This study examines the link between the energy transition and sustainable development in West Africa from 2010 to 2023. Drawing on secondary data and empirical studies[6], this article explores how the deployment of renewable energy affects economic growth, human development, and environmental sustainability in the ECOWAS region. The data show that countries with a higher share of renewable energy, such as Cape Verde and Ghana, achieve better socio-economic outcomes and emit less CO₂[19]. However, progress remains uneven due to financial constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and persistent dependence on fossil fuels [24]. Regional disparities are particularly pronounced, with Eastern and Southern Africa outperforming West and Central Africa in renewable energy adoption [18]. The study concludes with policy recommendations to accelerate the regional energy transition towards inclusive and resilient growth, highlighting the essential role of governance quality, institutional capacity building, and regional cooperation (Tamasiga & Vea, 2024; Carnegie Endowment, 2025; PwC, 2024). Keywords: Energy Transition, West Africa, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Socio-economic Growth, Governance, Regional Disparities.

This study examines the link between the energy transition and sustainable development in West Africa from 2010 to 2023. Drawing on secondary data and empirical studies[6], this article explores how the deployment of renewable energy affects economic growth, human development, and environmental sustainability in the ECOWAS region. The data show that countries with a higher share of renewable energy, such as Cape Verde and Ghana, achieve better socio-economic outcomes and emit less CO₂[19]. However, progress remains uneven due to financial constraints, weak institutional frameworks, and persistent dependence on fossil fuels [24]. Regional disparities are particularly pronounced, with Eastern and Southern Africa outperforming West and Central Africa in renewable energy adoption [18]. The study concludes with policy recommendations to accelerate the regional energy transition towards inclusive and resilient growth, highlighting the essential role of governance quality, institutional capacity building, and regional cooperation (Tamasiga & Vea, 2024; Carnegie Endowment, 2025; PwC, 2024). Keywords: Energy Transition, West Africa, Sustainable Development, Renewable Energy, Socio-economic Growth, Governance, Regional Disparities.

This statistical analysis examines the relationship between electricity access and socio-economic development across 16 West African countries using Principal Component Analysis (PCA), multiple linear regression, and hierarchical clustering.