Strategic responses to digital transformation of African non-profits: Developing competencies to achieve the social mission

Abstract

Demand for the social services that sub-Saharan African (African) non-profits deliver has escalated since the COVID-19 pandemic, amid rapidly changing global socio-technological shifts towards digitalization. Nonetheless, they have failed to respond effectively and stay competitive since they lack sufficient digitalization competencies that will enable them to transform and improve organisational performance. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap in the literature for a conceptual model that identifies the competency requirements of African non-profits and propose how to develop them. We collated, evaluated and synthesized literature from peer reviewed international journals and similarly reliable documentary sources to identify 18 core competencies underpinned by human capital theory. We then integrated them with CIMO-logic from design science research as the analytical tool. This resulted in a conceptual process model, design propositions to guide implementation, and fresh insights for researchers to contextualize the competency development process. The paper adds value to human capital theory, and makes actionable recommendations for policymakers, business, practitioners and other stakeholders.