Digital Entrepreneurship and the Acceleration of Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Opportunities and Constraints

Digital entrepreneurship in Nigeria holds immense potential to drive sustainable development, yet it faces significant barriers that limit its impact. This qualitative study explores the opportunities and constraints of digital entrepreneurship, drawing on semi-structured interviews with 30 participants 15 digital entrepreneurs, 10 policymakers, and 5 innovation hub managers across Lagos, Abuja, and Kano. Thematic analysis reveals that digital ventures significantly contribute to job creation, generating over 500 jobs in fintech, e-commerce, and agritech, particularly for youth and women, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8 (decent work) and 10 (reduced inequalities). Financial inclusion, facilitated by mobile wallets, reaches 40% of unbanked Nigerians, while sector-specific innovations enhance market access and food security. However, infrastructure deficits, including unreliable electricity and 45% internet penetration, regulatory ambiguities in the Nigeria Startup Act, skills gaps affecting 50% of entrepreneurs, and limited access to capital hinder scalability. Participants emphasized the need for comprehensive policy frameworks, infrastructure investments, digital literacy programs, and public-private partnerships to unlock $500 million in potential investments. These findings underscore digital entrepreneurship’s role in fostering inclusive growth and resilience in Nigeria’s projected $26.98 billion digital economy by 2030, while highlighting the urgency of addressing systemic barriers. Future research should explore sector-specific impacts and policy effectiveness to enhance Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and SDG alignment.

Digital entrepreneurship, sustainable development, job creation

1. Abdullah, A., & Edeniyere, A. O. (2025). Edo set to launch Nigeria’s first Digital business platform. https://nigerianobservernews.com/2025/06/edo-set-to-launch-nigerias-first-digital-business-platform/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Agbeyangi, A., Makinde, A., & Odun-Ayo, I. (2024). Nigeria's ICT and Economic Sustainability in the Digital Age. arXiv.org, 1-21. arXiv preprint arXiv:2401.03996. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Aina, A. L., Joseph, A. I., & Oloyede, H. O. (2025). Economic Policy Uncertainty and Foreign Direct Investment in Nigeria: Evidence from Quantile Regression. NIU Journal of Social Sciences, 11(1), 15-26. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Akpan, I. J., & Ibidunni, A. S. (2023). Digitization and technological transformation of small business for sustainable development in the less developed and emerging economies. ournal of Small Business & Entrepreneurship, 35(5), 671-676. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Akurega, M., & Okocha, D. (2023). Engendering Sustainable Development Through Digital Entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Caleb International Journal of development studies, 6, 7-26. 10.26772/cijds-2023-06-02-01. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Aliyu-Kamaldeen, K., Aliyu, M., & Owolabi, S. O. (2024). Perusing Nigerian Digital Entrepreneurship Ecosystem with those Leading. International Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Social Science, 2(1), 264-278. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Aluko, O. A., Odewale, A. T., Taiwo, K., & Adefeso, H. (2024). Unlocking inclusive growth and sustainable development in Nigeria: A roadmap through challenges and opportunities. African Journal of Applied Research, 10(1), 201-223. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Anakpo, G., Xhate, Z., & Mishi, S. (2023). The policies, practices, and challenges of digital financial inclusion for sustainable development: The case of the developing economy. FinTech, 2(2), 327-343. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using Thematic Analysis in Psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3, 77-101. http://dx.doi.org/10.1191/1478088706qp063oa. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods (5th ed.). London: Oxford University Press. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Central Bank of Nigeria. (2025). Inflation Rate. https://www.cbn.gov.ng/rates/inflrates.html. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Chukwuanu, C. S., & Ajibo, K. I. (2024). Fostering a legal, regulatory and institutional regime for a productive entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Nnamdi Azikiwe University Journal of Private and Property Law, 1(1), 94-111. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. Creswell, J., & Poth, C. (2018). Qualitative Inquiry and Research Design Choosing among Five Approaches. 4th Edition. Thousand Oaks: SAGE Publications, Inc. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. Ediagbonya, V., & Tioluwani, C. (2023). The role of fintech in driving financial inclusion in developing and emerging markets: issues, challenges and prospects. Technological Sustainability, 2(1), 100-119. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Ibidunni, A. S., Ufua, D. E., & Opute, A. P. (2022). Linking disruptive innovation to sustainable entrepreneurship within the context of small and medium firms: A focus on Nigeria. African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, 14(6), 1591-1607. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Idowu, F. O. (2025). Beyond the classroom: leveraging digital entrepreneurship education for youth empowerment in Nigeria and Africa. Social Science Research Network., 1-28. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Imiren, E., Lassalle, P., Mwaura, S., & Nicolopoulou, K. (2024). Understanding legitimacy building in contexts through digital entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 30(2-3), 548-571. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Jemeli, M. (2025). https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2024/digital-opportunities-in-african-businesses. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/real-challenges-facing-african-tech-2025-mercy-jemeli-vvh3f. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Jemeli, M. (2025). The Real Challenges Facing African Tech in 2025. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/real-challenges-facing-african-tech-2025-mercy-jemeli-vvh3f. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Kalu, R. (2025). The 2025 Digital Outlook in Nigeria: Opportunities for Innovation & Scale. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-digital-outlook-nigeria-opportunities-innovation-reuben-kalu-htx7f. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Lambe, E. O. (2025). Nigeria’s political economy in the post-subsidy era: an assessment of structural constraints to national development. Journal of Governance and Development, 21(2), 29-47. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Madueke, C. M., Oladipo, A. O., Ozoh, J. N., Ezenwobi, N. F., & Ogodimma, E. M. (2025). Evaluating the effectiveness of poverty alleviation on economic growth in Nigeria. NAU Eco Journals, 22(1), 73-90. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Mhlongo, N. Z., Daraojimba, D. O., Olubusola, O., Ajayi-Nifise, A. O., & Falaiye, T. (2024). Reviewing the impact of digital platforms on entrepreneurship in Africa. International Journal of Science and Research Archive, 11(1), 1364-1375. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. Miah, T., Aiupova, N., Erdei-Gally, S., & Fekete-Farkas, M. (2025). Digital entrepreneurship ecosystems: Then vs. now-a future perspectives. Digital Business, 5(1), 100-110.doi.org/10.1016/j.digbus.2025.100110. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Nakpodia, F., Ashiru, F., You, J. J., & Oni, O. (2024). Digital technologies, social entrepreneurship and resilience during crisis in developing countries: evidence from Nigeria. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 30(2/3), 342-368. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. NCC. (2024). Consultancy Study on Developing Sustainable Digital Entrepreneurship Business Model in a Digital Nigeria. https://www.ncc.gov.ng/sites/default/files/2024-11/Documents/research-development/compendium-of-report/Consultancy%2520Study%2520on%2520Developing%2520Sustainable%2520Digital%2520Entrepreneurship%2520Business%2520Model%2520in%2520a%2520Digital%2520Nigeria. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Nnaemaka, O. (2024). Nigeria’s fintech system attracted over $2 billion in investments in 2024 – FG’s Economic Report. https://nairametrics.com/2024/12/07/nigerias-fintech-system-attracted-over-2-billion-in-investments-in-2024-fgs-economic-report/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Nwaham, C. O. (2022). Promoting entrepreneurship education through digital technology in Nigeria. University of Delta Journal of Contemporary Studies in Education, 2(2), 129-137. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Nzom, N., & Eyyazo, M. D. (2025). Foreign direct investment and commercial law reform in Nigeria: a critical evaluation. Journal of Commercial and Property Law, 12(3), 154-165. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

30. Ogar, J. (2025). NOWEDIF Digital Entrepreneurship Program 2025. https://opportunitydesk.org/2025/03/14/nowedif-digital-entrepreneurship-program-2025/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

31. Okegbe, O. (2025). Harnessing Digital Entrepreneurship for Youth Empowerment: Advancing Sustainable Economic Growth in Southeast Nigeria. International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.47772/IJRISS.2025.906000168. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

32. Okocha, S. (2025). Nigeria’s e-commerce boom: who wins, who struggles, and what’s next? https://www.234digest.com/p/nigeria-s-e-commerce-boom-who-wins-who-struggles-and-what-s-next-ac60. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

33. Okoye, N. (2025). The role of digital transformation in shaping entrepreneurial ventures in Nigeria. Ékwé International Journal of Igbo Scholars Forum for Socio-Cultural Advancement, 18(2), 366.394. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

34. Osei, A. (2024). Digital entrepreneurship in Africa. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/digital-entrepreneurship-in-africa/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

35. Osinubi, T., Ajide, F. M., & Simatele, M. (2025). What role does digitalization play in the entrepreneurship-sustainable development nexus in Africa? Journal of Open Innovation: Technology, Market, and Complexity, 11(1), 100500. doi.org/10.1016/j.joitmc.2025.100500. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

36. Oyinlola, M., Kolade, O., Okoya, S. A., Ajala, O., Adefila, A., Adediji, A., & Akinlabi, E. T. (2024). Entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigerian universities: Trends, challenges and opportunities. Heliyon, 10(9), 1-14. e29940. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

37. Prabhakar, A. (2025). A Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development: A Global Imperative: A Global Imperative. Journal of Recycling Economy & Sustainability Policy, 4(1), 1-16. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

38. Research and Markets. (2025). Global Agritech Market Expected to Grow to $48.98 Billion by 2030. https://www.precisionfarmingdealer.com/articles/6551-global-agritech-market-expected-to-grow-to-4898-billion-by-2030. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

39. Rufus, A. I., & Ogbe, E. B. (2025). The Rise of Banditry in Northwest Nigeria: Examining the Security Implications and Pathways to Stability. Kashere Journal of Politics and International Relations, 3(1), 22-35. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

40. Saluja, K. (2024). 13 Profitable Business Ideas in Nigeria to Start in 2025. https://www.spocket.co/blogs/13-profitable-business-ideas-in-nigeria-to-start-in-2025?srsltid=AfmBOorP5WRGOFfqsSimE2h-X-9itV6dYi3Z3bx2LvMtxnASsYGckeNZ. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

41. Sasu, D. (2025). Population of Nigeria 1950-2024. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1122838/population-of-nigeria/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

42. Saunders, M., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2019). Research Methods for Business Students. 8th Edition. New York: Pearson. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

43. Tula, S. T., Ofodile, O. C., Okoye, C. C., Nifise, A. O., & Odeyemi, O. (2024). Entrepreneurial ecosystems in the USA: A comparative review with European models. International Journal of Management & Entrepreneurship Research, 6(2), 451-466. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

44. Ufua, D., Emielu, E., Olujobi, O., Lakhani, F., Borishade, T., Ibidunni, A., & Osabuohien, E. (2021). Digital transformation: A conceptual framing for attaining Sustainable Development Goals 4 and 9 in Nigeria. Journal of Management & Organization, 27, 1-14. 10.1017/jmo.2021.45. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

45. World Bank Group. (2024). Digital Opportunities in African Businesses. https://www.ifc.org/en/insights-reports/2024/digital-opportunities-in-african-businesses. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

46. World Economic Forum. (2024). Nigeria Seeks Digital Transformation for a Stronger Economy. https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/09/nigeria-digital-transformation-3mtt-technical-talent/. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

47. Xu, Z., & Dobson, S. (2019). Challenges of building entrepreneurial ecosystems in peripheral places. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy , DOI: 10.1108/JEPP-03-2019-0023. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

48. Yin, R. K. (2016). Qualitative Research from Start to Finish (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Guilford Publications. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

49. Yusuf, M. A., & Sholagberu, A. O. (2024). Bridging the Gap: Integrating Non-formal Education Entrepreneurship Skills into Adult Literacy Programmes in Nigeria. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research, 9(2), 107-113. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• A Decadal Overview of Welfare Schemes in Telangana (2014–2024)
• Ubuntu and the Missed Development Goals in the Global South: Rethinking MDGs and SDGs through an African Philosophical Lens
• Exploring the Factors of Obesity: Insights from Johor State Civil Servants
• Navigating the Nexus: Challenges Faced by Part-Time Postgraduate Government Employees in Malaysia
• The Lived Experiences of Skilled Filipino Women Immigrants in Denmark