Digital transformation, knowledge economy, and development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of nexus and challenges
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Digital transformation, knowledge economy, and development in Sub-Saharan Africa: A systematic review of nexus and challenges
Amilcar Edjang-Nguema and Joan Torrent-Sellens
Publisher: African Review of Economics and Finance
Pub: 2025-08-21 18:24:29
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This study examines the convergence of digital transformation and the knowledge economy in Sub Saharan Africa (SSA), revealing how these forces are increasingly shaping economic development in the region. Drawing on a bibliometric analysis of 204 peer-reviewed articles published between 2005 and 2024, the research highlights a growing academic and policy focus on the role of digital and knowledge-based f lows in creating new economic opportunities. Notably, institutions such as the University of Cape Town and the University of Johannesburg have been instrumental in advancing this discourse. While the digital economy presents considerable potential, particularly through e-commerce, innovation, and entrepreneurship, to stimulate growth and empower small businesses, persistent structural barriers such as limited infrastructure, skill gaps, and weak policy frameworks continue to impede progress. In this context, the study underscores the urgency of integrating digitalization into national development strategies, not only to improve productivity across sectors like agriculture and manufacturing but also to enhance overall socioeconomic resilience. The results of the study call for longitudinal research to evaluate the long-term impact of digital transformation and knowledge-based flows. In addition, it advocates for a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach that includes governments, the private sector, and academic institutions to fully unlock the transformative potential of digital and knowledge-based transformation and address the continent’s socio-economic challenges. Such collaboration is essential to foster inclusive innovation ecosystems, ensure equitable access to research and technologies, and design forward-looking policies that align with local development goals, with the aim of repositioning Sub-Saharan Africa in the global digital landscape, promoting sustainable development, and significantly improving the quality of life of its population
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Keywords
Digital Economy, Knowledge Economy, Sub-Saharan Africa, Digital Transformation, Economic Development, Innovation
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Keywords
Digital Economy, Knowledge Economy, Sub-Saharan Africa, Digital Transformation, Economic Development, Innovation