Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa

A Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa is a collection of business case studies that expand understanding of how indigenous enterprises apply entrepreneurial practices embedded in culture to achieve success. Indigenous methods are part of Africa's social and economic fabric, and these cases identify concepts and models that can accelerate growth in Africa. The value of these practices across regions of Africa cannot be overemphasised despite the dominance of Western business methods, which, though beneficial, are yet to drive the continent's developmental agenda. By exploring indigenous business practices in Africa, students, educators, practitioners, entrepreneurs and government decision-makers will be introduced to unique and sustainable practices that can foster inclusive growth and social and economic empowerment when contextualised within the business landscape. Identification of relevant orientations in indigenous practices that will benefit contemporary business frameworks and actors is a significant contribution of the authors of this book. Incorporation of these indigenous methods into management teachings and business practices is essential to the continent's economic growth and socio-cultural progress.

There are notable indigenous business models in the African context that have either been unexplored or are yet to be highlighted and given due attention at the international level. This chapter provides a cross-case analysis of the indigenous business practices of three ethnic groups across West Africa: Nigeria (Igbos), Ghana (Ewes) and the Benin Republic (Guns), thus viewing business models, from anglophone and francophone perspectives. Specifically, the chapter discusses the apprenticeship models igba-boi, of the Igbo society, dorsorsror, among the Ewes, and eyi alo within the Guns society and succession models in the three societies ‘Inochi anya, domenyinyi and eyi kanta’ respectively, with the aim of highlighting insights for practice, policy and academia. Historically, there have been relevant structures to ensure the transfer of knowledge and wealth to the next generation; this is driven by both cultural and traditional systems of the ethnic groups. The findings show that the family unit plays a significant role in building a sustainable channel, though informal, through which the heritage of business models is attained. To this end, the authors recommend leveraging the unique models of apprenticeship and business succession practised in these ethnic groups to support current policies, such as those relating to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Apprenticeship is an ageless method of transferring knowledge of a particular trade or business from a master to an inexperienced apprentice. Africans employed various apprenticeship methods to transfer their traditions, customs, and trades to successive generations. In Nigeria, various tribes have different methods of practising apprenticeship. This study, therefore, examines apprentice training and mastership as procedures that Igbo entrepreneurs of South-East Nigeria deploy to develop their management skills. A multi-case study approach of Igbo entrepreneurs was adopted for the study. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews, and a narrative approach was used for the analysis. Findings reveal that Igbo entrepreneurs achieve managerial development through apprentice training and mastership. The chapter recommends that aspiring entrepreneurs undergo apprentice training and mastery before investing in any business. Finally, the government and its citizens can adapt the Igbo apprenticeship model to reduce unemployment and increase business ownership across Africa.

This chapter documents business ethics and value orientation of the Igbo business model of southeastern Nigeria. The case study method was employed with two purposively selected Igbo enterprises based in Lagos, Nigeria, to provide insights into the model. The chapter reveals that business ethics and values constitute key components of indigenous business success and survival. The identified business ethics and values include diligence, trust, prudence, unity, honesty, integrity, cordial relationships with customers and suppliers, perseverance and patience. Furthermore, the Igbo apprenticeship system facilitates the transfer of business knowledge, practices and principles from one generation to another. Notably, one of the cases focuses on a female-owned enterprise, emphasizing that the issues raised are applicable to both genders. The chapter concludes with recommendations for business actors in Africa.

The Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) built on a country's centuries-old know-how in handicraft production, the images, stories, symbols, music, dances and the likes have the potential to contribute significantly to the country's GDP and socio-economic development. Particularly in developing countries where there is high rate of unemployment among the youth. We used a case study research to explore the experiences, challenges and opportunities of businesses in the cultural and creative sector. To do so, we selected a start-up in Ethiopia that specialises in designing and producing culturally inspired quality and sustainable lifestyle products. Specifically, the chapter highlights the potential of indigenous knowledge and skill coupled with innovation in designing contemporary products and the process of producing them for the individual entrepreneurs, as well as the promotion and preservation of the country's cultural heritage. It also indicates the need to utilise abundant but underutilised resources to produce value-added and sustainable products in the region.

The handicraft industry has been contracting in recent times because of external competition and a preference for foreign-made crafts by consumers. Kiliim, ¹ an Egyptian social enterprise and lifestyle brand, has initiated the process of revival needed in the industry with modern designs of the traditional crafts (local bed covers, curtains, bedding, rugs, bathmats, cushion, throw pillows dining and living cloths). This case provides an analysis of the company, beginning with how the idea of the kilim product was conceived and the dilemma they are currently facing. Although Kiliim, with various kilim product offerings, has made significant inroads in the consumer market, it must continue to adopt innovative strategies to sustain its survival in the market. With globalisation rapidly changing the dynamics of market entry and penetration, indigenous organisations must be innovative with their product and service offerings. Suggestions are made for the sustainability of the indigenous craft industry in Egypt and Africa.

The purpose of this study is to explore the indigenous business incubators with special emphasis on the Kente weaving industry. The study highlights the formation, incubation, challenges, opportunities and strategies for success based on the Kente indigenous business model. The Kente subsector is in the clothing industry and accommodates small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The study adopts a qualitative and descriptive case study design with five SME Kente shop owners as respondents. Findings reveal that some owners inherited their business, whilst others established them themselves. Owners incubate their business via shared services, ad hoc business advice, financial management, family support, employee relationship management and prayers. The challenges often encountered were inadequate financial backing, lack of government support and business competition. The opportunities harnessed were technology, growing market demand and innovation.

Finally, in respect of the knowledge of Kente weaving, it was found that the weavers learnt from their elders that weaving is the skill of a spider, a prestige to Asantes. The chapter concludes that Kente business has the potential to contribute to the socio-economic development of Ghana and Ghanaians. It is recommended that SME owners invest in individual, team and organisational learning and build capacity for technology implementation. The study also provides recommendations for business actors in the textile industry to engage in collaboration with owners of SME Kente businesses to address the challenges.

This study explores the socioeconomic benefits and challenges of smock dealership in Tamale. Despite the relevance of the African traditional garment sector in the socio-cultural and economic development of local and national economies, the industry is bedeviled with a plethora of challenges. Empirical evidence also confirms that African management practices have been largely dependent on western ideologies without taking cognisance of the unique features of indigenous practices. This case study provides an account of successful indigenous business practices among smock dealers in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana, employing mainly qualitative descriptive research methods. Manual thematic analysis was utilised on the qualitative data. Findings showed that smock businesses offer economic/financial benefits such as income generation, family up-keep, trade, serves as wedding attires, social networks, projects northern cultures, sources of income and livelihood. We also found various advantages of deploying technology in smock business and these include efficiency, productivity, fraud prevention, financial benefits to the producers, competitiveness and globalisation via social media, and customer relationship building. It is recommended that the government make wearing made-in-Ghana clothing a policy and enforce its use. Also, the Ghanaian government and NGOs should make industrial sewing machines available to encourage the business, thereby increasing smock production.

This chapter explores the role of indigenous knowledge system (IKS) in the development of informal entrepreneurial models in Africa. This was undertaken through a discussion of the production processes and the marketing platforms used in producing and distributing mpesu (a traditional medicine used for sex enhancement and reproductive healthcare) by Traditional Healthcare Practitioners (THPs) in the Vhembe District of South Africa, and Beitbridge areas of Zimbabwe. The argument is that drawing on Vhavenda IKS-based strategies, entrepreneurs involved in the healthcare product have managed to develop context-appropriate and innovative strategies for marketing mpesu. However, while this model may appear unorthodox, it has helped sustain the appetite and demand for the product. It has also, despite its imperfections, provided economic safety-net for local entrepreneurs.

Indigenous health care models have continued to play significant roles in the development and sustenance of livelihoods in African communities. Such models are used not only to provide affordable community health care services but also as an employment resource for traditional practitioners within African communities. Yet, for lack of documentation and lack of discussion in the management and Indigenous Knowledge System literature, the models are hardly incorporated into the official health care services of African countries. This chapter addresses this problem by documenting the benefits and merits of the entrepreneurial principles embedded in the Tsonga traditional health care practice. First, it highlights how the unique indigenous traditional model is used for administering health care in a selected Tsonga-speaking community in South Africa. Second, it analyses the entrepreneurial principles embedded in the model. Finally, it discusses how such principles have been used as tools for entrepreneurship and enhancing the economic upkeep of the traditional health care practitioners (THPs). The chapter's main argument is that even though the Tsonga traditional health care practice model is complex, mystical, and in most cases challenging to explain to a non-native, it presents a great entrepreneurial opportunity for South Africa.

The COVID-19 pandemic imposed movement restrictions and limited access to modern medical services, prompting the search for alternative solutions, such as indigenous herbal medicines. In Southwest Nigeria, female herbal producers, often with limited economic resources, play a significant role in herbal medicine production. Despite facing multiple challenges, these producers have demonstrated remarkable creativity in navigating the barriers. However, without deliberate efforts to preserve their creative values, indigenous herbal businesses face the threat of extinction. This chapter investigates the resourcefulness of female herbal producers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Southwest Nigeria and proposes strategies for sustaining their trade. Qualitative data were collected to identify the treatment patterns and trade dynamics among female herbal producers in the region. The findings indicate that movement restrictions during the pandemic disrupted herbal producers' access to treatment materials, yet they managed to meet their communities' health needs. These women often serve as first responders and primary healthcare providers in many local communities in Southwest Nigeria, and collaboration with the government will further enhance their effectiveness. The sustainability of indigenous herbal medicine production and trade by women can become a pathway to promote women's economic empowerment in Nigeria if given the necessary support. The chapter concludes with policy recommendations for sustaining the ingenuity of female herbal producers in Nigeria.

The rapid expansive growth of the Somali business community in many parts of the world has ignited varied debates on its significance and consequences. The Kenyan Somali Community are inhabitants of the northeastern region of Eastern Africa, traversing five counties, bordering the Somali and Ethiopian Republics, and include Somali immigrants from the diaspora. Interestingly, they also inhabit most cities and urban places in all parts of the country, running diverse businesses. The Kenyan Somali business community in the suburb of Eastleigh, Nairobi City County, are well-established despite numerous challenges and the impression of clandestine economic activities. However, close scrutiny of the Somali community yields a slightly different explanation – it is anchored on clan, trust, hawala (Somali money transfer system), pooled resources and social capital, derived from social networks such as family and friends, with commercial dealings rooted in trust, and shared responsibilities. In addition, the ability to access pooled financial resources at a reasonable cost, the presence of a trusted, flexible and motivated labour force coupled with a network with insider information, form key aspects of their practice. This chapter attempts to unearth positive elements of the Kenyan Somali business enterprise orientation, which, if incorporated into African business practice, presents a unique proposition for the continent's progress and prosperity.

Africa is a vast, immensely diverse continent with hundreds of local languages, traditions, values, and cultures that shape the lives of its people. The vast resources available on the continent present numerous opportunities for economic development and prosperity. The preceding chapters in this volume have explored many of these resources, highlighting the importance of indigenous knowledge in driving sustainable business structures across Africa. This chapter concludes with practical recommendations for implementing and sustaining indigenous knowledge on the continent and building a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa. We anticipate that these observations and recommendations will aid African researchers, government and non-governmental organisations, educators, business actors and leaders, legislators, and the general public in thinking globally but acting locally to advance indigenous knowledge in Africa.