Provision of e-services in Nigerian academic libraries has been around for some time. However, while studies of user satisfaction with traditional modes of library services in these libraries are countless, those focusing specifically on user satisfaction with their e-services are rare. This study therefore investigated the factors that determine students’ use of and satisfaction with the e-services sponsored by a multinational telecommunication firm in a Nigerian university library. The design for the study was both quantitative and qualitative, involving a multistage sampling technique. A questionnaire was used to sample 400 registered students of the library, while 40 students who are non-users of the library’s e-services were interviewed. The 382 valid responses were analysed statistically while the interview responses were analysed thematically. The study found that among those who use the e-services, their level of use was significantly predicted by all the examined e-library service factors (system quality, service quality and information quality), e-library environment, students’ gender, computer/IT self-efficacy and satisfaction with e-services. However, students who were not using the e-services mentioned the following factors, amongst several others, as responsible: lack of awareness of the services, inadequately skilled ICT manpower to support users, absence of user training, inadequate ICT infrastructures including inadequate Internet access and unreliable campus network. Needed to boost the use of and user satisfaction with the e-services are attention to the services, these resource availability factors and the investigated service delivery factors.

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Business models have historically facilitated the ability of firms to create and capture value. Focusing on financial service agents (FSAs) as actors in the Nigerian financial services industry, this study helps to elucidate how value creation and distribution can facilitate business model innovation (BMI) in an emerging market. We deployed Osterwalder and Pigneur’s business model canvas alongside Amit and Zott’s Sources of Value in e-Business (SVCeB) model in mapping FSA business models and value creation sources. We find that the constant need to align the resources of a firm with the demand conditions at the customer end triggers the need for BMI by FSAs. The findings also demonstrate that FSAs have weak business models that inhibit their sustainability and ultimately impede their ability to play their role in closing the country’s financial exclusion gap. We suggest the need for business model innovation by FSAs as a pathway to viability, profitability and sustainability.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the startup models adopted by entrepreneurs in launching platform enterprises, and the effectiveness of business incubators across Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Design/methodology/approach Data reflecting origin, models, services, ownership and other variables were collected on over 600 platforms and 196 incubators, and were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings Market portfolio of the platform startups is dominated by independent models, as incubators and accelerators were found to be inadequate in platform establishment within the region in terms of the services rendered to incubatees. The results also indicate that private ownership still dominates the startup ecosystem with a scant presence of public participation and almost a complete absence of public-private partnerships. Research limitations/implications This exploratory study is constrained by a limited access to information on the platform ecosystem within the SSA region, curbing the scope of empirical work; but serves as a foundation for further investigations within the domain. Practical implications The paper highlights the imperative for African Governments to make conscious efforts in driving enabling policies that will help bridge the gaps identified in facilitating the development of the region’s emergent platform economy. Originality/value The paper empirically elucidates the limited availability of critical resources necessary in supporting the successful development and growth of platform startups; and helps explain why the platform ecosystem within the region, though very active in the last decade, has not been laden with landmark and scaled innovations.