Green economic growth emphasizes the coordinated development of economy and environment under the constraints of resource-carrying and environmental capacities. Many developing countries rich in natural resources face more severe resource and environmental problems with relatively poor green growth performance. In this context, whether an abundance of resources hinders the growth of the green economy has become a significant issue of debate. Here, we use the non-radial distance function to calculate a green economic growth evaluation index and examine the relationships between resource abundance and green economic growth in 40 resource-rich developing countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. We also evaluate the mechanism and transmission pathway between resource abundance and economic growth. Our results show that an abundance of resources restrains the growth rate of the green economy in developing countries mainly via an “innovation effect” and a “technical leader transfer effect”, which promote resource-rich regions to undermine green economic growth. In terms of transmission, this effect exerts a negative impact on green economic growth by squeezing out technological spillovers from technological innovation, human capital investment, and opening up to the outside world. Therefore, governments should increase investment in human capital development, improving infrastructure for green technology research and development, and planning for the settlement of emerging industries and green industries. These strategies are conducive to the realization of green growth transition and sustainable economic development in developing countries. •Green economic growth is relatively poor in resource-rich developing countries.•We examine this relationship in 40 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.•The underlying mechanisms and transmission pathways are identified.•An “innovation effect” and a “technical leader transfer effect” are highlighted.•Investing in human capital and R&D infrastructure can support green growth.