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Refining the Definition and Typologies of Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Systematic Review

Author

Listed:
  • Wellington Chakuzira

    (Department of Operations Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • John Michael Maxel Okoche

    (Department of Operations Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

  • Marcia Mkansi

    (Department of Operations Management, University of South Africa, Pretoria 0002, South Africa)

Abstract

This paper aims to describe a highly pervasive and under-reported context-specific phenomenon of entrepreneurship, specifically in light of the rise in different types of entrepreneurial activities in Africa. Explicably, this paper accepts that entrepreneurship typologies are different across the globe. Utilising the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA), a total of 1230 articles were discovered from Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest databases. Subsequently, a screening for suitability was conducted, resulting in the exclusion of 1200 articles based on criteria such as publication year, jurisdiction, and abstract review. Ultimately, 30 journal articles were imported into Zotero Reference Manager and Atlas for further examination. This study found that a state of entrepreneurship mishap exists in Africa. The utilisation of a uniform approach in supporting entrepreneurs is identified as another challenge. Lastly, this study introduces nine novel entrepreneur typologies: Lifepreneurs, Part-timers, Hobbypreneurs, Entremployees, Empreneurs, Techpreneurs, Carte-blanche, Profeneurs, and Smartpreneurs. These typologies serve as a conceptual framework for categorising various entrepreneurial initiatives based on a true reflection of the African entrepreneurial ecosystem, attributes, and key success factors. Theoretically, our paper fills a gap in the academic literature regarding the study of entrepreneurship in developing countries and its classifications. Practically, this paper could offer African policymakers a blueprint for supporting startups at a local level. Significantly, this work stands out for providing a classification system that captures the authentic nature of entrepreneurial undertakings within African economies.

Suggested Citation

  • Wellington Chakuzira & John Michael Maxel Okoche & Marcia Mkansi, 2024. "Refining the Definition and Typologies of Entrepreneurship in Africa: A Systematic Review," Administrative Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-30, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jadmsc:v:14:y:2024:i:8:p:184-:d:1459683
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Susilo, Donny, 2020. "Scalable Start-up Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development in Emerging Economies," Asian Journal of Applied Economics, Kasetsart University, Center for Applied Economics Research, vol. 27(2).
    2. Ebrahim Endris & Andualem Kassegn, 2022. "The role of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to the sustainable development of sub-Saharan Africa and its challenges: a systematic review of evidence from Ethiopia," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 11(1), pages 1-18, December.
    3. Donny Susilo, 2020. "Scalable Start-up Entrepreneurship and Local Economic Development in Emerging Economies," Asian Journal of Applied Economics/ Applied Economics Journal, Kasetsart University, Faculty of Economics, Center for Applied Economic Research, vol. 27(2), pages 145-163.
    4. Boris Urban, 2011. "Social capital configurations for necessity-driven versus opportunity-driven entrepreneurs," South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, vol. 14(4), pages 407-421, December.
    5. Herbert Wamalwa & Radha Upadhyaya & Paul Kamau & Dorothy McCormick, 2019. "Strategies of Kenyan firms: a case study of food processing firms in Nairobi," African Journal of Economic and Management Studies, Emerald Group Publishing Limited, vol. 10(4), pages 507-520, November.
    6. Constance Gunhidzirai, 2024. "An exploration of government policies for supporting informal entrepreneurship in Zimbabwe," International Journal of Management Practice, Inderscience Enterprises Ltd, vol. 17(1), pages 1-18.
    7. Mikael Samuelsson & Per Davidsson, 2009. "Does venture opportunity variation matter? Investigating systematic process differences between innovative and imitative new ventures," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 33(2), pages 229-255, August.
    8. Alberto Lafuente & Vicente Salas, 1989. "Types of entrepreneurs and firms: The case of new Spanish firms," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 10(1), pages 17-30, January.
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