International Journal of Management, Economics and Social Sciences
2025, Vol. 14(3-4), pp. 76 – 97.
eISSN 2304 – 1366
https://www.ijmess.com
DOI: 10.32327/IJMESS/14.3-4.2025.4
2025, Vol. 14(3-4), pp. 76 – 97.
eISSN 2304 – 1366
https://www.ijmess.com
DOI: 10.32327/IJMESS/14.3-4.2025.4
Broadband Network, Governance and Inclusive Growth: New Evidence from Selected Asian and African Economies
Azuka Ozegbe1
Nkemdilim Iheanachor1
1Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria
Nkemdilim Iheanachor1
1Pan Atlantic University, Lagos, Nigeria
ABSTRACT
This study examined the link between broadband networks,
governance, and inclusive growth in Africa and Asia. The
motivation arises from the unequal distribution of high-speed
broadband in many low-income countries, which risks widening
income inequality and increasing poverty. Using panel least
squares estimation for 20 countries from 1996 to 2022, we
investigated how broadband penetration and governance influence
inclusive growth outcomes. The findings show that inclusive growth
is positively affected by broadband access, governance, and trade,
while population growth has a negative impact. Specifically, a 1%
rise in broadband provision boosts inclusive growth by 0.089% in
Africa and 0.044% in Asia. However, governance quality shows
contrasting effects: in Africa, weak institutional frameworks
negatively impact inclusive growth, whereas in Asia, stronger
institutional structures make governance a positive factor.
Overall, the study concludes that expanding broadband supports
inclusive growth in both regions, with a more significant effect
in Africa. These results imply that governments should prioritize
not only developing broadband infrastructure but also enhancing
institutional quality. Effective, transparent, and corruptionfree
governance is vital for ensuring that broadband investments
lead to sustainable and inclusive growth outcomes across Africa
and Asia.
Keywords: Broadband network, inclusive growth, governance, Africa, Asia, pooled panel least squares
JEL: J24, O3, O11, O43, O47
Keywords: Broadband network, inclusive growth, governance, Africa, Asia, pooled panel least squares
JEL: J24, O3, O11, O43, O47
