Assessing ICT Adoption and Human Development in Sub-Saharan Africa: Evidence from Malmquist Index-Based Efficiency Analysis of Life Expectancy and Literacy Rates

Abstract 
Background: Information Communication Technologies have played a key role in human 
development; however, literature findings highlight there exists challenges in promoting life 
expectancy and literary in Sub-Saharan African countries.  
Objective: The aim of the research paper is to examine whether Information communication 
Technologies are associated with advancing life expectancy and literacy rates in forty-nine (49) Sub
Saharan African countries. The key aspects of the UTAUTmodel are explored in this paper to make 
recommendations to create policies viable for ICT usage to enhance literacy rates and lifespan in Sub
Saharan African countries. 
Methods: The research study investigates the relationship between information and communication 
technologies (ICTs) and human development factors in Sub-Saharan African countries from the period 
of 2010-2022 in years. The independent and dependent variables are mobile subscriptions, internet 
penetration, literacy rate and life expectancy. The study applied non-parametric methods Data 
Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and the Malmquist Index (MI) to assess efficiency and productivity and 
utilized a Random Forest algorithm for predictive modelling. 
Results: ICT penetration variables show positive associations with life expectancy and literacy in 
Sub-Saharan African countries. Random Forest analysis indicates that internet access has a stronger 
influence on life expectancy and literacy rates in Sub-Saharan African countries compared to mobile 
subscription accessibility. 
Conclusions: The research findings suggest that ICT investments united with adoption-facilitating 
contexts which entail infrastructure reliability, affordability, skills and trust are associated with human 
development improvements. A conceptual framework was developed to inform policy makers in Sub
Saharan African governments and development partners on how to adopt ICTs to improve literacy and 
life expectancy rates.