Overcoming Barriers to Technology Adoption Among Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy

Authors

Sharon Kenmoe Fokou, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Carolien van den Berg, University of the Western Cape, South Africa

Published in

IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings

ISSN: 2576-8581

ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2

DOI: https://doi.org/tbc

Publisher

IST-Africa Institute and IIMC International Information Management Corporation Ltd

Published in Ireland

Abstract

This study investigates technology adoption by focusing on the limited use of digital tools among immigrant entrepreneurs in Cape Town's informal economy. Digital technologies offer various benefits that could support market expansion, operational efficiency, and poverty alleviation, especially for marginalised groups like immigrant entrepreneurs. However, despite their significant contributions, many face barriers such as cultural differences, high costs, language challenges, regulatory constraints, and xenophobia, which hinder their efforts to embrace these tools. Therefore, it is essential to understand these underlying barriers to promote digital inclusion, fostering economic growth and resilience within the informal sector. Using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework, the research investigates factors influencing adoption, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. Semi-structured interviews provide insights into immigrant entrepreneurs' experiences, revealing barriers and offering recommendations to foster a digitally inclusive informal economy in Cape Town, informing policymakers, nonprofits, and advocacy groups for broader economic development and social cohesion.

Keywords

Digital Inclusion; Informal Economy; Immigrant Entrepreneurs; Marginalised Communities; Technology Adoption

Cite this paper

S. Kenmoe Fokou and C. van den Berg (2026) "Overcoming Barriers to Technology Adoption Among Immigrant Entrepreneurs in the Informal Economy", IST-Africa 2026 Conference Proceedings, Miriam Cunningham and Paul Cunningham (Eds), IST-Africa Institute and IIMC, 2026, ISSN: 2576-8581, ISBN: 978-1-905824-76-2, https://doi.org/tbc

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