Purpose This study analyzes the effect of energy efficiency on social well-being in North Africa, incorporating a dual analysis: on the one hand, the mediating role of the energy rebound effect and, on the other hand, the moderating effect of green innovation. Design/methodology/approach The analysis covers a panel of four North African countries (2000–2022) and uses an integrated econometric approach: stochastic frontier analysis for energy efficiency, least squares dummy variable corrected for the rebound effect, structural equation modeling for mediation and fully modified ordinary least squares for moderation. Findings The results show that energy efficiency has a positive and significant effect on social well-being. The rebound effect plays only a limited mediating role in this relationship, while green innovation acts as a significant and positive moderating factor. This interaction highlights a synergy between reducing energy waste and developing sustainable technologies, thereby contributing to improving the well-being of the region's populations. Practical implications Optimizing energy efficiency is a strategic lever for achieving Sustainable Development Goals 7.3, which are necessary for current and future generations. Policymakers and investors should adopt strategies that encourage investment in global innovation in order to accelerate the energy transition process and limit the rebound effect. Originality/value This research makes an innovative contribution by filling an important gap in the literature, examining the extent to which the rebound effect serves as a mediator and green technologies function as a moderator in the relationship between energy efficiency and social well-being and highlighting their distinct mechanisms of influence within the underexplored context of the emerging region of North Africa. It opens up new empirical perspectives that can inform policymakers in their choices to increase investment in systemic green innovation in order to promote energy efficiency and limit the rebound effect, two elements necessary to accelerate energy transition policies.
El-Khadiri et al. (Mon,) studied this question.