Electricity Access and Economic Transformation in West Africa: Empirical Evidence and Policy Pathways for Sustainable Development

Abstract

Electricity access remains a central challenge and opportunity for sustainable development in West Africa. This study investigates the relationship between electricity access and economic development using panel data from 15 West African countries between 2000 and 2022. Employing fixed-effects, random-effects, and dynamic panel estimators, alongside robustness checks, the analysis examines the impacts of grid-based and off-grid electrification on economic performance. The results indicate that improved electricity access may contribute to higher GDP per capita, enhanced industrial activity, and improved human development outcomes. However, these effects are significantly influenced by the reliability, affordability, and quality of supply. The study further reveals heterogeneity in the impacts across urban and rural areas, with off-grid renewable solutions showing greater inclusivity in rural contexts. Policy implications underscore the need for integrated energy planning that combines technological diversification, targeted subsidy reforms, and institutional capacity strengthening. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on sustainable energy transitions in sub-Saharan Africa and highlight avenues for future research that address microeconomic, distributional, and technological dimensions of energy access.