Renewable Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus in Sierra Leone

This study investigates the relationship between renewable energy consumption and sustainable economic development in Sierra Leone from 1990 to 2023. Despite the country’s abundant renewable energy potential, access to and integration of these resources remain limited, particularly in sectors essential to rural livelihoods and environmental sustainability. Using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) technique and the Toda-Yamamoto causality tests, the study tests the neutrality hypothesis and examines whether renewable energy investments make a meaningful contribution to sustainable development outcomes. The results reveal no causality between renewable energy use and economic growth, supporting the neutrality hypothesis. However, the findings underscore the need for strategic investment in modern energy infrastructure, rural electrification, and renewable energy technologies to unlock the potential for inclusive and sustainable development. The study concludes with policy recommendations to improve energy access, stimulate green growth, and integrate renewable energy into national development planning