The practice-based literature on innovation explores the processes and activities through which new ideas and technologies are developed and implemented. Digital innovation involves leveraging technology to create new solutions, often overcoming infrastructure challenges. Frugal innovation focuses on developing cost-effective, resource-efficient solutions tailored to local needs. African entrepreneurs and organizations frequently employ these practices to address pressing issues on the continent such as healthcare, education, and financial inclusion.

The innovation working group will be lead by:

Oluwasola Oni

Dr. Sola Oni is an Information Systems professional with experience in analysing the impact of the digital world on business operations and individuals. She is a lecturer in Management Information systems and the Dean of the School of Management and Social Sciences, Pan Atlantic University.

She enriches the learning experiences of students through innovative approaches to curriculum development and practical skills training. With a passion for research, Sola has conducted studies in various areas, reflecting a commitment to addressing societal challenges through academic inquiry. Beyond academic and research pursuits, she is committed to professional development and certifications, underscoring her dedication to staying abreast of industry trends and pedagogical best practices. She is interested in and is currently investigating innovation diffusion, digital ecosystems and knowledge sharing.

Lucy Wamalwa

 

Dr. Lucy Simani Wamalwa is a Senior Lecturer at the School of Business, KCA University (Kenya), and a mixed-methods scholar with a strong bias toward process-based research. She serves as Co-Chair of the Africa Chapter of Process Research in Technology and Innovation Management (TIM), where she contributes to building capacity for context-sensitive, longitudinal research on innovation and strategic transformation in African settings.

Her current research includes a study on the evolution of MPESA, its dynamic capabilities, and its broader market effects, offering a processual lens on how innovation shapes and is shaped by its ecosystem. She is also examining tech-enabled social entrepreneurs within Kenya’s circular economy, focusing on how grassroots innovators use digital platforms and social capital to drive inclusive and sustainable enterprise.

Her scholarly contributions include journal publications such as:

•Social Capital and Supplier Adaptation of Social and Environmentally Sustainable Practices – Business Strategy and the Environment (2025)

•Green Supplier Development and Sustainable Supply Chain Management – Business Strategy & Development

•Resilience Among Kenyan Manufacturing Firms – Academy of Strategic Management Journal

•Transactional and Transformational Leadership and Dynamic Capabilities – Journal of African Business

Dr. Wamalwa is also a published case author, with widely used teaching cases in The Case Centre and Case Focus – The Journal of Business & Management, including:

•YARA Africa: A Digital Platform for Farmers

•The Mount Elgon Livelihood Fund Project

•Safaricom: CEO Succession Planning

•Short-term Dreams — CSR Projects in Developing Economies

She presents regularly at international conferences and actively mentors early-career scholars, contributing to the growth of African-centred process research in strategic management and innovation studies.