Technological Leapfrogging and Innovation in Africa

Digital Transformation and Opportunity for the Next Growth Continent

Edited by Ethné Swartz, Montclair State University, US and University of Pretoria, South Africa, Caren Brenda Scheepers, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Adam Lindgreen, Professor, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark and Extraordinary Professor, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa, Shumaila Yousafzai, Nazarbayev University, Kazakhstan and Cardiff University, UK and Marianne Matthee, Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa

Offering invaluable insights into technologically-driven change in Africa, this incisive book envisions myriad positive economic changes brought about by new technologies and innovations. Rooted in original research from contributors who have worked and taught in Africa, it encapsulates developments and breakthroughs throughout the continent.

‘This provocative volume provides a whole new lens for understanding the potential of technology to redefine the future of Africa. The contributors provide a perspective that is both realistic and holistic, particularly in reflecting the social, economic, cultural, and political challenges facing the continent. They approach technological leapfrogging not as a silver bullet, but as a catalyst that, if managed appropriately, can have cross-sectoral benefits and produce sustainable economic development.’
– Michael H. Morris, University of Notre Dame, US

‘Technological Leapfrogging and Innovation in Africa: Digital Transformation and Opportunity for the Next Growth Continent is a must-read for knowing where Africa is going and opportunities for its future. Transformational pathway implications for the continent are described in detail.’
– Dianne H.B. Welsh, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, US

‘This is a highly interesting and innovative volume for everyone with an interest in industrialization, leapfrogging, and technological development on the African continent. It will also be of help to scholars and practitioners who are working on business strategy in developing countries more generally. Moreover, the volume raises important policy implications and lessons learned from a variety of detailed case studies and contexts across the continent.’
– Peter Lund-Thomsen, Copenhagen Business School, Denmark

‘Technology leapfrogging seems to be a promising approach to boost economic development and innovative solutions across Africa, but how can it succeed? What factors need to be considered? What should be avoided? Through an interdisciplinary and institutional lens, this edited research volume addresses such questions by building on timely cases and data, while not neglecting influencing local contexts and traditions of the 54 African countries. A must-read for scholars and practitioners who are eager to find innovative solutions that are beneficial for the continent and its people.’
——Emamdeen Fohim, Centre for African Smart Public Value Governance, Mauritius

‘Technological Leapfrogging and Innovation in Africa: Digital Transformation and Opportunity for the Next Growth Continent is a timely book for scholars and practitioners on digital transformation and technological leapfrogging, concepts that offer challenges as well as opportunities that are necessary for fast tracking Africa’s growth and development.’
– Jane Khayesi, Leeds University Business School, UK

‘The rapid urbanization of a very youthful and educated population coupled with immense leaps in technology puts Africa at the crux of a technological transformation of society. Swartz, Scheepers, Lindgreen, Yousafzai, and Matthee vividly capture the opportunities, challenges, and nuance this presents African economies.’
– Hermann A. Ndofor, Indiana University, US and Associate Editor of Africa Journal of Management and Journal of Management