Njodzi Ranganai, Gracious Mutipforo, Chipo Katsande, Tendai Shelton Muwani, Solomon Marime, Prosper Tafadzwa Denhere and Allan C. Muzenda
The potential of digital technology and frugal innovation (FI) to bridge the socioeconomic divide in Africa is examined in this chapter. There are notable disparities in…
Abstract
The potential of digital technology and frugal innovation (FI) to bridge the socioeconomic divide in Africa is examined in this chapter. There are notable disparities in technology, limited access to essential services, and historical injustices throughout the continent. But with the advent of FI and recent developments in digital technology, there are never before been more chances for equitable growth and development. This chapter gives a general overview of the digital divide that currently exists across Africa, emphasizing the differences in mobile adoption rates, internet access, and technological infrastructure. This chapter explores how digital technology and disruptive FI have already started to close the gap in Africa, using case studies and examples from a variety of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, finance, and education. This chapter also examines the barriers and facilitators that affect digital technology adoption and diffusion in Africa as well as disruptive FI. It highlights the value of investing in digital infrastructure, creating supportive regulatory frameworks, and fostering cooperation amongst different stakeholders including governments, businesses, and civil society organizations in the digital domain. In addition to highlighting success stories and offering recommendations for how policymakers, practitioners, and academics may take advantage of these opportunities to promote inclusive growth and development in the region, it also offers insights into the current scenario and future research.