The University of Lagos (Unilag) has been awarded an African Engineering and Technology Network (Afretec) seed grant under the “Building Research Capacity to Advance the Inclusive Digital Transformation of Africa” program.

The one-year research, focusing on “Evaluating Digital Transformation and Maturity in Youth-Led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Across Sub-Saharan Africa,” will involve collaborative efforts with the University of Nairobi, Kenya, and the University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa. The study will explore MSMEs’ digital maturity in health, energy, environment, and sustainability sectors.

Led by Dr. Obigbemi Imoleayo of Unilag’s Faculty of Management Sciences, the research aims to assess the state of digital transformation among youth-led MSMEs, a critical driver of economic growth in Africa. With structured phases including literature reviews, surveys, and interviews, the study will address challenges such as resource constraints and limited digital adoption capacity while offering strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability.

Findings will be disseminated through workshops, conferences, policy briefs, and academic publications, aiming to inform policies that support MSMEs’ digital transformation. This initiative underscores Unilag’s dedication to advancing Africa’s digital economy and fostering a robust ecosystem for MSMEs to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven world.