Journal of African Development

Business analytics has emerged as a critical discipline in the modern data-driven economy, enabling organizations to derive actionable insights from vast and complex datasets. This paper examines the transformative role of business analytics in converting raw data into tangible business value across diverse industry sectors. The study adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review with empirical case study analysis of 12 multinational organizations that have implemented advanced analytics frameworks. Findings reveal that firms leveraging descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analytics report an average 23% improvement in decision-making efficiency and a 17% reduction in operational costs within three years of adoption. The paper introduces a four-stage Business Analytics Value Creation (BAVC) model that maps the journey from data acquisition to strategic value realization. Key drivers identified include data quality governance, organizational data culture, talent capability, and technology infrastructure. The study further highlights implementation challenges such as data privacy compliance, integration complexity, and the analytics talent gap. Implications for managers, policymakers, and academic researchers are discussed, with recommendations for building analytics-ready organizations. This paper contributes to the growing body of knowledge on digital transformation and data-driven strategy by providing an integrated conceptual framework grounded in empirical evidence