Tracking Africa's trajectory toward sustainability: An assessment of environmental and socioeconomic impacts

Abstract

African countries face heightened vulnerability to climate change and socioeconomic issues. Understanding production, consumption, and trade impacts is crucial for enhancing Africa's environmental resilience and social prosperity. This study uses multiregional input-output analysis to assess the environmental (biodiversity loss, climate change, particulate matter, water stress) and socioeconomic (employment, value-added) impacts across 51 African countries from 1995 to 2022. The study finds that Africa contributes disproportionately to global environmental impacts relative to its gross domestic product (GDP). From production and consumption perspectives, Africa accounts for over 13 % of the global biodiversity loss, particulate matter, and water stress impacts, generating only 3 % of the global value added. Between 1995 and 2022, absolute impacts increased alongside population and GDP, while per capita impacts and intensity decreased. Eastern Africa ranks highest in biodiversity loss (Madagascar), climate change (Kenya), and particulate matter (Ethiopia); Western Africa (Nigeria) leads in employment; and Northern Africa (Egypt) in water stress and value-added. The impacts embodied in Africa's trade with the rest of the world exceed those related to intra-African trade. African regions exhibit notably higher impact intensities than importing regions. The study recommends targeted sustainable development policies for Africa, advocating for shifting supply chains to alleviate environmental and social burdens through responsible sourcing practices, both regionally and by importing nations.