Developing a Conceptual Framework of African Immigrant Entrepreneurship in the South African Context

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.