Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0
Author-Name: Abel, Sanderson
Author-Name-First: Sanderson
Author-Name-Last: Abel
Author-Email: abelsza.mwale@gmail.com
Author-Workplace-Name: Agriculture and Applied Economics, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Botswana; & Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Author-Name: Jeke, Leward
Author-Name-First: Leward
Author-Name-Last: Jeke
Author-Email: abelsza.mwale@gmail.com
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Author-Name: Muleya, Henry
Author-Name-First: Henry
Author-Name-Last: Muleya
Author-Email: abelsza.mwale@gmail.com
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, Lupane State University, Zimbabwe
Author-Name: Manenge, Robson
Author-Name-First: Robson
Author-Name-Last: Manenge
Author-Email: abelsza.mwale@gmail.com
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, Midlands State University Zimbabwe
Author-Name: Le Roux, Pierre
Author-Name-First: Pierre
Author-Name-Last: Le Roux
Author-Email: abelsza.mwale@gmail.com
Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Economics, Nelson Mandela University, South Africa
Title: Information Communication Technology, Electricity Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus in Botswana
Abstract: When discussing economic growth, electricity consumption and information and communication technology are both crucial components. Effective resource allocation is made feasible by ICT, which raises demand and drives down prices. Electricity, on the other hand, is critical to modern life since it powers industries, technologies, and necessary services, improving living standards and facilitating social and economic growth. The study aims to assess how ICT, electricity consumption, and economic growth are related in Botswana. This study investigates whether there is a causal link between ICT, power use, and economic expansion. In order to assess the nexus relationship, the study used the autoregressive distributed lag model. The findings showed that ICT has a long-term beneficial impact on economic growth, while economic growth has a long-term negative impact on ICT. The study also demonstrated directional causality between electricity use and ICT. This implies that rising electricity consumption raises the need for electricity, which in turn raises ICT investment. It was discovered that Botswana's economic growth was negatively impacted by education. Long-term economic growth in Botswana is enhanced by a rise in industrial expansion. A two-way causal relationship between ICT and electricity use was also demonstrated; as electricity use rises, so does the demand for ICT investment, which in turn raises ICT investment.  The study recommends that in the diversification thrust of Government of Botswana, electricity and ICT should be given priority since they can be catalyst for economic growth in the long run.
Keywords: Information Communication Technology, Electricity, Economic Growth, Education, ARDL
Journal: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy
Pages: 92-99
Volume: 15
Issue: 6
Year: 2025
Month: 10
DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.20462
File-URL: https://econjournals.com/index.php/ijeep/article/download/20462/9286
File-Format: application/pdf
Handle: RePEc:eco:journ2:v:15:y:2025:i:6:id:20462