This study reveals how environmental and socioeconomic challenges are disproportionately affecting African nations, despite their limited contribution to global economic output. The study, titled "Tracking Africa's trajectory toward sustainability: An assessment of environmental and socioeconomic impacts," examines the impacts of biodiversity loss, climate change, particulate matter, water stress, employment, and value-added production across 51 African countries.

The study, uses multiregional input-output analysis to explore how Africa, though contributing only 3% of global value-added production, is responsible for over 13% of global biodiversity loss, particulate matter emissions, and water stress. The research underscores the growing vulnerability of African nations to global environmental and economic shifts.

From a regional perspective Eastern Africa stands out for its significant contributions to biodiversity loss (Madagascar), climate change impacts (Kenya), and particulate matter (Ethiopia), while Northern Africa (Egypt) faces heightened water stress and economic challenges. Furthermore, the study highlights how Africa’s trade relations exacerbate environmental impacts—particularly with regions outside the continent—leading to higher impact intensities compared to the countries importing these goods.

The study calls for urgent policy measures to shift supply chains towards more sustainable practices, both regionally within Africa and in partnership with importing nations, in order to reduce Africa's environmental and social burdens while fostering long-term prosperity.

Find the full study and more insights here: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352550925000302