Information and Communication Technologies as Catalyst for the Achievement of Sustainable Development Goals at the Local Level in Africa

Abstract

This study evaluates if information and communication technologies (ICTs) can play a role of catalyst for the achievement of most of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at local level in African countries. We use the Afrobarometer Round 7 Surveys, and base our empirical methodology on 2SLS-IV regressions to take into account the concern of reverse causality. The findings reveal that ICTs have a positive and significant effect on the achievement of SDGs, notably, in eight out of thirteen goals (Goal 1 'No poverty,' Goal 2 'Zero Hunger,' Goal 6 'Clean water and sanitation,' Goal 8 'Decent work and economic growth,' Goal 11 'Sustainable cities and communities,' Goal 5 'Gender equality,' Goal 7 'Affordable and clean energy,' Goal 9 'Industry, innovation and infrastructure'). The results suggest that ICTs can help to accelerate progress towards SDGs in Africa.