Immigrant entrepreneurship in South Africa: A review and research agenda

Abstract

Immigrant entrepreneurship is a global phenomenon that has recently attracted the interest of South African academics. The goal of this article was to conduct a systematic review of the literature on immigrant entrepreneurship in South African (SA) between 2009 and 2021. This systematic review was especially important because it synthesised the current literature on immigrant entrepreneurship in SA as well as proposing new avenues for research. The review included 48 articles, with an emphasis on publication trends, methodological and theoretical approaches, provincial focus, networks used by immigrant entrepreneurs and the barriers faced by immigrant entrepreneurs in SA. The findings indicate that scholarly interest in the concept has increased in SA since 2016–2018, which recorded the highest number of publications (16). The majority of studies in the review employed a quantitative approach; thus, further theorisation of the concept is required, and immigrant entrepreneurs are encouraged to explore other networks such as family, business, managerial and interorganisational networks.This article contributes to immigrant entrepreneurship literature in the South African context by synthesising the findings on immigrant entrepreneurship published within the designated timeframe. In addition, the article also identifies areas of future research on immigrant entrepreneurship in SA.

An Exploration of the Traits Responsible for the Success of Somali Small-Scale Entrepreneurs in South Africa

“…11 In South Africa, a similar narrative unfolds, where immigrants, including Somali nationals, have enthusiastically embraced entrepreneurship as a means of economic survival and prosperity. 12 Partially, this pursuit is profoundly influenced by the country's employment policies and the prevalence of xenophobic sentiments which hinder their integration into mainstream activities. 13 For many immigrants, including Somali immigrants, securing meaningful employment opportunities in South Africa has proven elusive, therefore, entrepreneurship becomes a compelling and viable avenue for survival and economic sustenance, not only for resilient foreign-born entrepreneurs but also for the broader South African economy.…”