The University of Lagos (Unilag) is spearheading a year-long study to evaluate digital transformation and maturity in youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Sub-Saharan Africa. The research, conducted in partnership with the University of Nairobi in Kenya and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa, will focus on health, energy, environment, and sustainability sectors in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
Recognizing the critical role of MSMEs in Africa’s economic growth, the study aims to assess their digital capacities and offer solutions to bolster their resilience and sustainability. MSMEs in Africa face significant challenges, including high failure rates and a lack of digital readiness, which hinders their ability to compete and grow sustainably.
Led by Dr. Obigbemi Imoleayo of Unilag’s Faculty of Management Sciences, the research will unfold in phases. Initial activities will include setting objectives, refining methodologies, and building partnerships. A literature review and framework development will follow, laying the groundwork for digital maturity assessment surveys and qualitative interviews with MSMEs.
Key questions to be addressed include the current level of digital maturity among MSMEs and the challenges and opportunities they face in adopting digital technologies. Findings will be analyzed and shared through workshops, conferences, and academic publications, with the goal of informing policies that accelerate MSME digital transformation.
The study highlights the transformative potential of digital technology for youth-led businesses, aiming to create a supportive environment for MSMEs to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. Outcomes will also be disseminated through policy briefs, book chapters, and journal articles to benefit stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and academia.
Unilag’s involvement in the Afretec-funded initiative underscores its commitment to advancing Africa’s digital transformation and supporting MSMEs in overcoming resource constraints such as limited budgets and knowledge gaps.
This research represents a vital step toward addressing pressing development challenges and unlocking new opportunities for African enterprises in the digital age.
