Sustainable innovations for rural Africa: Case studies from Nigeria and Tanzania

Ayoub Derdabi and Ondřej Dvouletý

Journal of the International Council for Small Business, 2024, vol. 5, issue 4, 345-371

Abstract: Sustainable entrepreneurship is essential to tackle the negative effects of climate change in communities, especially in the rural areas of Africa. This article presents case studies of two start-ups developing sustainable business models for rural communities in Nigeria and Tanzania. The cases were monitored during an accelerator program, and the analyzed materials come from in-depth interviews, field observations, and secondary data. The obtained data were coded and processed using qualitative thematic analysis. The research activities took place during the years 2022 and 2023. The cases illustrate how the studied entrepreneurs have designed their sustainable business models and engaged with early adopters and opinion leaders within a community. They leveraged existing networks and community associations to provide education and training. This can be highly effective in increasing the adoption rates of innovations. However, navigating the political and cultural dynamics and building trust within communities is crucial to overcoming challenges and successfully diffusing innovations in rural Africa.

Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1080/26437015.2024.2369568

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