THE CHALLENGES OF INTERNATIONAL IMMIGRATION, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND SMALL BUSINESSES: EVALUATING THE NEEDS OF FRANCOPHONE AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS.

This workshop is organised by the Foundation for Education, Research and Development (FERD) in association with the Centre of African Studies (University of London)

The aim of the workshop is to provide a forum of discussion on Francophone African business in the West (Europe and North America) and South Africa, in order to assess the extent and vitality of its development and to attempt to identify how it can play a major part in regenerating the economy as a whole, in particular through poverty alleviation strategies.

There is some evidence to mention that globalisation and the subsequent immigration process have created movement people around the world as emphasised by the establishment of large diasporic networks. Some of these groups are well-established whereas others are more recent and are in response to political and economic turmoil and the dynamics of civil war at home. Francophone African communities in the West fall into this 'neo-diaspora'. While their social situation seems to improve to some extent, these groups still encounter many barriers. In fact, their social mobility tends to be limited as they are facing significant social exclusion in terms of jobs, housing, education, health and political participation. However, in contrary to many assumptions immigrants are able to secure a livelihood and support themselves and those individuals and groups that were left behind. It is worth pointing out that dense linkages exist within diasporic communities and between them and home, in particular trough business. As much of this activity takes place in the informal and parallel sphere, it is wise to evaluate its scale and to identify how it is really organised, or what its impacts are on economic development.

One can mention that problems encountered by Francophone African businesses are similar in nature to those faced by small and medium enterprises generally, although some studies highlight that they face them in a more acute at all levels their activities, ranging from the start-up to the growth stages. Recent research has suggested that some black and minority ethnic businesses are disadvantaged in terms of access to finance and business support. It could be argued that Francophone businesses face difficulties, including language barriers, risk aversion behaviour by lenders, sectoral concentration of businesses and lack of business planning. This workshop is expected to pay particular attention to the distinctiveness of businesses owned and run by individuals from French Speaking African countries. Our definition of French Speaking African entrepreneurs is related to the ethnic background of the business owner, which includes people from Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Cameroon.
There is some evidence to mention that some of the needs of black and minority ethnic businesses are generic issues as they are common to all businesses, while others tend to be more distinctive. However, even the more generic needs typically require to be addressed in ways that are sensitive to the resources and experiences of target groups. Distinctive issues that are likely to have implications for the support needs of francophone businesses in the West include refugee status, language barriers and the ‘opportunity structures’ encountering these groups, such as in the labour market.

Key themes of the workshop include:

• How ethnic advantage could be a fertile ground for minority business development? Are Francophone Africans relying exclusively upon business and trade as a successful means of social mobility?

• To what extent are the activities of Francophone Africans in the West entrepreneurial and what implications do they have for livelihoods and economic development both here and in Africa?

• In what ways do the immigration patterns of French speaking African communities are related to their strategies for survival? Are they forced to rely on informal networks and small business built upon diasporic social capital and family linkages?

• To what extent discrimination tends to be a tangible barrier for the promotion of Francophone African entrepreneurs? How to overcome the obstacles and to ensure an appropriate system of access to bank finance and training for Francophone African entrepreneurs?

CONTACT

Any queries regarding aspects of the workshop should be made to:

Dr Claude Sumata
Foundation for Education, Research and Development, Zenith House, Room 18
210 Church Road, London E10 7JQ, Tel: 0208 539 9338/0777 611 42 51
Email: [email protected]

Venue: School of Oriental and African Studies, Russell Square, London University (Brunei Gallery),

Time: From 10 am to 5 pm.