Digital Transformation and Business Model Innovation in African Agricultural Social Enterprises: A Business Model Canvas-based Case Study

Social enterprises in developing countries have recently transformed different aspects of their businesses using platforms and apps as well as advanced digital technologies, such as AI, IoT, and even blockchain. The study examines three platform-based agricultural social enterprises in Africa (Hello Tractor in Nigeria, Lersha in Ethiopia, and Farmerline in Ghana), analyzing how and where digital transformations are taking place in these businesses. Qualitative case studies conducted and analyzed under the Business Model Canvas framework show that digital transformation occurs most actively in the dimensions of value proposition, core activities, and core resources. The study finds that digital technologies act as core resources; thus, innovation drives change in customer relationships, partner collaborations, and revenue models. The common patterns of digital transformation observed across the three cases are as follows: First, the continuous adoption of digital technologies is transforming business models into multifaceted integrated platforms. Second, reflecting Africa’s agricultural ecosystem and its digital divide, these are evolving based on a hybrid phygital model that entails both digital and physical channels. Third, firms are pursuing revenue diversification with digitized data as an asset. This study contributes to academic literature by analyzing the digital transformation of business models and articulating business model innovations propelled by digital technologies. On the practical side, it guides the design of an agricultural platform business model and policies that support digital transformation.