Green Technologies and Sustainability in African Economies in the Digital Age: Benefits, Challenges, Implications and Policy Recommendations

During the past decade technology has rapidly developed worldwide bringing with it efficiency in processes and the general improvement of human life. This rapid technological development has happened whilst the globe is grappling with sustainability issues resulting in the United Nations (UN) coming up with various initiatives to address these issues. One of the initiatives launched in 2015 by the UN and was agreed to by all members of this organisation is the agenda 2030 which is anchored on 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Meanwhile, Africa is currently experiencing a significant shift towards sustainability. Consequently, this research focused on green technologies and sustainability in African economies in the digital age with the aim to explore the benefits, challenges, implications, and policy recommendations for employing these technologies in the era characterised by digital technologies. To achieve this, desktop research was conducted. This involved analysing content from academic research articles, grey literature, newspapers, sustainability and green technology-related blogs, and policy briefs and reports. This study will positively contribute towards the attainment of the SDGs as well as informing policy formulation to promote sustainability in the African economies during the digital age. The study concluded that adoption of green technologies by African economies would significantly contribute towards the attainment of the SDGs.