Author(s)

Okechukwu Chidoluo Vitus

Affiliation(s)

Business Administration, Omnibus Institute of Professional Learning, Lagos Nigeria, 42100, Nigeria.

Corresponding Author

Okechukwu Chidoluo Vitus

ABSTRACT

This research paper explores the synergistic effects of corporate training and employee development on fostering innovation within African startups. The primary purpose of the study is to identify how structured training programs and continuous skill enhancement contribute to a culture of innovation among emerging enterprises in Africa. The methodology employed includes a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with startup founders and employees across various sectors. Key findings indicate that startups that invest in comprehensive training initiatives see a marked increase in innovative outputs. Specifically, firms that prioritize employee development not only enhance individual competencies but also cultivate collaborative environments that encourage creative problem-solving and idea generation. Moreover, the research highlights that tailored training programs, designed to meet the unique challenges faced by African startups, significantly boost employee engagement and motivation, leading to more innovative practices. The implications of these findings are profound, suggesting that investment in corporate training should be viewed as a strategic priority for startup leaders aiming to drive innovation. By aligning training efforts with organizational goals, startups can create a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and capable of generating innovative solutions. This paper underscores the need for a paradigm shift in how African startups approach employee development, proposing that a synergistic model of training and development can serve as a catalyst for innovation, ultimately contributing to the economic growth and competitiveness of the region.

KEYWORDS

Innovation; African startups; Entrepreneurship

CITE THIS PAPER

Okechukwu Chidoluo Vitus. Enhancing innovation in African startups. World Journal of Management Science. 2024, 2(4): 24-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.61784/wms3039.

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