Impact of international tourism, electricity consumption, and economic growth on CO2 emissions: a quantitative analysis in Sub-Saharan Africa

This study investigates the intricate relationship between international tourism, electricity consumption, economic growth, and CO2 emissions in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically focusing on South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana during the period from 2000 to 2023. These countries, experiencing rapid economic transformation and ecological challenges, serve as representative cases for the region. Utilizing panel data from these countries and advanced econometric techniques, the analysis highlights the dual role of tourism as an economic driver and environmental stressor. Findings support the Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis, suggesting that while economic growth initially exacerbates environmental degradation, it eventually leads to improvements as economies mature. The study underscores the need for integrated policy responses that promote renewable energy adoption and sustainable tourism practices, offering crucial insights for aligning economic development with environmental sustainability. © The Author(s),.