Navigating digital transformation: the critical role of knowledge sharing and digital transformational leadership in boosting innovation capability in Sub-Saharan Africa

Purpose This study examines the role of digital transformation, knowledge sharing, and digital transformational leadership in enhancing innovation capability in Sub-Saharan Africa. Design/methodology/approach A survey-based quantitative methodology was employed, targeting senior and middle-level managers in industrial technology, manufacturing and financial services sectors in Ghana and Nigeria. The hypothesized relationships were analyzed using PLS-SEM tools in SmartPLS to assess the relationships between variables. Findings Results indicate that digital transformation significantly enhances innovation capability and knowledge sharing. Knowledge sharing positively influences innovation capability and mediates the relationship between digital transformation and innovation capability. Additionally, digital transformational leadership moderates the relationships between digital transformation and both innovation capability and knowledge sharing. Research limitations/implications The study’s findings are based on data from specific sectors in Ghana and Nigeria, limiting generalizability. Future research could explore other regions and industries to broaden the understanding of these relationships. Practical implications Organizations in Sub-Saharan Africa should focus on fostering digital transformational leadership and encouraging knowledge sharing to maximize their innovation capabilities through digital transformation. Originality/value This research contributes to the dynamic capability theory by integrating digital transformational leadership and knowledge sharing as critical factors in digital transformation, specifically within the context of Sub-Saharan Africa.