Understanding the human development in emerging economies through the lens of ICT and access to electricity

Human development spurs Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), since human actions through engagement with the planet and global earth exploration have created global challenges. Hence, the criticality of human development is central to SDGs. This study examines the moderating effect of access to electricity on the relationship between ICT and human development in emerging economies. Following the modernization theory, the relationship between ICT, access to electricity and human development is assessed within econometric methodologies between 2000 and 2022. The findings reveal that ICT have a positive and significant impact on human development in emerging economies. This implies that an increase in ICT leads to a rise in human development among these economies. However, within the interactive model of access to electricity and ICT on human development in emerging economies, the findings reveal that ICT has a negative and significant impact on human development. This suggests the criticality of access to electricity in the relationship between ICT and human development in emerging economies. The complementary role of ICT and access to electricity in emerging economies reflects a negative and significant effect of ICT on human development in these economies. The policy implication is that when access to electricity is not commensurate with ICT, heavy reliance on ICT can create vulnerabilities when systems fail or when communities cannot adapt without digital solutions and as such, it may have a negative impact on human development. The study recommends that ICT penetration and usage should be encouraged since small improvements in ICT access can produce significant gains in human development. Also, energy policies and electrification programs should be strengthened as a foundation for sustainable improvements in human well-being. The study stressed that the criticality of access to electricity and ICT is central to human development in emerging economies.