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Disruptive Technology and Accounting Practice in Africa

Obiora Peters, Emeka PhD

Abstract

This research work explores how disruptive technology of Internet of things (IoT), Artificial intelligence (AI), and Big Data (BD) affect the efficiency of accounting practices (EAP) in Africa. The study sampled 3-countries of uneven years on a purposive sample of a population of 54 African countries, making a balanced panel of 30 country-year observations. The analysis of the effects of these technologies on the quality, timely nature, and transparency of financial reporting was presented by the use of a fixed effects regression model. The findings indicate that the effect of IoT on the accounting efficiency is the strongest and significant with the effect of AI reaching the second-best attributed amount with a significant effect. Conversely, the correlation between Big Data and all sample characteristics is negligible and negative, which may indicate low use or problems with implementation amongst the sampled nations. These results correlate with Diffusion of Innovation Theory & the Technology Acceptance Model, which may demonstrate the role of perceived usefulness, Infrastructure, and propensity to adopt in determining the efficiency of these technologies. The research makes conclusion that, IoT and AI are the two important drivers of accounting transformation in Africa, but more investment in the quality of data infrastructures and analytics capabilities is necessary towards achieving the potential of Big Data. It advises that there is need to focus on integrating of IoT and AI in accounting systems in order to enhance financial accountability and decision-making within the continent.

Keywords

Disruptive technologyInternet of things IoT; Artificial intelligence AI; Big Data

References

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