Prelims

Disruptive Frugal Digital Innovation in Africa

Disruptive Frugal Digital Innovation in Africa

Edited by

Brighton Nyagadza

York St John University, UK

And

Abu Bashar

University of Bahrain, Bahrain

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Emerald Publishing Limited

Emerald Publishing, Floor 5, Northspring, 21–23 Wellington Street, Leeds LS1 4DL

First edition 2025

Editorial matter and selection © 2025 Brighton Nyagadza and Abu Bashar.

Individual chapters © 2025 The authors.

Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

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ISBN: 978-1-83549-569-8 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-83549-568-1 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-83549-570-4 (Epub)

To all digital technology enthusiasts in Africa and dotted around the globe.

Brighton Nyagadza is a CABS (UK) Certified Business and Management Educator (CMBE) who holds a PhD in Marketing. He is a full-time Digital Marketing academic and Unit of Assessment Lead for Business and Management Studies at York St. John University (YSJU), London Campus, England, United Kingdom, full member of the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe (MAZ), an Associate of The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), United Kingdom and Power Member of the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), Dublin, Ireland. He has produced books with Routledge of Taylor & Francis Group, CAB International United Kingdom (UK), Palgrave MacMillan, and published in reputable international journals such as Journal of Digital Media & Policy (Intellect), Sustainable Technology & Entrepreneurship (Elsevier), European Journal of Innovation Management (Emerald), Journal of Entrepreneurship In Emerging Economies (Emerald), Youth & Society (SAGE), PSU Research Review (Emerald), Journal of Fashion Marketing & Management (Emerald), Journal of Environmental Media (Intellect), Africa Review (Brill), Tourism Critiques: Practice & Theory (Emerald), Quality Assurance in Education (Emerald), International Journal of Public Sector Management (Emerald), The Marketing Review (Westburn), Journal of Asian & African Studies (SAGE), among others. Brighton serves on various international boards including the editorial board membership of Journal of Digital Media & Policy, and The Retail and Marketing Review.

Abu Bashar, PhD, is currently working as a Software Consultant in a leading IT firm in the Kingdom of Bahrain. He is also associated with the MTC (Micro Training Centre) as an instructor for Digital marketing and allied subjects. His area of research is in digital marketing and online consumer behaviour – especially impulse buying behaviour; sustainable marketing practices and consumer behaviour. He has published several articles in international journals of repute such International Journal of Sustainable Development and Planning, Review of Financial Economics, International Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing, International Journal of Business Information Systems, International Journal of Electronic Business, International Hospitality Review, Journal of Open Innovation Technology Market and Complexity, Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, Journal of Risk and Financial Management, Risks, etc. He has presented several papers in international conferences organized by leading universities and institutions such as UoB (University of Bahrain), JMI (Jamia Millia Islamia), IEEE etc. School of Management, IMS Unison University, Dehradun, India.

Taher Alkhalaf is currently an Associate Professor at the College of Business in several public and private universities. Alkhalaf received his PhD in Management Sciences, Master’s in Entrepreneurship and DEA Modelling and Applications in Economics from University Caen Normandy, France. He published a number of papers and participated in a range of forums on HRM, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Chukwuemeka Ugboma Azinge is a Nigerian social entrepreneur, academic and consultant. He has a first degree in Law from Cardiff University, United Kingdom, a Master’s degree in Commercial and Financial law from the prestigious King's College London, United Kingdom, and a Doctor of Business Administration degree from the University of Liverpool, United Kingdom, specializing in Strategy Formulation and Execution. His research focus includes sustainable business models and disruptive innovation.

Lovemore Chikazhe, PhD, MSc, BTech, PGDHE, holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing and is a Lecturer at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), Zimbabwe. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles, and much of his research is quantitative in nature. Focus areas are services marketing, marketing management and business management.

Colletor Tendeukai Chipfumbu is a full-time Lecturer and Acting Chairperson in the Department of Information and Marketing Sciences at Midlands State University, Gweru Zimbabwe. She is a holder of a PhD in Information Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), South Africa (SA). Her areas of research are cyber security, artificial intelligence (AI) and information security. She has published papers in reputable journals.

Prosper Tafadzwa Denhere has more than 14 years' experience as a University Lecturer of Information Systems. He joined the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) in 2017 after being seconded by Midlands State University to spearhead the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. Prosper has taught Enterprise Architecture, Digital Financial services, Information Systems Governance, Systems Analysis and design and E-Business. Prosper has interests in e-Health, Enterprise Architecture, ICT4D, 4IR Technologies and smart digital economies.

Omar Durrah is an Associate Professor and Chairperson of Management Department, College of Commerce and Business Administration, Dhofar University, Oman. He holds a PhD in Management. He is a Fellow of Higher Education Academy (FHEA), Advance HE, UK. His researches focus on behavioural, psychological and organizational subjects. In addition to entrepreneurship, he has 34 papers indexed in Scopus and web of science in many journals. He serves as a member of the editorial board/scientific committees of several peer reviewed research journals and conferences. Durrah won the National Research Award in Oman 2021.

Enameguono Ekpemuaka is currently a Research and Teaching Assistant at the Lagos Business School, Pan Atlantic University. His research focus borders around sustainability and innovation. After graduating top of his class in Agricultural Soil Science, University of Benin, Nigeria, he has been actively involved in the management of Circular Arts Business and Climate Smart Agricultural Technology.

Jabulani Garwi is a distinguished academic researcher, diplomat and development practitioner with a focus on sustainable development and African development studies. Currently affiliated with the University of the Free State, South Africa, he possesses a diverse interdisciplinary background. Dr Garwi holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Economic History from the University of Zimbabwe, a Master of Arts degree in Development Studies from Midlands State University and a Master of Science in Climate Change and Sustainable Development from Bindura University of Science Education. Furthermore, he has acquired postgraduate qualifications in Sustainable Development and Sustainable Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation. His academic journey culminated in the attainment of a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Sustainable Agriculture from the University of the Free State. Dr Garwi's research expertise spans a wide array of critical domains, including sustainable development, agri-tourism, rural development, livelihoods, poverty dynamics, agrarian systems, environmental management, project management, marketing, food security and the intricate relationship between climate change and agriculture. He has contributed significantly to academia through his publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and books, which are indexed in reputable databases such as Scopus and other highly regarded platforms.

Beula Goroba is an information professional with 13 years of experience in academic library services. She is currently an Assistant Librarian (Information Services) at Great Zimbabwe University. She also serves as a part-time Lecturer for the Information Literacy Skills Module in the Julius Nyerere School of Social Sciences. Goroba is also a holder of an MSc degree in Library and Information Science and a BSC (Hons) degree in Library and Information Science.

Purity Hamunakwadi, PhD, is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Nelson Mandela University in the Department of Building and Human Settlement Development in South Africa. She holds a Master's in Development Studies from Nelson Mandela University and a PhD in Social Science (Social Transformation and Management) at North-West University where she graduated in August 2021. Prior to this, she did her Bachelor’s and Honours degrees at the University of Fort Hare. Her research interests are sustainable livelihoods, housing and sustainable human settlements, local economic development, climate change, green economy and entrepreneurship. She reviews articles and book chapters from several journals including the Journal of Inclusive Cities and Built Environment (JICBE), Springer Nature, Town and Regional Planning, the Journal of African Foreign Affairs and Springer Link. She has supervised and co-supervised Honours and Master’s students in the Department of Building and Human Settlement Development at Nelson Mandela University and MANCOSA.

Chipo Katsande is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences, Mutare, Zimbabwe. A keen researcher in the field of IT with special interests of big data, analytics, AI, Internet of Things (IoT) and databases.

Hamilton Tamburayi Katsvairo is a Lecturer in the Department of Marketing at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), Zimbabwe, a member of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe, ISACA member Harare chapter, a member of the Zimbabwe Evaluation Association (ZEA), a member of the Toastmasters executive club as well as a member of Rotary club Harare City. His research expertise revolves on digital leadership, digital transformation, digital marketing, social media governance, innovation management, data protection, information ethics and cyber safety.

Francisca Kunedzimwe is a PhD holder in Environmental Conservation and Geoinformatics from Chinhoyi University of Technology, MSc in Geography and Environmental Science, BSc Geography and BA General degree. She is currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Geoinformatics at Chinhoyi University of Technology.

Neo Ligaraba is an Associate Professor of Marketing in the School of Business Sciences at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. She completed her PhD in Marketing Management at the University of the Witwatersrand, focusing on Brand Experiences and Young Consumers. Her areas of research are in digital marketing and brand management. She has published papers in reputable journals including Journal for New Generation Sciences, The Service Industries Journal, Young Consumers, Real Estate Management and Valuation and The Retail and Marketing Review.

Lethu K. K. Lujabe is an Honours graduate in the field of Human Settlement Development. He enrolled for a Bachelor's in Human Settlement Development to equip himself to build sustainable cities where ordinary citizens can thrive in the digital era. He is determined to integrate Human Settlement Development with emerging technologies to enhance the quality of life of ordinary citizens while providing sustainable solutions for governance and administration. His Master’s research interests include data science and human settlement development; he boasts 5 years' experience in construction cost estimation and holds multiple certifications in the data analytics space. His dream is to be at the forefront of Smart City literature, adoption and development in South Africa.

Hasmonia Makaza is the Network Administrator in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Department at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT). He is a Specialist in Information and Communication Technology. His research interests are network security, server infrastructure and AI.

Tawanda Taurai Maradze is a Lecturer in the Marketing Department at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), Zimbabwe, a fellow member of the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe and a professional member of the Computer Society of Zimbabwe. He has experience in private, education and humanitarian sectors.

Solomon Marime is an Information Systems Lecturer at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems. He enjoys using his skills to contribute to the exciting technological advances that happen every day in our society. Constantly he explores various disciplines to broaden his own technological pursuits. Human–machine collaboration systems, machine learning, technology-enhanced learning and AI are some of his current research interests.

Rahabhi Mashapure, PhD candidate, is a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Management at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT). She holds a Master's degree of Philosophy (MPhil) in Business Management and Entrepreneurship (CUT) and a BSc Honours degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship (CUT). She is a final year Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) student in Business Management and Entrepreneurship with the same university. Her research interests are in entrepreneurship, digitalization, sustainable livelihoods, SMEs and rural development and indigenous knowledge. She has published articles and book chapters in referred journals.

Dennis Mashoko is a Lecturer at Great Zimbabwe University with 17 years of lecturing experience in the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education Science and Technology. He holds a Master’s in Marketing Strategy, Master’s in Intellectual Property and a postgraduate diploma in Higher and Tertiary Education. His research interests are in marketing management, branding, digital marketing, Electronic commerce and intellectual property.

Admore Mashokoh is an Information professional with more than 15 years of experience in academic libraries. Mr Mashokoh is a research data management librarian at Great Zimbabwe University. He holds a BSc Honours degree in Library and Information Science.

Sijekula Mbanga is a Professor, a Programme Leader for Human Settlements Studies, a member of the research group on environmental stewardship and sustainable livelihoods and the Chair for Sustainable Human Settlements at Nelson Mandela University. He holds a PhD in Public Administration at Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University. Here, he also completed his Master’s degree in Administration with a Cum Laude. Prof Mbanga has produced (66 x Honours, 17 x Master’s, 8 x doctoral students, and 4 x Postdoctoral Fellows), teams and research groups. He is also a reviewer and editor in Town Planning and Regional Journal (hosted by the University of the Free State) as a Guest Editor for a theme on human settlements and a co-editor with Dr B. Mvuyana and Dr B. Ntshangase of Mangosuthu University of Technology on a book entitled Housing the Nation for Sustainable Cities in the South. Besides being a reviewer and guest editor for disciplinary and related journals, he was continuously identified by researchers in the field to serve as a reviewer of their NRF rating applications and Routledge Taylor & Francis Group book proposals. His research interests include integrated approaches to development management, sustainable livelihoods, spatial transformation and urbanism, green settlements and neighbourhoods, human settlements policies and systems, local government capacity and indigenous knowledge systems in infrastructure development.

Admire Mthombeni holds a PhD in Business Management and Entrepreneurship and is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Business Sciences, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences. He is a peer reviewer for referred journals. He has research interests in agribusiness management, strategic management, corporate governance and entrepreneurship. To date, Admire Mthombeni has over 20 publications that include book chapters and empirical papers with 5 papers still under review. He has presented at five international conferences. Admire Mthombeni has for over 8 years been a researcher in the Zimbabwe Republic Police whose researches have informed policymaking of the Zimbabwe Republic Police.

Ernest Mugoni is a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Supply Chain Management, Faculty of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship at Marondera University of Agricultural Science & Technology (MUAST), Zimbabwe. Ernest's research interests include sustainable supply chain management, supply chain management, digital supply chain management, procurement and humanitarian logistics. He holds an MSc of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, from the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), a BSc (Honours) Degree in International Purchasing, Logistics and Transport – from Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT), and an Advanced Diploma in Management-STADIO formerly Southern Business School. He is currently studying towards a DPhil in Supply Chain Management at the Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT). Ernest Mugoni is also a member of the Institute of Supply Management (ISM), the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and the International Society for Organization Development and Change.

Charlene Muswaka is a Lecturer in the Department of Marketing at Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (MUAST), Zimbabwe.

Bronson Mutanda is a PhD student with University of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa. He is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Business Management, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences and works as a Research Assistant at University of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. He has research interests in SME financing, financial inclusion, financial reporting, informal sector, financial sector, personal financial management and microfinancing. He has vast experience in Grant and proposal writing that saw him winning an opportunity to participate in a research grant with UKZN in 2023.

Gracious Mutipforo is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS). She is an academic, enthusiastic upcoming researcher in the field of IT with special interest and experience in IoT, big data and data analytics, ICT4D and AI.

Tendai Shelton Muwani is a Computer Science and Information Systems academic, researcher at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences in Zimbabwe. His research and teaching interests include programming languages, software architecture, distributed and pervasive computing systems, machine learning & intelligence, cybersecurity, software engineering and systems as well as information systems management.

Allan C. Muzenda has more than 9 years' experience as a University Lecturer of Computer Science/Information Systems. He joined the Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS) in 2022 and also worked as a part-time Lecture at Africa University, Solusi University, Zimbabwe Open University, Women's University in Africa, Bindura University of Applied Sciences and Catholic University of Zimbabwe. Allan has taught many computer science/information systems modules which include computer graphics, discrete mathematics, distributed systems, computer security, blockchain technology, software project management architecture, information systems governance, systems analysis and design, software engineering, operating systems, introduction to programming and fundamentals of digital electronics. Allan has interests in e-learning, IT4D, machine learning 4IR technologies and IoT.

Bomi Nomlala is an accomplished accounting scholar, researcher and dedicated educator who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the field of accounting/auditing. With a passion for fostering the next generation of financial professionals, Prof Bomi Nomlala has made significant contributions to academia, the research arena and the accounting industry. Bomi Nomlala is a Professor at the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN). He received his PhD in Accounting in 2019. He has over 15 years of auditing/forensic education and public sector experience. He is a member of the Accounting and Auditing professional bodies. He is known for his engaging teaching style and commitment to imparting practical knowledge to his students. He has published over 39 research papers on a wide variety of topics ranging from accounting, auditing, finance, risk and insurance. He has also supervised over eight PhD students, more than eight Master’s students to completion and a lot of Honours students. He published his research work both locally and internationally to the audience and also examined a number of theses and dissertations on a wide variety of topics.

Abdelbaset Queiri is an Assistant Professor in the Management Department, Dhofar University. His research interest covers a wide range of management and organizational behaviour topics. He occupied various positions during his tenure, such as Head of Research Unit and Quality Director. He has theoretical and practical experience in validating instruments using different statistical programs. He has a number of publications in proceeding international conferences and peer-reviewed journals.

Patient Rambe is a Full Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies (CEES) in the Faculty of Management Sciences at the Central University of Technology, Free State. He holds a PhD in Business Management from the University of the Free State (South Africa) and another PhD in Educational Technology from the University of Cape Town (South Africa). He is an Associate Editor of the African Journal of Information Systems. He is an established Research Scientist (C2) of the National Research Foundation. He is the lead editor of these recent books: The Future of Entrepreneurship in Southern Africa: Technological and Managerial Perspectives (Palgrave MacMillan) and Sustainable Human Development in Emerging Economies: The role of emerging technologies, frugal innovations and techno-entrepreneurship in achieving the targets of SDG 8 (Palgrave MacMillan). He recently co-edited a book: The Future of Entrepreneurship in Africa: Cross-Sectoral Perspectives Post-COVID-19 (Routledge/CRC Press).

Njodzi Ranganai is holder of MCom Information Systems, BSc Information Systems degree and postgraduate diploma in Education. He is a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences (MSUAS), offering data communication and computer networks, information systems security audit and control and management information systems modules. My research output includes application of computers in agriculture and tourism, computational intelligence and big data analytics and machine learning.

Tanyaradzwa Rukasha is an Agriculture Economist who is currently working as a Lecturer in the Department of Development Sciences and Policy at Marondera University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology. She holds a PhD in Agriculture Economics from the University of Fort Hare. Her work experience includes being attached in various capacities within the agribusiness sector, academic institutions and NGOs. Tanyaradzwa is well versed in the application of statistical analysis and applied economic research in the agricultural sector, formulation of behavioural change initiative tools and livelihoods impact assessments. She has gained a strong understanding of the social, cultural and economic context of agriculture, particularly in Africa. She has also collaborated on many researches as well as publishing journal articles. Her research interests are in food security, climate change resilience and sustainable agricultural development for smallholder farming systems in sub-Saharan Africa.

Collen Sabao, PhD, is a Professor of Linguistics, Literature and Communication in the Languages and Literature Department at the University of Namibia. As a researcher, Prof Sabao's research interests lie in the areas of phonetics and phonology, political discourse, media discourse, Pan Africanism, Afrocentricity, appraisal theory, argumentation, world literature and rhetoric. He has published extensively in these areas, having published articles and chapter in internationally refereed publications. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in English and Communication and a Master of Philosophy in Theoretical Linguistics from universities in Zimbabwe and a PhD in African Languages (Applied Linguistics) from Stellenbosch University (South Africa). He is currently reading for a DPhil et Litt in English with the University of South Africa (UNISA). He is also an American Council of Learned Societies Fellow’14 and an African Humanities Fellow’14. Prof Sabao is also an amateur footballer and an Elder Elect of Records in the House of Nyabhinghi Rastafari.

Syed Haider Ali Shah is an Associate Professor/Research Cell Coordinator at Business Studies Department, BUIC. He Holds a PhD from University of Malaya, Malaysia. It's Malaysia Top University. His area of specialization is HR practices, leadership and management with special research interest in HR practices, green hr practices, talent management, green hr practices, leadership styles and CSR practices and pro-environmental behaviour. Dr Haider Shah is engaged in many academic activities and professional training both nationally and internationally. He has been conducting training through different platforms like Leadership Development Centre (LDC), Bahria University and CALWASS.

Basil Shumbanhete is a highly accomplished professional with an extensive educational and professional background in the fields of accounting, finance and emerging technologies. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) degree in Accounting, Basil obtained a Master of Science (MSc) in Accounting and Finance, further strengthening his expertise in these crucial domains. In addition to his formal academic qualifications, Basil is also a qualified member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a globally recognized professional accounting body. This ACCA certification demonstrates Basil's commitment to upholding the highest standards of the accounting profession. Beyond his core accounting and finance expertise, Basil has developed a deep interest and knowledge in the rapidly evolving realms of financial technology (FinTech), blockchain and AI. This multifaceted understanding allows Basil to offer a unique perspective on the intersection of traditional finance and emerging technologies and their potential impact on the industry. Currently, Basil is working on a DPhil with Chinhoyi University of Sciences and Technology.

Obert Sifile is a Professor of Management currently in the Department of Finance and Accounting at Chinhoyi University of Technology. Professor Obert Sifile (PhD, MBA, BSc Accounting, FCGAIZ/Formerly FCIS) is currently a Coordinator of Doctor of Strategic Management (DSM) at Chinhoyi University of Technology. He is an accounting expert with over 13 years of accounting experience at the Executive Level as a Finance Director. He is a seasoned researcher, academic and consultant and has been a consultant for many successful projects in Africa. His research and consultancy areas are accounting, corporate governance and strategic management. He has supervised over 50 postgraduate students including DPhil, MPhil and MSc students.

Julius Tapera, PhD, is the Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor at Lupane State University (LSU), Zimbabwe. He holds a PhD in Strategic Management (CUT), a Master's in Business Administration (NUST) and a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree in Management (NUST). His research interests are in strategy, leadership, corporate governance, higher education management, entrepreneurship, quality assurance, information technology, tourism and hospitality. He is a Strategic Management Consultant and lectures Strategic Management in the Master of Business Leadership (MBL) programme and supervises some postgraduate research projects. He has published articles in referred journals, books and book chapters.

Theo Tsokota is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Information and Marketing Sciences, Faculty of Business Sciences, Midlands State University (MSU), Gweru, Zimbabwe. He is a holder of a PhD in Information Technology, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), South Africa (SA).

For the purpose of achieving the 2030 SDG Agenda, this volume discusses potential disruptive frugal digital technological innovation that could support Africa's sustainable human development. It explores the potential barriers and opportunities of disruptive frugal digital technological innovation in promoting sustainable development of African people's standard of living in Africa. In order to support the 2030 Sustainable Human Development Agenda, the volume's goal is to identify potential frugal disruptive technology for sustainability.

Furthermore, it makes future projections for some specific indicators based on current information and forecast future digital transformations that will need to occur as a result of frugal disruptive technology implementation. This edited volume will provide disruptive frugal digital technological innovation policymakers, academics, doctoral and graduate students in business with comprehensive knowledge on the nature, dynamism and complexity of technology adoption in Africa. While Ratten's (2019) Frugal Innovation book addresses innovating in a cost-efficient manner by considering and exploiting available resources and distinguishing frugal innovation from other innovation types in the context of developing creative solutions to sustainability challenges and the circular economy, our currently proposed book distinguishes itself from her book. The current edited volume targets the scientific contributions of disruptive frugal digital technological innovation, specifically their implications for advancing sustainable human development in Africa.

While McMurray and de Waal’s (2019) book titled Frugal Innovation explores principles and theories of frugal innovations across the globe, our proposed edited volume develops and extends literature by fusing it with disruptive frugal digital technological innovation terrains that are often under-explored among resource-poor economies of Africa. Our intended book exhibits some notable associations with the seminal works of Mahajan et al.’s (2020) Technologies for Sustainable Development, which dealt with veritable discussions on technologies and green environment, sustainable manufacturing processes, machine intelligence/computational intelligence, design and analysis of machine and mechanism. The edited volume, however, extends the strong technological focus of their scholarly contribution by applying different disruptive frugal digital technological innovation to development in emerging contexts of Africa. Frugal Innovation and the New Product Development Process, by Cadeddu et al. (2019), is a complementary intellectual piece that explores the new product development process of firms, while developing disruptive frugal digital technological innovation for the base-of-the-pyramid (BOP) markets in developing countries.

The current edited volume extends the concepts of disruptive frugal digital technological innovation by interlacing it with technology entrepreneurship, a less charted emergent path with reference to emerging markets on the African continent. By taking a multifaceted approach, the readers of this edited volume will get insights into the role of disruptive frugal digital technological innovation in Africa. An iterative review of these conversations suggests in a rationalist fashion that some commentators perceive this enormous potency in the acceleration of the adoption of disruptive frugal digital technological innovation by these techno-enterprises, which is systematically reflected in their increased internet business in Africa. The adoption and development of disruptive frugal digital technological innovation are some of the strategies, which can be used to ameliorate the situation, especially in developing countries where it is dire. Unfortunately, the concept is still less common, while the adoption of this type of technology is also low, in many developing countries.

Despite all these challenges, Africa has been able to provide for its people and the world at large through all its concerted efforts, and if it can adopt the recent methods such as the use of frugal disruptive technology and modernized digital tools such social media, cloud computing, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and robotics which are less laborious and produce more output, Africa could become a self-sustaining continent. The volume maintains analysis levels consistence within the proposed chapters, through the use of empirical data and real-world case studies, by considering incorporation of insights from various fields such as economics, sociology and environmental science to enrich the depth of the analysis and multi-pronged interdisciplinary approach. Of great interest, it would be for the wider audience to appreciate, compare and contrast these practices and their applications in Africa drawing on different methodologies, analytical frames, contexts and settings.

The editors express gratitude to all anonymous supporters beyond the authors who directly contributed towards the success of this valuable disruptive digital technology African volume.