Entrepreneurial Motivation Among Small-Scale Business Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Tanzania

This research examines the entrepreneurial motivation driving small-scale entrepreneurs in Tanzania, taking into account contextual enablers and hindrances. With a focus on indigenous communities, the study aims to uncover the factors shaping individuals’ abilities to pursue opportunities throughout their entrepreneurial journey—from ideation to business succession. The study involved purposively selected 30 small-scale entrepreneurs in Tanzania to address the research objectives considering the significance of local perspectives in understanding entrepreneurial complexities. Utilizing effectuation principles and motivation theories, it illustrates how these entrepreneurs iteratively create opportunities in the non-linear landscape of indigenous entrepreneurship, shaped by cultural, historical, and social influences. Findings highlight the pivotal role of childhood-developed individual passion, commitment to addressing social needs, and pursuit of entrepreneurship due to limited formal employment opportunities or challenges like low pay salaries. Indigenous entrepreneurs navigate obstacles such as government tax formalities, security issues, and competition in their pursuit of sustainable ventures. This research enriches the indigenous entrepreneurship scholarship by providing insights into motivations, strategies, and challenges faced by Tanzanian entrepreneurs, addressing a critical literature gap. The study concludes with recommendations for further research, policy considerations, and practical interventions, acknowledging potential impacts on indigenous communities and their entrepreneurial ecosystems.