Influence of “Primary Groups” on New Chinese Immigrant Entrepreneurship in Africa

Abstract

The study refers to “Primary Groups” of new Chinese entrepreneurs who immigrated to Africa in the 1980s to start entrepreneurial activities. Through in-depth interviews with 30 Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs in five African countries, including Cameroon, Tanzania, Nigeria, Uganda, and South Africa, the findings revealed that “Primary Groups” played a vital role in facilitating the integration of new Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs into the local African environment. In addition, “Primary Groups” provided valuable transnational and ethnic resources that aided the entrepreneurs in launching their businesses successfully. Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that an overly strong attachment of new Chinese immigrant entrepreneurs to their Primary Group can pose additional obstacles to entrepreneurial development in the host countries. The concept of the Primary Group provides a novel perspective on immigrant entrepreneurship research that can enhance our understanding of South–South dynamics and optimize new Chinese immigrants’ entrepreneurship in Africa.