Digital Skills and Strategic Postures: Insights from African Digital Entrepreneurs

Editors: Ogechi, A., Jude, E., Hinson, R. and Fulufhelo, N.

Volume: 1

Pages: 251-280

Publisher: Springer Nature

ISBN: 9783030839093

Abstract:

Digital technologies have influenced the creation of new ventures and the transformation of existing businesses in Africa, but the full potentials are yet to be realised. Although the ubiquitous internet has stimulated a renewed interest in digital entrepreneurship, and the creation of multiple skills centres in Africa (i.e., DIY-tech hubs, innovation labs, hackerspaces, fab labs, and makerspaces), the development has not led to commensurate creations of many African world-class digital ventures. While some digital entrepreneurs strategically develop the required digital skills to succeed, others retrogress or remain stagnant. Therefore, this chapter focuses on a central research question that seeks to find: What strategic postures and practices are practised by successful African digital enterprises, and how do they develop their portfolio of digital skills-sets? The chapter addresses the concept, emergence, and scope of digital entrepreneurship in Africa, as well as discusses the practices and skills required for digital entrepreneurship in Africa. Four baseline propositions are developed, with links to digital bricolage, passion and learning from failure, breadth and depth, and co-evolution of digital competencies. The propositions are summarised into a digital matrix for practical application of digital skills development by African entrepreneurs.

https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-83909-3_11

Source: Manual