Economic Development Thresholds For A Green Economy In Sub Saharan Africa

This study investigates how increasing economic development affects the green economy in terms of CO2 emissions, using data from 44 countries in the SSA for the period 2000-2012. The Generalised Method of Moments (GMM) is used for the empirical analysis. The following main findings are established. First, relative to CO2 emissions, enhancing economic growth and population growth engenders a U-shaped pattern whereas increasing inclusive human development shows a Kuznets curve. Second, increasing GDP growth beyond 25% of annual growth is unfavorable for a green economy. Third, a population growth rate of above 3.089% (i.e. annual %) has a positive effect of CO2 emissions. Fourth, an inequality-adjusted human development index (IHDI) of above 0.4969 is beneficial for a green economy because it is associated with a reduction in CO2 emissions. The established critical masses have policy relevance because they are situated within the policy ranges of adopted economic development dynamics.

Most African national economies depend on the exploitation of both renewable and non-renewable natural resources for development. Conventional and unconventional exploitation of natural resources has left negative carbon footprints. This has also degraded hotspots across the African continent, impacting negatively on people and the environment. A Green Economy offers the continent the opportunity to achieve sustained economic development devoid of environmental degradation and inefficient utilisation of natural resources. This book, Promoting Green Economy, explores issues affecting the socio-economic development of the continent and focuses on Africa’s need for a green economy. With chapters written by seasoned authors from academia and industry across the continent, the book examines the challenges of sustainable management of Africa’s natural resources and recommends the need for the continent to transit towards green economy as this can provide opportunities for minimising environmental footprints of all economic activities. The book calls on the commitment of the public and private sectors to the development of appropriate green economy policies and regulatory frameworks to promote inclusive growth.

This book examines sustainable development in the broader framework of Africa post COVID-19. Specifically, the book studies governance and digitalization from the perspective of natural environment management, climate change, the green economy, as well as agriculture and education. Digitalization supports the deepening of natural resource governance by assessing extractive practices, sovereign wealth funds and the emerging discourse on global warming and green economic policies. This analytical exercise will better inform economic and socio-political policies and institutions for African development. The book, against the backdrop of the United Nations Agenda 2030 and the African Union Agenda 2063, offers unique insights on digitalization, governance, the green economy, and natural resource regime in Africa post COVID-19.

Master's Thesis from the year 2018 in the subject Environmental Sciences, grade: A, University of Buea, course: LLM International Law, language: English, abstract: This work has engaged in refining current understandings of the possibilities for attaining environmental conservation objectives amidst the incessant struggle for economic advancement in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It has examined the inability of the region to properly assimilate sustainable developmental tenets as reflected in the weaknesses of the several legislations that exist. The analysis was done through the concept of the respect for the Rule of Law and considered all relevant factors in terms of structural and administrative changes as well as reflected needs of the region, using Cameroon as a case study. Through the doctrinal research approach, it demonstrated in theory, the correlation between environmental protection and economic development. Looking at the legal, policy and institutional frameworks for environmental protection within SSA and Cameroon, it has examined the effect of the several legislations on business and trade, and therefore the overall upshot on economic development. The work has consequently scrutinized the possibility of reconciling environment and economic needs through green growth and a green economy. Amidst these difficulties associated with the concept of sustainable development, the question was therefore contemplated whether the pressing international calls for the restriction of the use of Africa's resources could be tantamount to a disguised neo-colonialist move by former imperialist nations to retard the region's advancement. The findings of the work therefore revealed outweighing difficulties associated with presently attaining green growth within the region and how its efforts continually stifle economic growth and development. The weaknesses inherently associated with the concept of sustainable development, which are strongly reflected in the prevailing Africa

This book explores the concept of greening industrialisation and issues and considerations surrounding it through the lens of Sub-Saharan Africa. The book critically examines the concept of greening industrialisation and describes the progress and data challenges of monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals confronting African countries. The chapters summarise the policy and programme literature focused on eight policy regimes essential for greening industrialisation and identify opportunities for greening industrial policies. The authors lay out a research agenda that would inform, enable, and support greening industrialisation in Sub-Saharan Africa and provide an overview of green industrial plans that include climate strategies, energy efficiency strategies, and green industry assessments. This book will be of great interest to students, scholars, policy-makers, and planners in the fields of Sub-Saharan African development and African environmentalism.

"This synthesis report provides an overview of where Africa, as a region, stands in terms of transitioning to an inclusive green economy. It draws on recent studies to summarise the prospective gains and challenges associated with investing in a green economy and outlines a way forward to prioritise policy reforms, with a specific section on how to turn strategies and practices challenges into opportunities. Collectively, this report highlights how a transition to a green economy may be achieved within a range of country conditions."--Publisher's description.

3. Investing in people.

The book draws upon the expertise and international research collaborations forged by the Worldwide Universities Network Global Africa Group to critically engage with the intersection, in theory and practice, of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Africa’s development agendas and needs. Further, it argues that – and demonstrates how – the SDGs should be understood as an aspirational blueprint for development with multiple meanings that are situated in dynamic and contested terrains. As the SDGs have substantial implications for development policy and resourcing at both the macro and micro levels, their relevance is not only context-specific but should also be assessed in terms of the aspirations and needs of ordinary citizens across the continent. Drawing on analyses and evidence from both the natural and social sciences, the book demonstrates that progress towards the SDGs must meet demands for improving human well-being under diverse and challenging socio-economic, political and environmental conditions. Examples include those from the mining industry, public health, employment and the media. In closing, it highlights how international collaboration in the form of research networks can enhance the production of critical knowledge on and engagement with the SDGs in Africa.

Fostering inclusive green growth in Africa means addressing existing and emerging development challenges, while efficiently managing Africa’s natural capital and building resilience to environmental, social and economic risks. Although this new paradigm for development has the potential to create tremendous business opportunities, there are also challenges. This book provides empirical evidence on the conditions for the emergence of green businesses in Africa. It includes 13 case studies, which identify the determinants of small and medium-size enterprises’ engagement in inclusive and sustainable growth in rural Africa, and the factors that hinder eco-innovation in business and entrepreneurial activities. Furthermore it discusses appropriate regulations and policies to stimulate the development of green business in Africa. Offering insights into the relationship between eco-innovation, labor productivity and business competitiveness in rural Africa, this book appeals to scholars, policy makers and practitioners interested in a green economy for Africa.