Proximité spatiale, mimétisme et développement entrepreneurial endogène en Afrique : un modèle théorique

This article analyzes the conditions for endogenous entrepreneurial development, understood as the transition from entrepreneurship by necessity to local entrepreneurship by opportunity. The theoretical model that we develop shows that the presence of foreign-owned companies does not hinder local entrepreneurship by opportunity, but rather stimulates it through mimicry, thus triggering a cumulative dynamic of endogenous entrepreneurial development. The spatial proximity linking potential local entrepreneurs and foreign companies produces a cognitive proximity that allows the former to switch to entrepreneurship by opportunity by imitating the latter. The State can support this dynamic through better coordination of reforms: macroeconomic measures (improvement of the business climate, promotion of foreign direct investment, minimum infrastructure) must precede microeconomic measures (strengthening entrepreneurial capacities, financial support).