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.