The Impact of Digital Infrastructure Quality on Economic Growth in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study explores a panel data analysis covering 30 Sub-Saharan African countries from 2010 to 2023. This study’s variables include GDP growth, digital infrastructure quality, network coverage, mobile speeds, handset affordability indicators, exchange rate and FDI and use System GMM estimator for data estimation. The study finds that while infrastructure index is marginally significant and negatively associated with GDP growth, network coverage is significantly positive with GDP. Also, it reveals that mobile download and upload speeds are negatively and positively impact on GDP growth rate. Handset affordability and foreign direct investment are positively but insignificantly related to economic growth rate in the sub-region. EXR is Insignificant but has the expected negative sign with GDP growth rate. Therefore, this study recommends that authority of the various countries in this region should prioritize internet coverage and inclusive mobile access over merely increasing speed or technology levels could go a long way to improving economic growth. They should also, complement digital infrastructure with access to electricity and affordable data to ensuring satisfaction.