How effective are transport energy consumption, trade openness, and financial development in achieving the sustainable development goals (SDGs)? What are the realities and myths for selected African countries?

This research paper explores the nexus of urban development in some selected African economies, urban transport energy consumption, and their combined effects on environmental quality in four African countries. Using data from 1990 to 2021 on transport energy consumption and environmental quality with insights into urban policies, the research sheds light on the challenges and prospects within the region’s urbanization. The findings, by using the Augmented Mean Group (AMG) method, show that the relationship between openness to trade and CO2 emissions differs significantly between countries. In highly industrialized economies like South Africa, trade openness increases emissions because it is associated with the growth of carbon-intensive industries. Conversely, in lowly developed nations like Kenya, the link between trade openness and emissions is weak, implying that industrial composition is crucial in controlling the environmental impacts of trade. The findings for economic growth show varied outcomes, and trade openness depends on the countries involved. The empirical analysis also supports the first hypothesis, which indicates a statistically significant positive association between transport energy utilization and CO2 emissions. They highlight escalating energy demands in transportation and associated environmental impacts, underscoring the need for policy interventions to promote sustainable alternatives. This research provides essential insights for policymakers and urban planners, offering a nuanced understanding of the complex relationships between urban development and sustainable urban transport and their implications for energy consumption and environmental sustainability in Africa, thus emphasizing the urgency of adopting sustainable practices to effectively guide the region’s urbanization.