Data Analytics Usage for Improvements in African Startups

Thesis title: Data Analytics Usage for Improvements in African Startups
Author: Amama, Ushang Desmond
Thesis type: Diploma thesis
Supervisor: Sládek, Pavel
Opponents: Maryška, Miloš
Thesis language: English
Abstract:
African startups operate in a dynamic yet challenging environment characterised by resource constraints, infrastructural deficits, and fragmented markets, contributing to a five-year survival rate below 50%. This study investigates the transformative potential of data analytics in mitigating these barriers, with a focus on accelerating product development, enhancing decision-making, and improving operational efficiency. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative insights from structured interviews with founders, CEOs, CTOs, and data scientists across Nigerian and Czech startups, alongside quantitative analysis of secondary data from Tracxn. Statistical techniques, including logistic regression, were applied to a dataset of 2,403 startups to identify correlations between data analytics adoption and key success metrics, such as reduced time-to-market and increased funding efficiency. A comparative analysis of African, Czech, and U.S. ecosystems revealed critical gaps in Africa’s startup landscape, including limited access to venture capital, underdeveloped academic-industry collaborations, and infrastructural inefficiencies. However, case studies of firms like Nigeria’s Moniepoint (FinTech), Czechia’s Rohlik (e-commerce), and OpenAI (AI) demonstrated how data-driven strategies—such as predictive analytics, customer behaviour modeling, and real-time supply chain optimisation—can overcome these challenges. For instance, Moniepoint’s integration of Google Cloud analytics tools reduced transaction processing times by 30%, while Rohlik’s AI-driven logistics improved delivery accuracy by 25%. The study culminates in a practical framework for African startups, emphasising scalable analytics adoption, ethical data practices, and cross-sector partnerships. Key components include modular analytics tools for resource-constrained environments, strategies to bridge talent gaps through localised training programs, and metrics for tracking innovation cycles. By establishing a clear link between data analytics adoption and startup survival, the framework offers actionable pathways for startups to thrive. These findings contribute to academic discourse on innovation ecosystems while providing policymakers and entrepreneurs with evidence-based strategies to foster sustainable growth, positioning data analytics as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation.
Keywords: Data Analytics; Funding; Decision-making; Infrastructure challenges; Startup; Startup ecosystem; Business strategies; African startups; Product development; Innovation
Thesis title: Data Analytics Usage for Improvements in African Startups
Author: Amama, Ushang Desmond
Thesis type: Diplomová práce
Supervisor: Sládek, Pavel
Opponents: Maryška, Miloš
Thesis language: English
Abstract:
African startups operate in a dynamic yet challenging environment characterised by resource constraints, infrastructural deficits, and fragmented markets, contributing to a five-year survival rate below 50%. This study investigates the transformative potential of data analytics in mitigating these barriers, with a focus on accelerating product development, enhancing decision-making, and improving operational efficiency. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative insights from structured interviews with founders, CEOs, CTOs, and data scientists across Nigerian and Czech startups, alongside quantitative analysis of secondary data from Tracxn. Statistical techniques, including logistic regression, were applied to a dataset of 2,403 startups to identify correlations between data analytics adoption and key success metrics, such as reduced time-to-market and increased funding efficiency. A comparative analysis of African, Czech, and U.S. ecosystems revealed critical gaps in Africa’s startup landscape, including limited access to venture capital, underdeveloped academic-industry collaborations, and infrastructural inefficiencies. However, case studies of firms like Nigeria’s Moniepoint (FinTech), Czechia’s Rohlik (e-commerce), and OpenAI (AI) demonstrated how data-driven strategies—such as predictive analytics, customer behaviour modeling, and real-time supply chain optimisation—can overcome these challenges. For instance, Moniepoint’s integration of Google Cloud analytics tools reduced transaction processing times by 30%, while Rohlik’s AI-driven logistics improved delivery accuracy by 25%. The study culminates in a practical framework for African startups, emphasising scalable analytics adoption, ethical data practices, and cross-sector partnerships. Key components include modular analytics tools for resource-constrained environments, strategies to bridge talent gaps through localised training programs, and metrics for tracking innovation cycles. By establishing a clear link between data analytics adoption and startup survival, the framework offers actionable pathways for startups to thrive. These findings contribute to academic discourse on innovation ecosystems while providing policymakers and entrepreneurs with evidence-based strategies to foster sustainable growth, positioning data analytics as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation.
Keywords: African startups; Data Analytics; Product development; Innovation; Startup; Startup ecosystem; Funding; Decision-making; Infrastructure challenges; Business strategies

Information about study

Study programme: Information Systems Management/Data and Business
Type of study programme: Magisterský studijní program
Assigned degree: Ing.
Institutions assigning academic degree: Vysoká škola ekonomická v Praze
Faculty: Faculty of Informatics and Statistics
Department: Department of Information Technologies

Information on submission and defense

Date of assignment: 29. 10. 2024
Date of submission: 5. 5. 2025
Date of defense: 4. 6. 2025
Identifier in the InSIS system: https://insis.vse.cz/zp/90149/podrobnosti

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