Green Technology Entrepreneurship in Africa
摘要
Entrepreneurship itself is not new to the African regions. However, green technology entrepreneurship (GTE) is a new form of entrepreneurship activity in the continent. The importance of GTE cannot be ignored for development and competitive advantage. This study aims to explore the current level of awareness about the benefits of green information technology practices for entrepreneurship. The study focuses on disposing of electronic waste generated during technology entrepreneurship transactions. This work is driven by the critical need to safeguard our deteriorating environment from the pressing challenges of the twenty-first century, including climate change and electronic waste. Methodology: The study uses purposive sampling to select the participants and semi-structured interviews to collect the data. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings suggest that almost all of the participants are aware of the advantages of green information technology in their business transactions though they do not practice it. The factors that inhibit participants from practicing GIT are lack of funding and support, competitive advantage, and awareness to a lesser extent. The paper is not intended to criticize technology operations in GTE but to encourage proper management practices of electronic waste-generating operations. This paper suggests that awareness or education is the first step towards realizing the importance of proper electronic waste management. Neglect of proper management of electronic waste generated during technology entrepreneurship transactions has damaging effects on health and the environment. This research indicates the need for further investigations into methods for promoting and facilitating green technology entrepreneurship across Africa.