Participatory development of ICT entrepreneurship in an informal settlement in South Africa

Abstract

A unique Participatory Entrepreneurship Development (PED) project was implemented in an informal settlement (Zandspruit) in South Africa. The purpose of the project was to stimulate, among local members of the community, the establishment of innovative, needs-based ICT-related businesses. Training was offered in participatory methods, the process of business development (including needs assessment, business idea generation, business modelling, feasibility analysis, and business plan writing), and sensitization to possible ICT solutions as inspiration for innovation. Participants were expected to propose ICT business solutions for the community, by the community. Results were mixed, with perhaps the most important insight that lack of in-depth ICT knowledge might be the crucial inhibiting factor for community-driven pro-poor ICT-related entrepreneurship.