SME's - are some Africans more entrepreneurial than others
SME's - are some Africans more entrepreneurial than others
In South Africa there is a perception that the people from Ghana and Nigeria are better business people than the locals. In Botswana recently I heard comments about the Kenyans and the Tanzanians being good business people and being better than the locals.
All these countries have previously been British colonies and share a similar educational heritage. So is there a tangible difference.
I have not seen any research to support either perspective. However, I do have a theory which is that the real issue is that no matter who you are, when you are an "outsider" in another country, you do not have the support networks, the contracts, the friends that the locals do, the local market knowledge, and so you find it harder to make a living. Furthermore if you are an illegal alien, or perhaps even if you are legal, it is unlikely you will find a job in the formal sector in countries with high unemployment. Xenophobia will ensure you never get shortlisted!! Therefore as the outsider you soon reach desperation level, and have to resort to survivalist entrepreneurial activities.
This topic could very well provide a great topic for a Masters or Phd thesis. I would love to see the results of research in this topic.
SMEs are some Africans more entrepreneurial than others - To learn more about this author, visit Dr. Rob Smorfitt's Website.
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No matter which African country I go to, there is always antagonism between the locals and the "imports" from elsewhere in Africa. This raises the question about whether there is a difference in the level of entrepreneurial drive between the native populations of different countries in Africa.
In South Africa there is a perception that the people from Ghana and Nigeria are better business people than the locals. In Botswana recently I heard comments about the Kenyans and the Tanzanians being good business people and being better than the locals.
All these countries have previously been British colonies and share a similar educational heritage. So is there a tangible difference.
I have not seen any research to support either perspective. However, I do have a theory which is that the real issue is that no matter who you are, when you are an "outsider" in another country, you do not have the support networks, the contracts, the friends that the locals do, the local market knowledge, and so you find it harder to make a living. Furthermore if you are an illegal alien, or perhaps even if you are legal, it is unlikely you will find a job in the formal sector in countries with high unemployment. Xenophobia will ensure you never get shortlisted!! Therefore as the outsider you soon reach desperation level, and have to resort to survivalist entrepreneurial activities.
This topic could very well provide a great topic for a Masters or Phd thesis. I would love to see the results of research in this topic.
SMEs are some Africans more entrepreneurial than others - To learn more about this author, visit Dr. Rob Smorfitt's Website.
Like this article? Share it with your friends
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