Abstract
The importance of startups in general and energy startups in particular and their linkage to the sustainable development of the economy cannot be overemphasized. Despite this importance, renewable energy startups in African emerging markets struggle in using their dynamic capabilities because of the complex institutional framework and the turbulent business environment in which they operate. These energy startups also record minimal business success in their lifetime compared to their advanced market counterparts. In this study, therefore, we critically review existing studies in strategic management and identify some strategies that can enable renewable energy startups in African emerging markets to effectively use their dynamic capabilities, enter and adapt to the energy market, survive the instituonal challenges in their environment and ensure the sustainability of their business. With the identified success factors, we design a conceptual model for the success of renewable energy startups in African emerging markets. The theoretical framework derives from the institutional theory, resource-based view and the dynamic capabilities framework.