Chapter 1: Nexus Between Disruptive Digital Frugal Innovation and Sustainable Development in Africa

While digital technologies have striven to contribute to Africa's development, there is much disparity in the attainment of economic, social and ecological sustainability in emerging African economies. The strategic adoption of disruptive digital frugal innovations contributes to sustainable development (SD) in Africa while mitigating challenges associated with digital technologies. This chapter gives a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges of adopting digital frugal innovations (FIs) in the African context from an interdisciplinary perspective, thereby advancing ongoing discourse on SD and digital tech-driven progress and guiding policymakers, entrepreneurs and researchers in these fields. Through a comprehensive synthesis of the literature, practical insights and case studies of firms that have utilised digital FIs for disruption while offering sustainable solutions, the chapter concludes that, by leveraging opportunities for collaboration and having a mindset that promotes SD, disruptive FI can be achieved with digital technologies.