Developing a Conceptual Framework of African Immigrant Entrepreneurship in the South African Context
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15678/SER.2026.1.07Keywords:
African immigrant entrepreneurs, African immigrants, entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs, South Africa, financial resourcesAbstract
Background: Studies on immigrant entrepreneurship have generally focused on problems, features, and success aspects, whereas minimal attention has been paid to building a conceptual framework for understanding African immigrant entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Research objectives: This study aimed to construct an empirically informed conceptual framework of African immigrant entrepreneurship in South Africa.
Research design and methods: A qualitative research method was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 22 African immigrant entrepreneurs and their employees. Data were gathered using purposive and convenience sampling and analysed using thematic analysis.
Results: The results show that home-country entrepreneurial experiences, entrepreneurial resources, opportunity recognition, social ethnic support, and the host-country entrepreneurial ecosystem all influence African immigrant entrepreneurship, enabling new venture creation and economic contributions.
Conclusions: This research develops a conceptual framework that enhances our understanding of African immigrant entrepreneurship and gives both theoretical and practical perspectives to academics, policymakers, and entrepreneurship development practitioners in South Africa.
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