Technology Entrepreneurship in Africa (Routledge Studies in Entrepreneurship and Small Business)

Technology Entrepreneurship in Africa examines how technological innovation, policy reform, and inclusive ecosystems are reshaping the future of business and development across the continent. This book brings together contemporary research, empirical case studies, and practical insights to explore how African entrepreneurs are using technology to solve local challenges, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic transformation. Covering examples from diverse sectors and regions, it highlights how digital platforms, fintech solutions, and artificial intelligence are redefining enterprise creation, while also addressing social and structural inequalities.

Written for both academic and general audiences, the book combines theoretical analysis with real-world perspectives to show how entrepreneurs are navigating infrastructural gaps, financial constraints, and institutional complexity. Readers will encounter examples of how mobile money systems expand access to finance, how start-ups harness renewable energy to promote sustainability, and how young innovators and women-led enterprises are building resilient digital ecosystems. Across 14 chapters, contributors demonstrate that Africa’s technology entrepreneurs are not merely adapting to global trends, but also, they are actively shaping the direction of the global digital economy.

This book is both an analytical resource and a call to action. It challenges conventional narratives that frame Africa as a follower in technological innovation and instead presents the continent as a source of creativity, resilience, and leadership. By connecting technology with inclusion, policy, and sustainable growth, the book offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, investors, and practitioners committed to advancing equitable and transformative innovation.

Samuel Adomako is Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Birmingham, Birmingham, the UK, Professor Extraordinnaire at the University of South Africa, South Africa and Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at InnoLab, University of Vaasa, Finland. He received his PhD in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the University of Warwick, the UK. He is a fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Technology Entrepreneurship in Africa Academy, the UK. He has received numerous research awards in the fields of entrepreneurship and innovation. His research covers a wide range of managerial topics, including entrepreneurship, innovation, business strategy, and social value creation.

Francis Donbesuur is Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship at the University of Leicester School of Business, Leicester, the UK, and a fellow of the Advanced Higher Education Academy. His research focuses on strategic entrepreneurship and innovation. He holds a PhD in strategic entrepreneurship from the University of Leeds and an MSc in economics and finance from Durham University Business School.

Kwabena Frimpong is Associate Professor of Marketing and International Business at KFUPM Business School, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia. He holds a PhD in marketing, an MSc in international marketing from Strathclyde Business School, the UK, and a BSc in administration from the University of Ghana, Ghana. His research focuses on strategy, innovation, sustainability, and SME internationalisation in emerging markets. A former vice president of marketing at Databank Ghana, he serves on multiple editorial boards and is actively involved in global academic and professional networks related to marketing and entrepreneurship.

Marcia Mkansi is College Head of Research and Innovation at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa, and Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management. She holds a PhD from the University of Bolton and is SAP certified. Her research focuses on supply chain innovation and societal impact, winning multiple awards including recognition from the MIT Global Solver Challenge. She serves on the boards of Hellmann Worldwide Logistics and the Africa Resource Centre (funded by the Gates Foundation). Known for her cross-disciplinary innovation, Marcia fosters university-industry collaboration and is a nominee for prestigious national and international innovation awards.

Nadia Zahoor is Reader at the Queen Mary University of London, London, the UK. She completed her PhD in Management at University of Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, the UK. Her research interests are on strategic alliances, global strategy, innovation, organisational resilience, and entrepreneurial characteristics. She is particularly interested in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets.

Stella Nyongesa is a seasoned Lecturer in Marketing and Management at Strathmore University, Nairobi, Kenya. She received her PhD degree in marketing from Strathmore University. In addition, she holds a Master's in banking and finance (Microfinance Option) from Moi University, Kenya, and an MSc in Marketing from Makerere University, Uganda(UG). She has led and contributed to several grant-funded research projects and has published in internationally recognised journals. A member of the International Academy of African Business and Development (IAABD) and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), she is dedicated to empowering future business leaders and promoting social change through critical thinking. Her academic leadership emphasises professionalism, collaboration, and transformative education. Stella has presented her work at local and international conferences, earning accolades such as a Best Paper Journal Award for her impactful research contributions.