Predominantly, the role and importance of African immigrant entrepreneurship had been rarely elaborated with perspectives to its contribution on skills transmission. This study examines African immigrants' entrepreneurial activities in South Africa, how their entrepreneurial practices lead to skills transmission to their employees in general and South Africans in particular. Therefore this paper aimed at assessing the contributions made by African immigrant entrepreneurs' towards skills transmission in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa which is perceived to be missing amongst the locals. Understanding these components is vital for stakeholders and the government as this area plays a major role towards skills development and job creation. Pragmatic research paradigm was adopted and a mixed method was selected. Data was obtained from 170 entrepreneurs and their employees through questionnaire and semi-structured interviews formed the basis for the analysis. Descriptive and content analyses were employed to analyse data. The results of the study revealed that immigrant Small, Medium and Enterprises (SMEs) contribute towards skills transmission to the locals. Adaptive governmental policies thus require a holistic appreciation of the African immigrants' contributions to entrepreneurial skills transmission which stimulate economic growth and new business opportunities. © 2019 Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal.

Employees South Africa Entrepreneurial skills transfer Skills acquisition Entrepreneurship immigrant entrepreneurship

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