Bridging the Digital Divide: Determinants of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Diffusion in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Economies

Wondimeneh Desalegn Moges

doi:10.2478/ers-2026-0004

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Bridging the Digital Divide: Determinants of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Diffusion in Sub-Saharan African (SSA) Economies

Economic and Regional Studies / Studia Ekonomiczne i Regionalne

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 1 (March 2026)

By: Wondimeneh Desalegn Moges

Open Access

|May 2026

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work

This study examines the structural, financial, and economic determinants of ICT diffusion in 37 Sub-Saharan African economies from 2012–2022. Using a composite ICT Diffusion Index developed through Principal Component Analysis and estimated via a two-step System GMM model, it addresses endogeneity and unobserved heterogeneity. Results reveal that GDP per capita, urbanization, and domestic credit are key drivers of ICT diffusion, highlighting the roles of economic prosperity, spatial concentration, and financial depth. Electricity access has a positive yet conditional effect, while investment quality matters more than quantity. Overall, ICT diffusion in SSA is dynamic, cumulative, and path-dependent.

Materials and methods

Two-step System GMM model.

Results

All the primary variables has a positive and significant effcet of ICT diffusion.

Conclusions

Overall, ICT diffusion in SSA is dynamic, cumulative, and path-dependent.

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Articles in this issue

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/ers-2026-0004 | Journal eISSN: 2451-182X | Journal ISSN: 2083-3725

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Language: English

Page range: 58 - 85

Submitted on: Sep 1, 2025

Accepted on: Nov 1, 2025

Published on: May 18, 2026

Published by: John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

Publication frequency: 4 issues per year

Keywords:

System GMM,

Digital Divide,

I CT D iffusion,

E conomic D eterminants,

Structural Enablers

Related subjects:

Business and economics,

Political economics,

Political economics, other,

Business management,

Business management, other,

Local government and administration

© 2026 Wondimeneh Desalegn Moges, published by John Paul II University in Biała Podlaska
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 19 (2026): Issue 1 (March 2026)