Uncovering the role of institutional context for nascent entrepreneurial ventures

Existing research increasingly provide evidence to support the view that formal and informal institutions significantly influence entrepreneurship generally, and are particularly key influences for new venture creation. These institutions invariably act as triggers for economic growth and development. However, within the Sub-Saharan Africa context, nascent entrepreneurial ventures face wide range of challenges, which hinder entrepreneurial activities and limit development. By evaluating formal and informal institutional challenges facing nascent entrepreneurial ventures, we present a multi-dynamic view of embeddedness to uncover barriers to nascent entrepreneurial activity in Africa. Specifically, the study proposes an enterprise-enabling policy framework to promote economic action and bridge institutional voids which limit entrepreneurial venture development.