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

Abstract

There have been considerable government investments in financial and non-financial support for local South African small and micro-enterprises, despite this, many struggle to stay afloat compared to their counterparts, like Somali entrepreneurs. This case study, therefore, sought to explore the fundamental tenets responsible for the success of Somali entrepreneurs in South Africa, seeking valuable insights to inform policies that can enhance the competitiveness of local SMEs. Utilising a qualitative research design and an exploratory approach, an in-depth understanding and contextual knowledge of the experiences and practices of Somalian entrepreneurs were distilled. Data was collected using a semi-structured interview guide with a purposively selected sample of 23 experienced Somali entrepreneurs operating various small-scale businesses, across different sectors in Pretoria West. A thematic analysis, using Atlast-ti as a modelling tool, was utilised to identify recurring patterns and critical success factors underpinning the achievements of the entrepreneurs in the study area. Six themes emerged and in order of priority, were – preference for collaborative ventures, a sense of community, informal networks, adaptive spirit, resilience and customer-centred business orientation. By learning from the experiences of these Somali small-scale entrepreneurs, specific support measures can be developed to foster a more inclusive and robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in South Africa, ultimately, leading to greater enterprise efficacy. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Orientation, Business Efficacy, Success Attributes, Immigrants, Communal Oriented Business