The role of information and communications technology in refugee entrepreneurship: A critical realist case study

Abstract

AbstractIt is widely claimed that information and communications technology (ICT) enables entrepreneurship among refugees. However, the specific impact ICT has on refugee entrepreneurship is not fully understood. This study addresses the research gap by investigating the role ICT plays in enabling entrepreneurial activities among refugees in the Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi. Drawing on 25 structured interviews we explore the opportunities and challenges faced by refugee entrepreneurs in this context. A critical realist approach is leveraged to identify the stages of business growth where ICT is an important driver and uncover other mechanisms that both enable and/or constrain entrepreneurship. Analysis suggests four generative mechanisms that either enable or constrain refugee business entrepreneurship. The most important finding is that the survival of refugee businesses is facilitated by the market mechanism, with only the growth stage significantly influenced by ICT. Our findings directly conflict with the existing literature that suggests ICT is essential for fostering business entrepreneurship among refugees. This work offers a unique framework for policy interventions that provides guidance on the circumstances, the type of technology and the way it should be leveraged in order to facilitate entrepreneurship.