By addressing these challenges, Africa can move towards a more sustainable future that balances economic growth with environmental stewardship.

The role of physical and health education as a solution in solving complex African challenges for sustainable development

Africa faces numerous complex challenges related to Health, Education, economic development, and more. Addressing these challenges requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together diverse fields and stakeholders. This paper views Physical and Health Education as an important field that can play a key role in such interdisciplinary partnerships for human development and sustainability in Africa. The main focus of this paper is on challenges of sustainable development in Africa, the role of Physical and Health Education in solving complex African challenges and recommendations to strengthen integration of Physical and Health Education with the inter-disciplinary partnership approach. By promoting Physical activity, health literacy, and holistic well-being, Physical Health Education can contribute to improved health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic productivity. This paper centers on how Physical and Health Education programs, when properly implemented through multi-stakeholder partnerships, can help bridge disciplines and drive progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, with particular reference to Northern Nigeria. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners on leveraging Physical and Health Education as part of an integrated approach toward overcoming the complex challenges bedeviling African health economics and holistic well-being for development and sustainability. Prominent among the recommendations made in this paper is integrating Physical and Health Education into national education and health policies, ensuring that it is adequately rescued and prioritized as part of a holistic approach to human development.

The role of physical and health education as a solution in solving complex African challenges for sustainable development

Africa faces numerous complex challenges related to Health, Education, economic development, and more. Addressing these challenges requires an interdisciplinary approach that brings together diverse fields and stakeholders. This paper views Physical and Health Education as an important field that can play a key role in such interdisciplinary partnerships for human development and sustainability in Africa. The main focus of this paper is on challenges of sustainable development in Africa, the role of Physical and Health Education in solving complex African challenges and recommendations to strengthen integration of Physical and Health Education with the inter-disciplinary partnership approach. By promoting Physical activity, health literacy, and holistic well-being, Physical Health Education can contribute to improved health outcomes, educational attainment, and economic productivity. This paper centers on how Physical and Health Education programs, when properly implemented through multi-stakeholder partnerships, can help bridge disciplines and drive progress on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa, with particular reference to Northern Nigeria. Recommendations are provided for policymakers, educators, and development practitioners on leveraging Physical and Health Education as part of an integrated approach toward overcoming the complex challenges bedeviling African health economics and holistic well-being for development and sustainability. Prominent among the recommendations made in this paper is integrating Physical and Health Education into national education and health policies, ensuring that it is adequately rescued and prioritized as part of a holistic approach to human development.

The Indoctrination of Environmental Stewardship: A Framework for Sustainable Development in Africa

The concept of environmental stewardship has gained considerable traction globally as societies confront the consequences of climate change and ecological degradation. In the African context, a continent renowned for its rich biodiversity yet facing complex environmental challenges, the instillation of environmental stewardship has become increasingly imperative. The paper examines the challenges and opportunities for promoting environmental stewardship in the rapid urbanisation of the capital city of Enugu State, with a particular focus on housing estate developments. Africa’s environmental landscape presents a wide array of challenges, including deforestation, land degradation, and water scarcity, as well as the impacts of rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. However, alongside these challenges lie significant opportunities for fostering environmental stewardship. Culturally embedded practices, traditional ecological knowledge, and indigenous conservation methods provide a strong foundation upon which contemporary environmental education strategies can be developed. This study employed a qualitative research approach, drawing on scholarly articles, research studies, policy documents, and relevant literature sources. The findings highlighted a general absence of sustainable practices and environmental considerations in the planning and construction phases of numerous housing estates, leading to environmental degradation. Furthermore, there was a widespread lack of environmental awareness and consciousness among residents. Despite these challenges, promising opportunities and best practices were identified, including the implementation of innovative sustainability strategies, the utilisation of traditional ecological knowledge, and the promotion of stakeholder collaboration. The paper emphasises the need for tailored strategies that consider diverse socio-cultural contexts and economic realities. It advocated for inclusive, participatory approaches that empower local communities, amplify their voices, and ensure their active involvement in environmental initiatives.

Disruptive! Unpacking the Role and Place of Digital Frugal Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa

The article explores the role of digital frugal innovation in advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) across Africa. It examines how affordable and scalable digital solutions address critical challenges such as poverty, healthcare access and educational disparities. A conceptual framework is established to define key concepts and theories related to digital frugal innovation and sustainable development. The methodology includes qualitative case studies and data analysis to highlight successful examples, such as EcoCash and M-KOPA Solar. Findings reveal that digital frugal innovations significantly enhance economic growth, promote social inclusion and contribute to environmental sustainability. The discussion emphasises the importance of addressing challenges, including the digital divide and data privacy concerns, to maximise the potential of these innovations. Recommendations for policy-makers and stakeholders aim to foster an inclusive digital ecosystem that supports sustainable development in Africa.

Transformative Narratives Towards Psycho-Cultural Sustainability and Positive Gender Socialisation for Women in West and Central Africa

Aim: This paper examines how traditional gender roles are understood through rites of passage, illuminating their significance in cultural contexts in West and Central Africa. In this light, we present narratives that compare traditional and modern views of women's gender roles, encouraging a thoughtful dialogue on the evolution of these perceptions. Within African cultures, transformative narratives have been used to maintain a sustainable balance between the individual mindset and cultural norms that influence gender identity. The specific objectives of the paper are to: 1) examine rites of passage as the foundation for understanding gender roles in Africa; 2) highlight the changing perception of women's gender roles and socialization in Africa from traditional to modern perceptions 3) discuss the implications of implications of change in gender role perception for psycho-cultural sustainability and positive socialization of women. Methods: The paper employs an ethnographic approach through analysis of cultural narratives, both oral and written. Results: The major findings of the paper are that there are birth and puberty rites of passage that clearly define gender roles within African cultures. The study also found that despite the dominance of patriarchal systems in many traditional African societies, there existed gender role complementarity where women and men performed complementary roles and women were considered to be the custodians and sustenance of African traditional values and virtues. Nonetheless, the advent of modernism and colonialism women have been placed on the lower rungs of society by the dominant forces of capitalism and globalization posing tensions between both genders. Conclusion: Cultural perspectives significantly shape how decisions are made, reinforcing the idea that advancing gender equality and valuing women's voices is crucial for psycho-cultural sustainability and positive socialization of women. Recommendation: Psycho-cultural sustainable development in Africa requires understanding traditional African perspectives on gender. By giving equal value and importance to the roles played by both males and females, the balance and harmony that once existed can be re-established.

REVOLUTIONIZING EDUCATIONAL PEDAGOGY IN AFRICA FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Revolutionizing educational pedagogy in Africa is crucial for sustainable development, as the current system seems to have failed to produce graduates equipped with critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Despite a rise in primary school completion rates from 46% in 1970 to 68% in 2010, Africa continues to struggle with underdevelopment. This situation underscores not only the limitations of traditional pedagogical models but also a pressing need to investigate and implement pedagogical reforms that enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills to bridge the gap between education and sustainable development in Africa. This study responds to this the problem by critiquing the prevailing teaching and assessment methods. Using a literature review methodology, the research examines statistical and qualitative data to highlight the need for educational reforms that foster analytical skills, creativity, and adaptability. It argues that by transforming pedagogical practices and reshaping mind-sets, Africa can produce graduates capable of addressing real-world challenges and driving socio-economic progress. Through analyses analysis of relevant data on the subject matter and recommendations made the authors envisage a pedagogical revolution—a fundamental transformation in the way education is delivered and assessed in Africa. This revolution aims to move away from traditional, rote-based teaching methods and instead promote critical-thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. The study advocates policies that integrate critical-thinking into curricula, ensuring that education becomes a catalyst for sustainable development rather than a mere credentialing system.

Institutional Frameworks, Policies, and Land Data: Insights from Monitoring Land Governance and Tenure Security in the Context of Sustainable Development Goals in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia

Within the sustainable development goals (SDGs) framework, access to land, its governance, and tenure security play pivotal roles in fostering inclusive and sustainable development. The United Nations estimates that by 2050, Africa’s population will reach close to 2.5 billion. Moreover, the pressure exerted on African lands by climate change has significantly impacted productivity of arable land, thereby affecting agriculture—the continent’s most important sector. Therefore, effective management of land resources and protecting land rights of all citizens are now more than ever essential for attaining sustainable development and social stability. This research paper examines the critical role of land governance and tenure security in fostering sustainable development in Africa, a region facing rapid population growth and climate-related challenges. It analyses the institutional frameworks, policies, and land data availability in Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Zambia and how these factors intersect to enhance monitoring land governance and tenure security within the context of the sustainable development goals. The paper explores lessons learnt in these four countries, focusing on SDG indicators related to equitable access to land, secure land rights, and responsible land management practices.

PHILOSOPHY, HUMANISM AND DEVELOPMENT IN AFRICA

Since the wake of postcolonial era in Africa, philosophers have unceasingly reflected on political ideas that can serve as harbinger for social transformation and development in Africa; from socialism, Marxism, welfarism, Pan-Africanism, Ubuntuism, to humanism. Odera Oruka is one of the foremost African philosophers whose thoughts on humanism and philosophy, though less known and controverted, entail some strategic directions for addressing the challenges of development in Africa. This paper seeks to interrogate Oruka’s understanding of humanism and philosophy in Africa in order to explore its functional relation to the question of development. Oruka conceives humanism as the ultimate moral standard, which involves the quality and security of human life. Bemoaning the obscene disregard for humanism in Africa, Oruka hypothesizes a critical and dialectical philosophy as an antidote to what he called ARID (African Republic of Inhumanity and Death). Notwithstanding the fertile points in Oruka’s thought, arguments are raised in this paper that humanism is a concept with diverse interpretations, which apparently do not fit into one formula as Oruka depicts. Beyond Oruka’s discourse on philosophy and humanism in Africa (as opposed to African philosophy and African humanism), this paper discusses the view that sees African humanism as the defining element of the Africaness of African philosophy. It consequently defends the position that African humanism can serve as a positive ideological springboard for sustainable development in Africa.

Is Financial Development Heterogeneity Promoting or Retarding Sustainable Development in Africa?

ABSTRACTThis research examines the extent to which the growth and environmental dimensions of sustainable development are influenced by the diversity of financial development, encompassing the financial development index, the financial institution index, and the financial market index. The analysis covers a selection of 30 African countries from 1996 to 2021. The study contributes to the financial development‐sustainable development literature by evaluating the moderating influences of digitalization and regulatory quality alongside various control variables, including technological innovation, government spending, trade openness, renewable and nonrenewable energy sources, and foreign direct investment. Empirical evidence is derived using estimators such as the system generalized method of moments and the common correlated effects mean group approach for the short‐ and long‐term nexuses, respectively. The results of the research suggest that although financial development promotes sustainable economic growth, it incurs environmental costs. Nevertheless, when the beneficial impacts of digitalization and regulatory quality are taken into account, the negative consequences linked to growth‐focused financial development are mitigated. Elements such as technological innovation, renewable energy, and foreign direct investment not only stimulate growth but also contribute to reducing environmental harm. In contrast, factors that boost economic growth while compromising ecological integrity include trade openness, government spending, and nonrenewable energy. To address these conflicting priorities, the report provides policy suggestions.

Gender Justice, Ecological Responsibility and Sustainable Development in Africa: A Theological Perspective

In numerous African societies, gender inequality is deeply rooted within both social norms and power structures. This inequality becomes particularly pronounced when it intersects with environmental crises, amplifying gender-specific vulnerabilities and sustaining cycles of marginalization. This article highlights the nexus between gender justice, ecological responsibility, and sustainable development, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to address the root causes of these intertwined challenges. Using secondary source analysis, I explore the interplay of patriarchal structures and the unequal distribution and access to resources, offering theological insights into pathways for promoting gender equity, environmental sustainability, and social justice while also incorporating and respecting indigenous knowledge systems in Africa. Findings suggest that addressing the complex dynamics of gender injustice and environmental degradation can foster inclusive, environmentally sustainable development, prioritizing gender equity and social justice across African societies. Drawing upon insights from Oikos Theology and African Women’s Theology, this examination reveals strategies to counteract these challenges and promote inclusive solutions for African communities.

Climate Change and Sustainable Development in Africa: Challenges and How to Respond through Early Warning Systems

The impacts of climate change are being felt around the world at unprecedented speed and scale. As one of the regions most seriously threatened, Africa has seen significant changes in its climate patterns, frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, and increasingly intense climate disasters in recent years. This has had profound consequences on agricultural production across the continent, leading to hunger and malnutrition among vulnerable populations, exacerbating pressure on the natural resources including water, jeopardizing public well-being and social stability, and posing great challenges to its sustainable development. Early warning systems (EWS) are an effective way to adapt to climate change, promote sustainable development, and deliver significant socio-economic benefits. However, at present, Africa faces significant obstacles in developing and implementing these systems, including inadequate observation capacity, poor infrastructure, weak scientific research capabilities, and political instability that prevents them from being more effective. In recent years, thanks to the support of bilateral and multilateral working mechanisms and international organizations, some progress has been made in this area, boosting the continent’s ability to adapt to climate change. To ensure that early warning systems are further strengthened and that they serve as a robust foundation for sustainable development, this paper advocates for more people-centered approach, enhanced training programs, and intelligent systems for multi-hazard early warning.

Harnessing migration for sustainable development in Africa: challenges and opportunities

This study investigates the intricate dynamics of migration in Africa, emphasising its implications for sustainable development. The background highlights that Africa faces significant migration pressures driven by socio-economic challenges, political instability, and environmental changes, particularly high unemployment rates among youth and the adverse effects of climate change. Despite the continent's potential to harness migration for development, a notable gap exists in comprehensive migration policies that adequately protect migrants' rights and leverage their contributions to economic growth. The aim of this study is to explore the complex dynamics of migration in Africa, focusing on identifying both the challenges and opportunities that migration presents for sustainable development. A desktop study approach was employed, synthesising existing literature, policy reports, and secondary data to identify critical themes. Findings reveal that economic motivations are the predominant drivers of migration, while remittances play a crucial role in stabilising local economies and alleviating poverty. The research underscores the importance of regional cooperation in managing migration effectively and addressing shared challenges. The study recommends the development of rights-based migration policies that foster safe migration pathways, investment in local economies to create job opportunities, and initiatives to promote the productive use of remittances. Enhanced collaboration among African nations is essential for optimising the benefits of migration and addressing common challenges. Furthermore, ongoing research is necessary to adapt to the evolving landscape of migration trends in the region.

Climate Change, Land Degradation and Sustainable Development in Africa? Evidence for AfCFTA Implementation

ABSTRACTThis study assesses the effect of climate change and land degradation on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2 indicators (agricultural productivity, crop yields, agricultural output per capita, livelihoods, and economic growth) for different African regions. Using data from 46 African countries (1990–2022), we employ the Panel‐Corrected Standard Errors (PCSE) and the Feasible Generalized Least Squares (FGLS) techniques to show that both climate change and land degradation have substantial negative impacts on the pursuit of achieving SDG2, especially in agriculture, forestry, and fishing. We also show that some specific indicators of climate change, like rainfall patterns, had positive impacts on SDG2, while indicators of land degradation such as deforestation and resource depletion hindered progress. Thus, the study provides evidence of a critical need for integrated policies and strategies encompassing climate change adaptation and mitigation, land restoration and conservation, and sustainable agricultural practices in Africa.

The Role of Freedom of Expression and Collaborative Governance in Enhancing Community Participation for Water Resource Management in Africa

Water resource management remains a critical issue for sustainable development in Africa, as communities face challenges related to water scarcity, poor governance structures, and inadequate infrastructure. This article examines the interplay between freedom of expression, collaborative governance, and community participation in addressing these challenges. Drawing on theoretical and empirical insights, the study highlights how freedom of expression fosters transparency, accountability, and stakeholder engagement, which are essential for effective water governance. The research underscores the importance of collaborative governance frameworks that integrate diverse stakeholders, including governments, local communities, and private entities, to develop inclusive and sustainable water management strategies. Findings reveal that empowering communities through participatory decision-making and institutional reforms enhances their capacity to address water resource challenges effectively. The study concludes by recommending policy initiatives that prioritize institutional capacity building, promote freedom of expression, and foster collaborative governance mechanisms to ensure equitable and sustainable water resource management in Africa.