Abstract
While there is a plethora of literature about migrants and their economic activities, there is a dearth of information about intra-African migrants. Nevertheless, intra-African migrant entrepreneurship is theoretically gaining momentum and is noted as a critical driver for economic development and poverty alleviation on the African continent. Some African countries have become more attractive than others due to advanced infrastructure and high economic growth and have experienced a surge in immigration. However, increased migration on the African continent has sparked xenophobic and Afrophobic attacks on migrants, creating unfavourable environments for migrant entrepreneurship. The Eastern Cape Province in South Africa is perceived as a home to a growing number of intra-African migrant entrepreneurs. Hence, this chapter examines the socio-economic integration of migrant businesses in the Eastern Cape Province to ascertain the challenges and opportunities these emigrant entrepreneurs face. Particular attention is given to the role they play in promoting economic development and social integration. A cross-sectional research design is adopted involving qualitative data collection as well as analysis. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviews with a sample of nine intra-African migrant entrepreneurs (n = 9) from three towns Alice, Fort Beaufort, and Middledrift. These towns are selected due to the high poverty level and high concentration of small migrant businesses by purposive sampling. Given this, the study has noticed a significant increase in intra-African migration, with many African countries becoming both sending and receiving countries. The research found a wide range of factors that influence the socio-economic integration of intra-African migrant businesses, including access to finance, language proficiency, and cultural factors. Moreover, safety, permits, and a sense of belonging are considered to be impediments. This study concludes that there is a need for a better understanding of the role that migrant entrepreneurship plays in promoting economic development and social integration in the region. Intra-African migration and entrepreneurship are here to stay, and the movements of people driving economic activity across the continent should not be ignored but embraced by all.