Digital transformation has become a global imperative, reshaping the landscape of organizations across industries (Abebe and Maalim, 2020; Omol, 2023). Africa acknowledged the potential of digital transformation prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, as evident in the Digital Transformation Strategy (African Union, 2020). The continents commitment aligns with Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want (African Union, 2020), emphasizing investments in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), the promotion of the digital economy, and the adoption of open and distance learning in tertiary education. At the continental scale, as illustrated in Fig. 1, Agenda 2063 outlines a comprehensive objective of attaining technological transformation and establishing a robust information and communication technology (ICT) and digital economy throughout the continent by the year 2063. 

The pursuit of a robust digital economy is integral to realizing the broader aspirations outlined in the strategy, including positioning Africa as a significant global economic player and fostering active and equitable participation in global affairs.

Employing the scoping review methodology, this analysis utilized a thorough and expansive approach to examining the literature, aligning key variables and essential terms with pertinent sources (Kibuku et al., 2020). The primary objective was to conduct a comparative and integrative analysis of previous research, employing content analysis to identify prevalent themes and constructs within the existing body of literature. Following the identification of relevant materials, a synthesis process was initiated, resulting in the development of a thematic narrative encapsulating the findings (Omol & Ondiek, 2021). As emphasized by Onyango et al. (2022), the scoping review methodology proves particularly valuable in scrutinizing trends in contemporary domains, such as Digital Transformation in Africa, where concepts remain dynamic. The diverse range of reviewed papers was sourced through Google Scholar, with a focus on English language resources. Additionally, select materials related to Digitization in Africa statistics were obtained from specific reports on relevant websites. The search scope was delimited using key terms outlined in Table 1, combined with the conjunction AND, targeting materials published between 2018 and 2023. While the initial queries yielded a substantial volume of papers and materials, a refinement process occurred, honing in on challenges and opportunities and providing insights into the unique journey African organizations undertake on the path to digital maturity (Omol et al., 2016; Omol et al., 2017a; Wauyo et al., 2017; Onyango, 2022). A subset of materials was excluded in favor of more recent publications, guided by considerations of relevance to content and context. In total, a comprehensive review of 46 documents was conducted. This review meticulously adhered to the sequential phases outlined by the scoping review methodology, as prescribed by (Kibuku et al., 2020; Omol, 2023) with a brief synthesis of the outcomes of each phase summarized in Table 1 below.

Digital Transformation Landscape in the African Organizations

In the context of African organizations, the journey toward digital maturity takes on a unique character influenced by a variety of challenges and opportunities (Lockmun-Bissessur et al., 2021). Economic conditions, technological infrastructures, and cultural nuances significantly impact the trajectory of digital transformation in the African context (Ndemo & Weiss, 2017; Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022; Omol et al., 2023). Understanding these distinctive factors is crucial for delineating an effective roadmap for digital maturity. The continent of Africa, comprising fifty-four countries, hosts seven of the worlds ten fastest-growing economies. The impact of COVID-19 has contributed to their competitive edge, accelerating a decade-long shift from resource-based exports to centers of wireless, remote commerce (Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022). Africas communication sector is also evolving, with the share of communication companies in the continents total market capitalization increasing from 13% in 2010 to 29% in 2020. Simultaneously, various nations and continents are fast-tracking the execution of their digital transformation strategies. The European Unions 2020 Digital Strategy aims to position it as a global digital economy exemplar and supports developing economies in their digital transition (European Commission, 2020).

Digitalization support in Africa constitutes one of the five strategy lines proposed to the EU parliament by the EU commission, indicating a global trend towards increased digitalization and potential funding for North-South collaboration in this domain. Collectively, these outlined circumstances create a conductive environment for the globalization and collaboration of Digital Economy, spanning from Northern to Southern regions and within regions. Digitalization has the potential to stimulate heightened cross-constitutional and regional collaboration, aiming to improve the quality of higher education in Africa and thereby advancing the realization of the SDGs. Distinctive Challenges & Opportunities in African Organizations.

Digital Transformation in Global Context

In the context of African organizations, the journey toward digital maturity takes on a unique character influenced by a variety of challenges and opportunities (Lockmun-Bissessur et al., 2021). Economic conditions, technological infrastructures, and cultural nuances significantly impact the trajectory of digital transformation in the African context (Ndemo & Weiss, 2017; Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022; Omol et al., 2023). Understanding these distinctive factors is crucial for delineating an effective roadmap for digital maturity. The continent of Africa, comprising fifty-four countries, hosts seven of the worlds ten fastest-growing economies. The impact of COVID-19 has contributed to their competitive edge, accelerating a decade-long shift from resource-based exports to centers of wireless, remote commerce (Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022). Africas communication sector is also evolving, with the share of communication companies in the continents total market capitalization increasing from 13% in 2010 to 29% in 2020. Simultaneously, various nations and continents are fast-tracking the execution of their digital transformation strategies. The European Unions 2020 Digital Strategy aims to position it as a global digital economy exemplar and supports developing economies in their digital transition (European Commission, 2020). 

Digitalization support in Africa constitutes one of the five strategy lines proposed to the EU parliament by the EU commission, indicating a global trend towards increased digitalization and potential funding for North-South collaboration in this domain. Collectively, these outlined circumstances create a conductive environment for the globalization and collabo-ration of Digital Economy, spanning from Northern to Southern regions and within regions. Digitalization has the potential to stimulate heightened cross-constitutional and regional collaboration, aiming to improve the quality of higher education in Africa and thereby advancing the realization of the SDGs. 

Distinctive Challenges and the Opportunities in African Organizations

Imperative for Digital Transformation in African Organizations

The rapid evolution of digital technologies globally has been a driving force behind digital transformation (Omol, 2023; Barai and Sultana, 2022). Digitalization, facilitated by information and communication technology (ICT), encompasses various communication devices and applications, transforming global business operations, communication, and government-citizen engagement (Solomon and van Klyton, 2020; Ndemo & Weiss, 2017; Zhao et al., 2015). The successful implementation of digital technologies, contributing 6.9% to the US GDP in 2017, has far-reaching implications, enhancing generativity, datafication, and virtualization (Solomon and van Klyton, 2020; Holden and Van Klyton, 2016). The pivotal role of digital technologies in Africa unfolds across two pivotal dimensions: the optimization of organizational proc-esses and the refinement of market transactions. Within the organizational realm, digital technologies are instrumental in the formalization and digitization of operations, leveraging tools such as enterprise resource planning software, accounting software, and cloud computing (Holden and Van Klyton, 2016). This facet involves the localization of off-the-shelf products from overseas, facing challenges of legitimacy and global competition. Simultaneously, digital technologies play a transformative role in market transactions by mirroring key market institutions, including credibility enhancers, information analyzers and advisers, aggregators and distributors, transaction facilitators, regulators, and adjudicators (Ndemo & Weiss, 2017). Practical manifestations of these concepts are evident in innovations like mobile banking, exemp-lified by MPESA, which initially served as a transa-ction facilitator, enabling reliable and cost-effective peer-to-peer transfers (Omwansa & Sullivan, 2012). Blockchain technologies, designed to facilitate instant cross-border financial transactions, have sought to minimize value loss from exchange rate volatilities (Bithub Africa, 2017). 

Artificial intelligence, manifested through machine learning algorithms, acts as information analyzers and advisers across diverse sectors such as finance, health, logistics, and agriculture, aggregating and deciphering big data repositories for enhanced market efficiencies (Ndemo, 2021). Matching algorithms and rating systems have given rise to multi-sided digital 

platforms, epitomized by network effects, fostering exponential growth in users and market transactions (Omol et al., 2024b; Parker et al., 2016). These platforms, doubling as regulators and adjudicators, establish rules for economic exchange and offer impromptu arbitration to ensure smooth transaction flows. The Internet of Things has further expanded digital technologies into physical spaces, integrating innovation like drones, 3D printers, and smart technologies to augment manufacturing processes (Deloitte, 2016; Liquid Telecom, 2017). Noteworthy instances of this evolution include Kenyan firm BRCK, which deploys a decentralized network of solar-powered routers to provide free digital content and affordable internet access to remote locations (Bright, 2017). These innovations act as physical gateways, facilitating access to information, fostering new local and international connections, extending the reach of digitally-mediated economic transactions, and paving the way for the adoption of additional digital technologies. While these narratives of software and hardware adaptation and creation span various sectors, aiming to digitize and optimize organizations and markets, the transformative potential of digital technologies in Africa is still emergent and operating on the peripheries of societies. 

Realizing their full impact necessitates continuous innovation, widespread adoption, and a restructuring of the social structures in which these technologies operate (Ndemo, 2021). However, despite invest-ments, Africa faces challenges such as the digital divide, digital skills shortages, ICT infrastructure deficits, and the high-cost structures, hindering the expected economic benefits (Njoh, 2018; Melia, 2020; Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022). This digital divide results in obstacles for African digital entrepreneurs and businesses, limiting access to global services (Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022; UNIGF, 2017). Addi-tionally, the digitalization brings about negative consequences like structural unemployment (Bithub Africa, 2017). Therefore, nation-states must align their work-force with the demands of the evolving digital landscape.

Technological Infrastructure

Widespread high-speed internet availability in Africa faces a significant hurdle, with around 300 million residents living more than 50 kilometers away from a fiber or cable broadband connection (David & Grobler, 2020). The primary mode of internet access is through mobile devices, as fixed-line broadband, especially fiber-to-the-premise connections, is limited, mainly found in capital cities (Peter et al., 2023). This reliance on mobile access contributes to a scarcity of unmetered pricing or unlimited data use across the continent. Despite these challenges, the mobile phone revolution has attracted private sector investments in telecoms, leading to innovative business models and expanded communication services (Modiba & Kek-waletswe, 2020). The digital infrastructure networks value chain has undergone unbundling, enabling new private entities to develop network infrastructure, including independent broadband operators and tower companies. While submarine cables provide internat-ional connectivity to coastal areas, terrestrial network infrastructures are crucial for connecting non-coastal countries (Omol et al., 2024a; Madichie et al., 2021). Data Centers play a pivotal role in supporting local digital industries, ensuring cost savings on inter-national connectivity and upholding data sovereignty (Alaloul et al., 2020). African Postal Services enco-unter challenges with outdated equipment, electricity shortages, and limited internet connectivity, necessity-ating capacity-building for the industrial revolution 4.0 (Peter et al., 2023). The intrusion of private operators into the African postal market poses a threat to public operators and universal service provision, making the adoption of digital technology a strategic priority for Posts to maintain competitiveness. Regarding digital terrestrial broadcasting, only 30% of AU Member States have completed migration, posing a risk of cross-border interference after the ITU deadline (Madichie et al., 2021). Delayed migration further impedes the release of the digital dividend, restricting Mobile Broad Band penetration in Africa (David & Grobler, 2020).

Government Commitment

The foundation of poverty reduction and inclusive growth lies in effective government, yet weak capacity in certain countries leads to challenges such as dimini-shing revenue mobilization, fiscal constraints, and inefficient allocation of public expenditures, procure-ment inefficiencies, and subpar service delivery to citizens. In contrast, citizens now anticipate govern-ment performance on par with private sector service standards (Peter et al., 2023; Madichie et al., 2021). The transformative potential of technology adoption in enhancing governance and government efficiency is considerable, offering improvements in transparency, responsiveness, citizen trust, and service delivery. Global trends indicate an increasing uptake of digital-ization in government to enhance effectiveness, with the UN e-government development index improving from 0.47 in 2014 to 0.54 in 2018 on a global scale (Madi Odeh et al., 2023). However, the prevailing approach often involves siloed digitalization efforts mirroring individual government functions, resulting in isolated systems and fragmented citizen experiences (Attaran, 2023). A holistic whole of government approach treats the government as a unified entity, allowing for standardized technology implementation, enterprise architecture design, shared infrastructures, services, and interoperability layers for system integr-ation. Shared services and infrastructures contribute to cost reduction across the government. Despite pro-gress, Africa lags behind other regions in e-govern-ment development according to the UN index, with only four countries (Seychelles, Tunisia, South Africa, and Mauritius) out of 54 scoring above the global average in 2018 (Attaran, 2023). Political will, the absence of coordinating structures among AU member states, and the lack of a unified pan-African digital ID system emerge as primary reasons for the low levels of digital governance across the continent (Kazim, 2021).

Organizational Culture

Organizational culture, denoting the collective values, beliefs, and practices shaping an entitys conduct, stands prominently acknowledged as a pivotal deter-minant for the successful integration of new techno-logies (Modiba & Kekwaletswe, 2020; Peter et al., 2023). The fostering of a supportive and adaptive organizational the culture proves indispensable in pro-moting innovation, embracing risk, and ensuring the effective implementation of Internet 4.0 technologies. Leadership, as a cornerstone, assumes a crucial role in cultivating a culture conducive to technological adop-tion by articulating a clear vision, allocating resources, and motivating employees (Rass et al., 2023; Elkhdr, 2019). 

As the momentum of digital transformation intensifies, comprehending the intricate interplay between organ-izational culture and the assimilation of digital techno-logies becomes progressively imperative for African enterprises striving to thrive in the swiftly evolving landscape. Despite the escalating interest in digital technologies and their potential to propel economic growth and innovation in Africa, there exists a scarcity of empirical research scrutinizing role of organizati-onal culture in successful adoption of these technolo-gies (Ekundayo, 2021; Modiba and Kekwaletswe, 2020). 

Prevailing studies on technology adoption predomi-nantly concentrate on factors such as infrastructure, technological readiness, and regulatory frameworks, with minimal emphasis on the cultural dimensions that wield influence over the adoption process (Kazim, 2021; Madichie et al., 2021; Rass et al., 2023). More-over, the distinct challenges and opportunities con-fronting African enterprises within the realm of digital transformation have largely evaded comprehensive exploration within the existing literature.

Human Capital

To realize Africas digital transformation and global competitiveness, crucial prerequisites must be met, with a primary focus on investing in and nurturing a highly skilled population proficient in producing, consuming, and innovating digital technologies (Peter et al., 2023). The foundational strategy involves culti-vating digital capabilities in citizens, necessitating the development of a skilled workforce capable of mast-ering and applying emerging technological advance-ments across various systems. Ongoing efforts are essential to continually enhance the digital skills of individuals, positioning them as informed citizens and contributors to the digital ecosystem (Rass et al., 2023). 

A collective digital capacity at individual, organiz-ational, and sectoral levels is deemed crucial for effectively leveraging technological advancements. In the digital age, people and their skills are considered paramount, and a well-coordinated strategy for human and institutional capacity development can transform Africas youth into a digitally adaptive and innovative workforce, fostering inclusive growth and develop-ment. However, Africa faces challenges such as a digital skills gap, gender disparities, and a significant youth population entering the labor market by 2030. Addressing these issues requires ensuring widespread access to digital skills, particularly in a continent grappling with underdevelopment, poverty, and inst-ability. Despite these challenges, a holistic approach to digital capacity development is vital, emphasizing continuous learning, flexible education systems, and the development of both Digital Skills and Digital Complementary Skills (Abebe & Maalim, 2020). The Pathways for Prosperity Commission underscores the importance of these skills for national and continental development, urging clear and strategic policies to make African countries digitally ready. 

Regulatory Environment

Establishing a conductive environment for digital transformation is a government responsibility, necessitating policies and regulations that span various sectors. This commitment requires political dedication, policy stability, sustainability for private sector investments, adoption of regulatory best practices, and the cultivation of demand for digital solutions. A supportive environment, encompassing foundational pillars and critical sectors, is crucial for the successful implementation of digital transformation (Modiba & Kekwaletswe, 2020). Policymakers and regulators must remain vigilant regarding technological advancements, address new regulatory challenges, and set the stage for the comprehensive realization of digital transformations potential. Preparation for emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Machine to Machine communications (M2M), and 5G, is paramount. Public policies and regulatory frameworks should align with contemporary needs, be adaptable, incentive-driven, and market-oriented to facilitate digital transformation across various sectors and regions in Africa (Attaran, 2023; Peter et al., 2023). Furthermore, recognizing the Internet as a crucial tool for economic, social, and cultural development emphasizes the importance of localizing discussions on Internet Governance and related public policy matters. This localization approach supports the growth and sustenance of the local Internet and Digital economy.

Market Dynamics

Numerous scholars have sounded the alarm about the rise of predatory and extractive practices in Africas digital landscape, drawing disturbing parallels with historical colonial exploitation. In a 2021 report authored by Kazim et al. seven distinct forms of digital extractives in Africa are identified, ranging from the extraction of digital labor and mineral resources to the exploitation of African users data. One critical perspective, articulated by Birhane, (2020) delves into the concept of algorithmic colonialism. This perspective warns against the adoption of technological solutions and artificial intelligence (AI) as purportedly neutral remedies for complex social issues in Africa, emphasizing the potential reinforcement of existing social biases, including racism. The phenomenon of digital colonialism in Africa unfolds in three interrelated dimensions. Firstly, there is a pervasive risk of surveillance, both by state entities and profit-driven organizations, wherein individuals values become intrinsically tied to their data generation capabilities. 

This echoes the concept of surveillance capitalism, a term introduced by Madi Odeh et al. (2023). Of particular concern in an African context is the lack of representation or misrepresentation in international media and online content, coupled with a dearth of diversity among the personnel in major tech companies. Google, for instance, has faced accusations of dismissing ethical concerns raised by its team, fostering a hostile environment for minorities among its staff, and deploying AI systems that may perpetuate racial biases. Secondly, the substantial volume of data generated is monetized by global tech conglomerates, resulting in disproportionately low returns for local communities. Lastly, the importation of AI-generated solutions and digital technologies to Africa on a massive scale has the effect of stifling local innovation and undermining existing systems. This leaves the continent excessively reliant on foreign technology and services, a situation critiqued by Kazim, (2021) as potentially hindering Africas technological autonomy and sustainable development.

Economic Factors

Despite a thriving entrepreneurial spirit and the emergence of digital intermediaries, Africa has not fully capitalized on its potential to create a comprehensive digital entrepreneurial ecosystem with commercial hubs fostering global competition. The innovation gap stems from inefficiencies in resource allocation, lack of essential support systems, and the need for incre-ased collaboration among stakeholders (Rass et al., 2023). To bridge this gap, a holistic approach is essential, avoiding both underutilization and over-utilization of government intervention, and ensuring a cohesive policy framework. Member States must tailor interventions to fortify their entrepreneurship ecosystems, incorporating components like a digital knowledge base, ICT market, business-friendly environment, access to finance, digital skills, e-leadership, and an entrepreneurial culture. Realizing the digital transfor-mation vision in Africa requires a well-crafted policy agenda aligned with Sustainable Development Goals and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA). This agenda aims to enhance the competitiveness of the African private sector, promote increased ICT usage, and fortify institutional capacity. 

It is imperative for Africa to develop its innovation model, avoiding the blind replication of successful models that may not align with the continents socio-economic realities. Intellectual Property (IP) Rights are central to the Digital Economy, demanding strategic protection. A robust IP strategy is essential for startups to safeguard innovations and attract invest-ment.

Environmental Defendencies

Despite Africa facing limitations in infrastructure and technology, the continent is witnessing rapid growth in digital trade. While its share of global e-commerce revenues is currently modest, Africas digital trade is expanding, contributing to intra-African trade agreements. Strengthening infrastructure and implementing effective e-commerce policies enable the informal sector and enterprises to engage with the international markets, with projections indicating significant growth. E-commerce constituted 12% of global trade in goods in 2017, with estimates reaching $50 billion in 2018 and $300 billion by 2025. Governments are increasingly using e-commerce channels for public service delivery, including visa processing, tax payments, and trade facilitation. Trade portals and single windows streamline virtual trade formalities, reducing time and costs at ports. The Digital Financial Services (DFS) sector is untapped, offering flexible online financial transactions and facilitating trade payments. DFS facilitates the transition to efficient, trackable, and accessible digitalized and automated banking systems, contributing to financial inclusion and development (Modiba & Kekwaletswe, 2020). Mobile money plays a pivotal role in Africa, with Kenya ranking 26th worldwide in Digital Financial Inclusion Rankings. The DFS market in Africa includes payments, current accounts, savings, loans, investments, and insurance. Central Banks collaborate with private banks to develop Digital Financial Strategies, aiming for cashless economies. Regional pay-ment systems like COMESA Regional Payment and Settlement System, East African Payments System, and SADC Integrated Regional Electronic Settlement System reduce cross-border trade costs. Initiatives by UPU and Afrexim bank aim to establish integrated e-commerce ecosystems, utilizing the postal network for cross-border logistics, deliveries, returns, and pay-ments. The Afrexim bank initiative envisions cross-border payments in local currencies.

Digital transformation in African organizations is a multifaceted journey influenced by unique challenges and opportunities arising from economic conditions, technological infrastructures, and cultural nuances (Lockmun-Bissessur et al., 2021). The impact of COVID-19 has propelled Africas shift toward wire-less, remote commerce, enhancing its competitive edge (Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022). The continents digitalization support aligns with global trends, such as the European Unions 2020 Digital Strategy, signaling potential North-South collaboration. However, distinct challenges persist in Africas pursuit of digital maturity. Technological infrastructure poses a signifi-cant hurdle, with around 300 million residents lacking proximity to a fiber or cable broadband connection (David & Grobler, 2020). Overreliance on mobile access exacerbates challenges, limiting unmetered pricing and data use. Private sector investments, while fostering innovation, necessitate addressing infrastruc-ture gaps and outdated equipment in African Postal Services (Peter et al., 2023). Data Centers and terre-strial network infrastructures play crucial roles in supporting local digital industries, but challenges persist in digital terrestrial broadcasting migration and delays impeding Mobile Broad Band penetration (Madichie et al., 2021). Effective government commit-ment is essential for poverty reduction and inclusive growth through technology adoption. However, chall-enges include weak capacity, fiscal constraints, and subpar service delivery (Peter et al., 2023). Despite global trends in e-government development, Africa lags due to political will and the absence of a unified pan-African digital ID system (Attaran, 2023). The whole of government approach is crucial for standar-dized technology implementation, shared infrastruc-tures, and interoperability (Madi Odeh et al., 2023). Policy reforms are vital to address disparities and accelerate digital governance.

Organizational culture plays a pivotal role in success-ful technology integration, yet empirical research on its impact remains limited (Modiba & Kekwaletswe, 2020). Leaderships role in cultivating a culture conducive to technological adoption is crucial as the momentum of the digital transformation intensifies. Understanding the intricate interplay between organiz-ational culture and digital technologies becomes imperative for African enterprises (Rass et al., 2023). Comprehensive exploration of challenges and oppor-tunities in the existing literature is needed to inform effective digital transformation strategies. Human capital development is foundational for realizing Africas digital transformation vision. Challenges include a digital skills gap, gender disparities, and a burgeoning youth population entering the labor market by 2030 (Abebe & Maalim, 2020). Investment in continuous learning, flexible education systems, and Digital Skills and Digital Complementary Skills is vital (Pathways for Prosperity Commission). Add-ressing these issues requires a holistic approach emp-hasizing the importance of strategic policies to make African countries digitally ready (Peter et al., 2023). The regulatory environment must establish a conduc-tive atmosphere for digital transformation, necessit-ating adaptable, incentive-driven, and market-oriented policies (Attaran, 2023). Preparation for emerging technologies like AI, IoT, M2M, and 5G is paramount. Localizing discussions on Internet Governance is crucial for the growth and sustenance of the local Internet and Digital economy (Peter et al., 2023). Market dynamics offer opportunities for Africa in digital trade, e-commerce, and financial services, but challenges like data exploitation and AI-related issues must be addressed (UNIGF, 2017). Economic factors underscore the need for a comprehensive digital entre-preneurial ecosystem in Africa. Bridging the inno-vation gap requires a holistic approach, aligned with Sustainable Development Goals and the Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa 2024 (STISA) (Rass et al., 2023). Intellectual Property Rights play a central role, necessitating a robust IP strategy for startups to safeguard innovations and attract investment (Peter et al., 2023). Environmental dependencies, despite limitations in infrastructure, showcase rapid growth in digital trade in Africa (Modiba & Kekwaletswe, 2020). Governments incre-asingly use e-commerce channels for public service delivery. Challenges like data exploitation and the importation of AI technologies highlight the need for strategic policies for sustainable development (Abdul-qadir and Asongu, 2022). Despite challenges, initia-tives by UPU and Afreximbank aim to establish integrated e-commerce ecosystems, utilizing the postal network for cross-border logistics, deliveries, returns, and payments (Peter et al., 2023). The Afrexim bank initiative envisions cross-border payments in local currencies, emphasizing the potential of digital techno-logies in reshaping economic transactions in Africa.

Africa stands at the precipice of a transformative digital era, where challenges and opportunities intertwine in shaping the trajectory of digital maturity. The unique character of Africas digital transformation journey influenced by economic conditions, technological infrastructures, and cultural nuances, demands a nuanced approach. As the continent hosts seven of the worlds fastest-growing economies and embraces digital strategies, there is a remarkable opportunity to leapfrog into a new era of development (Abdulqadir and Asongu, 2022). However, this journey is not without hurdles. The technological infrastructure deficit, particularly in terms of high-speed internet accessibility, poses a significant barrier. Bridging this gap requires concerted efforts in deploying fixed-line broadband connections and fostering innovative solutions to enhance digital inclusion (David & Grobler, 2020; Peter et al., 2023). Additionally, the cultural integration of technology within organizations emerges as a critical factor. Leadership must play a central role in fostering a culture that supports technological adoption, innovation, and adaptability (Modiba & Kekwaletswe, 2020). The development of human capital is identified as a linchpin for Africas digital future. 

Bridging the digital skills gap, addressing gender disparities, and preparing the youth for the evolving job market are imperative tasks. A strategic focus on continuous learning, flexible education systems, and the development of both Digital Skills and Digital Complementary Skills will be vital for unleashing Africas workforce potential in the digital age (Rass et al., 2023; Abebe & Maalim, 2020). In navigating this complex landscape, it is clear that a holistic and collaborative approach is essential. Governments, private entities, and educational institutions must join forces to invest in infrastructure, nurture a supportive organizational culture, and prioritize human capital development. By doing so, Africa can not only overcome the challenges posed by digital transformation but also position itself as a global player in the digital economy, contributing to sustainable development and inclusive growth on the continent. Addressing Africas digital transformation necessitates a strategic focus on technological infrastructure. Governments and private entities should collaborate to extend high-speed internet access, particularly in remote areas where over 300 million residents lack fiber or cable broadband connections. Efforts should prioritize the deployment of fixed-line broadband connections beyond capital cities, ensuring widespread and affordable connectivity across the continent (David & Grobler, 2020; Peter et al., 2023). Governments play a pivotal role in fostering digital transformation. Adopting a whole of government approach, AU member states should coordinate efforts to enhance transparency, responsiveness, and citizen trust. Political dedication and the establishment of unified pan-African digital ID systems are crucial to overcoming the current challenges in digital governance. Emulating global e-government development trends can propel Africa forward in this domain (Attaran, 2023; Madi Odeh et al., 2023). Successful integration of digital technologies within organizations requires a profound understanding of the role of organizational culture. Leadership should actively cultivate a culture that embraces innovation, risk-taking, and adaptability. Recognizing the scarcity of empirical research on the influence of cultural dimensions on technology adoption in African enterprises, there is a pressing need for further studies in this domain (Ekundayo, 2021; Modiba & Kekwa-letswe, 2020). Investing in human capital is critical for realizing the full potential of digital transformation. Efforts should be directed towards bridging the digital skills gap, addressing gender disparities, and preparing the youth for the evolving job market. Policymakers should emphasize continuous learning, flexible education systems, and the development of both Digital Skills and Digital Complementary Skills to ensure Africas workforce is equipped for the digital age (Abebe & Maalim, 2020; Rass et al., 2023).

We deeply appreciate the scholars whose foundational work has shaped this research, influencing both its theoretical framework and methodology. Their meticulous research and innovative perspectives have enhanced the intellectual discourse in the field. We also acknowledge the valuable feedback from anonymous peer reviewers, whose constructive critiques have strengthened the rigor and clarity of this manuscript, contributing to its overall quality.

The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose.