Impact of Digital Infrastructure on Inclusive Growth in Africa

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the role of digital infrastructure in promoting inclusive growth in Africa. The study employs fixed-effects and random-effects econometric techniques, followed by the Generalized Method of Moments (GMM), on secondary data from international databases (World Bank, International Telecommunication Union, International Energy Agency) for a panel of African countries covering the period from 2000 to 2024. The results show that technological indicators such as internet access, mobile and fixed-line telephony have positive and significant effects on inclusive growth as measured by the Human Development Index (HDI) and the Gini coefficient. The influence of ICTs depends on their level of development and they can be used as tools by policymakers.