Determinants of digital technology development in sub-Saharan African countries: evidence from panel data analysis

Abstract The primary objective of this research is to explore the elements that shape the progression of digital technology in Sub-Saharan African nations. The study employs data obtained from 16 countries, covering the period between 2000 and 2020. Employing fixed effect panel regression analysis, our research indicates that various non-technological factors significantly impact digital technology development in the region. The results highlight that variables including general government final consumption expenditure, inflation rate, employment growth rate, financial development, ease of doing business index, logistics performance index, international migration, access to electricity, and access to safe drinking water have a positive impact on the development of digital technology. Conversely, international trade is identified as a negative influence, primarily due to insufficient infrastructural development. These findings underscore the significance of non-technological elements, encompassing aspects like globalization, economic conditions, favorable digital ecosystems, and the fulfillment of basic human needs, in shaping the landscape of digital technology in the region. The study, while acknowledging limitations in terms of selected indicators, years, and countries, emphasizes the need for broader investigations in future research. Practically, the study suggests that governments in the region should prioritize addressing these non-technological factors to fully leverage the potential of digital technology development. The originality and value of this research lies in its exploration of non-technological determinants, shedding light on their pivotal role in shaping the digital technology landscape in sub-Saharan Africa.