Exploring The Entrepreneurial Experience Of African Immigrant Women In Canada: Sub-Saharan Africa Perspective

Social, political, and academic activeness in women entrepreneurship has increased over the years. This research project examines African immigrant women entrepreneurs' real-world experiences from a pragmatist perspective embedded with transcendental phenomenology, using qualitative methods in multiple case studies. The study examines 12 Sub-Saharan Africa immigrant women's entrepreneurial experiences in Canada, predominantly West Africans, to investigate how these women approach entrepreneurial activity in Canada, and what has influenced their choices? This study’s findings illuminate the women's experiences through rich analysis, which may influence future policy. The results identify specific systemic environmental and social challenges faced by AIWEs in Canada and reveal that their choices of types of business are often characterized by perseverance. This study found that Canada is proud to serve as a multicultural nation that believes in diversity and equal opportunity. However, systemic marginalization and inconspicuous racism exist—affecting the entrepreneurial ecosystem that inhibits Sub-Saharan AIWEs to exhibit their full potential in their entrepreneurial endeavor.

 KEYWORDS AND ABBREVIATION: Women entrepreneurs, immigrants, African. African immigrant women entrepreneurs (AIWE)