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Energy Poverty and Social Well-Being in North Africa: Between Environmental Degradation and Green Investment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This article examines the impact of energy poverty on social well-being in North Africa over the period 2000-2022, incorporating a dual approach: on the one hand, the mediating role of environmental degradation and, on the other, the moderating effect of green investment. Through an empirical analysis based on macroeconomic data, our results show that energy poverty exerts a significant negative influence on social well-being, mainly by exacerbating inequalities in access to essential services. Environmental degradation appears to be a channel aggravating this relationship, illustrating how energy insufficiency contributes to altered living conditions. However, green investment partially mitigates this negative effect, although its effectiveness remains conditional on the implementation of inclusive policies. These results underline the importance of a balanced energy transition, combining a reduction in energy poverty with a sustainable investment strategy to improve social well-being in the region.

Source: International Journal of Energy Economics and Policy

DOI: 10.32479/ijeep.19329

Authors: Habiba El-Khadiri, Yassine Oubahou, Driss Omerani, Khalid El Ouafa

Institution: Cadi Ayyad University

Language: English

Topic: Energy, Environment, Economic Growth

Subfield: Economics and Econometrics

Field: Economics, Econometrics and Finance

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: No poverty, Affordable and clean energy, Climate action, Reduced inequalities, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $590