## 1 Introduction  
The digital revolution has contributed tremendously towards accelerating the pace of economic and social advancement across the world. It has impacted virtually all sectors of many economies and enabled the critical sectors to respond promptly to global disasters, especially pandemics. Digital technologies have provided a formidable platform that helps industries, most notably manufacturing, finance, education, medical, and communication sectors, mitigate disruptions that are associated with global crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and drive inclusive economic growth, and sustainable development. Moreover, it has redefined government operations, customers' expectations, and business models. It has also impacted all aspects of life and livelihood, including communication, business, work, religious activities, leisure, etc. In addition, it has created an enabling environment for the actors in different walks of life to develop strategies and resilient approaches to achieve inclusive growth. Therefore, countries worldwide have leveraged digital and industry 4.0 technologies to address poverty and inequality, promote food security, boost productivity and provide an eco-friendly environment that is greener and decarbonized [1]. Technologies have also been used to stabilize the trading system, eliminate trade restrictions and curb the transmission of the COVID-19 virus in different parts of the world. China and India are among the countries that have recorded massive technology-driven economic transformation recently, and they are largely recognized as emerging advanced technology super-states across the world [2, 3]. The transformative and sustainable development impacts of digital and industry 4.0 technologies have gradually been recognized in Africa. Over the last decade, digital technologies have contributed to skills and capacity development in Africa. In addition, it has provided the necessary tools to leapfrog the continent's traditional development trajectory [4]. Recently, African leaders developed Agenda 2063 to spruce up the standard of living, health quality, and wellbeing of the African citizens through education and skills acquisition, underpinned by science and digital technologies [5]. These efforts have yielded results, as many African countries have taken advantage of digital technologies to extend critical services to the underserved communities; digitalize their economic sectors; and improve financial inclusion, access to trade, and public services, thereby accelerating sustainable development. For instance, M-Pesa and Flutterwave, among others, have transformed the financial or banking industry in Africa. The flawless transaction services rendered by these companies enhance financial inclusiveness, uplift business activities, promote sustainable development, and help businesses circumvent the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Similarly, mPedigree has helped bridge the gap between the rich and the poor by providing healthcare services both in urban and remote areas [4]. In addition, the use of industry 4.0 technologies has also helped to boost the continent's productivity and put Africa on the path of achieving inclusive growth and sustainable development. In Nigeria, digital technologies have been used by governments, firms, religious organizations, agencies, and businesses to reach the forgotten communities, strengthen economic resilience and achieve the common goal of inclusive growth and sustainable development. Industry 4.0 technologies, including disruptive technologies, big data analytics, cloud computing, cyber-physical systems, internet of things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), drone technology, autonomous machines, and simulation, have been employed in different sectors of the economy, most notably e-commerce, educational, financial, and transportation sectors to respond and adapt to incremental changes and sudden disruption.