Entrepreneurs and ICT Technology in the Dzaleka Refugee Camp

摘要

This paper aims to investigate whether ICT technologies can have an enabling impact by creating opportunities for self-reliance and self-employment for refugees while they rebuild their lives. In the process, we explore the challenges refugee entrepreneurs in Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi face. Drawing on 25 structured interviews with successful refugee entrepreneurs, the findings suggest that refugee entrepreneurs frequently use digital tools. However, digital literacy is the main obstacle towards accomplishing the full potential of ICT tools and achieving the full benefits of this technology. With one exception, data collection using ICT tools regarding current customers is not common. Given the chance, almost all respondents are eager to obtain customer feedback so they can improve customer satisfaction. Among 25 entrepreneurs 7 are female and among them one with a non-traditional female business.