Digital Recruitment in Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Tech Sector in Nigeria: A Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review (SLR) employs thematic synthesis to investigate the adoption and strategic integration of digital recruitment practices among Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the tech sector in Nigeria. Drawing from 50 peer-reviewed articles, institutional reports, and grey literature published between 2015 and 2025, the study evaluates adoption trends, barriers, various digital platforms used, sectoral and demographic influences and outcomes. Using the PRISMA framework, the quality and validity were evaluated. Also, the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria was employed to identify studies focused on relevance to MSMEs and digital recruitment in Nigeria’s technology industry. The findings of the study emphasize that the adoption of digital tools in recruitment has remained tactical and largely uneven in MSMEs. Higher engagements levels were demonstrated by urban, growth oriented and youth-led enterprises. Some challenges to the successful adoption and integration include infrastructural gaps, informal HR practices, and low digital literacy. The study identified a need for policy support, capacity building, and localized digital platforms to enhance recruitment efficiency and strategic alignment. The contributions of this review will be relevant to the discourse on digital transformation in emerging markets and also offer actionable insights for stakeholders in Nigeria’s MSME development landscape.

Digital recruitment, MSMEs, systematic literature review, PRISMA, HR practices

1. Adebayo, K., & Ojo, M. (2020). Infrastructure and MSME growth in Nigeria. Journal of Development and Enterprise, 6(2), 45–58. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Africa, M. (2025, June 14). Call for applications: NITDA digital literacy for all (DL4ALL) initiative for all Nigerians. MSME Africa.https://msmeafricaonline.com/call-forapplications-nitda-digital-literacy-for-all-dl4all- initiative-for-all-nigerians/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Ajagu, H. E., Egwuagu, U. B., & Anikeze, N. H. (2024). The effect of digital tools on recruitment and organizational performance in South East Nigeria. Caritas Journal of Management, Social Sciences and Humanities, 3(1), 1–15. https://caritasuniversityjournals.org/index.php/cjmssh/article/download/98/90 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ajayi, T., & Adebayo, M. (2022). Digital recruitment and employee retention in Nigerian SMEs. Journal of Human Resource Development, 14(2), 45–59. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Akache, M. J., Okafor, C. N., & Ibrahim, S. A. (2025). Strategic management and SME growth: A Nigerian perspective. Journal of African Business Studies, 12(1), 33–49. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Alfian, A. M., Nugroho, R. A., & Putri, S. D. (2025). Digital technology adoption in SMEs: A systematic review. Advances in Economics, Business and Management Research, 302,112–120. https://doi.org/10.2991/aebmr.k.230525.015 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Biea, A., Okonkwo, C., & Nwosu, T. (2024). Digital hiring practices in Nigerian tech MSMEs. African Journal of Business Innovation, 9(1), 22–35. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Bissola, R., & Imperatori, B. (2019). Social recruiting: Exploring the impact of social networking sites on HRM. Employee Relations, 41(6), 1224–1244. https://doi.org/10.1108/ER-10-2018-0264 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. Cheetahs Policy Institute. (2025). Strategic digitalization of Nigerian MSMEs: From survival to scale. https://cheetahsinstitute.org/a-strategic-approach-to-digitalizing-nigerias- msmes- from-survival-to-scale/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Díaz-Arancibia, J., Hochstetter-Diez, J., Bustamante-Mora, A., Sepúlveda-Cuevas, S., Albayay, I., & Arango-López, J. (2024). Navigating digital transformation and technology adoption: A literature review from small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries. Sustainability, 16(14), 5946. https://doi.org/10.3390/su16145946 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

11. Eze, C., Nwankwo, A., & Okafor, J. (2021). Recruitment credibility in rural MSMEs: Challenges and prospects. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, 8(3), 77–89. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

12. Forvis Mazars. (2024). ESG advisory overview: Supporting sustainable growth in emerging markets. https://www.forvismazars.com/esg-advisory-overview [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

13. GIZ. (2025). Characterisation and digital maturity assessment of MSMEs in Nigeria. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. https://dtcnigeria.ng/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Final-Updated-Characterisation-and-Digital-Maturity-Assessment-of-MSMEs-in-Nigeria_Illustrated-Report.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

14. GIZ/DTC Nigeria. (2024). Digital maturity assessment of Nigerian MSMEs. Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

15. Karimu, I. M., Ardo, I. M., & Gurin, M. (2025). Impact of digital transformation on SME performance in Nigeria. International Journal of Computer Science, 25(1), 1148. https://www.rjpn.org/ijcspub/papers/IJCSP25A1148.pdf [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

16. Laverde-Salazar, J. F., Torres, M. A., & Cardona-Valencia, D. (2023). Análisis comparativo de la evaluación de impacto ambiental, evaluación ex ante y ex post. Revista ION, 36(3). https://doi.org/10.18273/revion.v36n3-2023002 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

17. Mohammed, A. I., & Gurin, M. (2025). Digital recruitment and employer branding in Nigerian MSMEs. Journal of African Business Strategy, 11(3), 78–92. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

18. Mohammed, A., Yusuf, T., & Ibrahim, M. (2025). Digital hiring and revenue growth in Nigerian SMEs. Journal of Business and Technology, 10(2), 55–70. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

19. Nwabuatu, E. N. (2023). Innovation and technology adoption among SMEs in Rivers State, Nigeria: Challenges and opportunities. World Journal of Innovation and Modern Technology, 8(6). https://www.iiardjournals.org [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

20. Nwabuatu, E. N. (2024). Innovation in Rivers State SMEs: A sectoral analysis. Journal of Regional Enterprise and Innovation, 7(1), 14–28. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

21. Ogunlana, T. (2025, March 12). ESG and MSMEs: Nigeria’s sustainability challenge. Vanguard Newspaper. https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/03/esg-and-msmes- nigerias-sustainability-challenge/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

22. Olowu, T., & Ojo, M. (2023). AI screening in micro enterprises: Opportunities and risks. Journal of Digital Business Transformation, 5(4), 101–115. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

23. Omowole, N. B. M., Olufemi-Phillips, N. A. Q., Ofodile, N. O. C., Eyo-Udo, N. N. L., & Ewim, N. S. E. (2024). Barriers and drivers of digital transformation in SMEs: A conceptual analysis. International Journal of Scholarly Research in Science and Technology, 5(2), 19–36. https://doi.org/10.56781/ijsrst.2024.5.2.0037 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

24. PwC Nigeria. (2023). MSME digital readiness report. PricewaterhouseCoopers Nigeria. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

25. Shehu, B. M. (2025, February 21). Federal government 2025 recruitment & empowerment portals for Nigerians: Apply now! Allmedia24 News. https://allmedia24.com/top- federal-government-recruitment-empowerment-portals-2025/ [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

26. Sutevski, D. (2025, January 10). How to improve your recruitment strategy as a startup. Entrepreneurship in a Box. https://www.entrepreneurshipinabox.com [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

27. Taiwo, A., & Adedotun, B. (2025). Digital entrepreneurship in South-West Nigeria: A case study of tech MSMEs. Journal of African Entrepreneurship, 13(1), 88–102. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

28. Unegbu, H. C. O., Yawas, D. S., & Dan-asabe, B. (2024). The impact of digital transformation on Nigerian SMEs in the global business landscape. Jurnal Mekanikal, 25(1). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

29. Watson, S. B., & Smith, E. E. (2024). Sustainability reporting and SME accountability: A comparative review. Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 9(2), 33–47. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• The Indirect Effect of Liquidity and Activity on Company Value with Profitability as an Intervening Variable
• Effect of Financial Skills, Knowledge, and Attitude on The Financial Behaviour of Clergy
• A Decade of Review: Trends in Budget Execution and Financial Performance of Development Projects in Tanzania (2014/15-2023/24)
• The Influence of Pre-Project Planning on the Budget Absorption Rate of Public Funded Infrastructure Projects in Kenya a Comparative Case Study of Narok, Migori, and Kisii County Government Projects
• Assessment of Factors Influencing Digital Transformation in Hotels’ Facility Management in Abuja Metropolis, Nigeria