Business Management

Sustainable Business Strategies for Indigenous SMEs
Esther Asiedu, PhD
Ebenezer Malcalm, PhD
Afia Nyarko Boakye, PhD
Mohammed Majeed, PhD
Yomboi Jonas

Sustainable Business Strategies for Indigenous SMEs

In Production
Pub Date: Forthcoming February 2026
Hardback Price: $190 US | £150 UK
Hard ISBN: 9781779642820
E-Book ISBN: 978-1-77964-283-7
Pages: Est 382 pp w/index
Binding Type: Hardback / ebook

Indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in promoting economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and enhancing community well-being in Indigenous communities worldwide. This new volume sheds light on the vital role that Indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play in driving sustainable development and preserving cultural heritage while navigating complex socioeconomic landscapes, bridging the gap between theoretical insights and practical applications. It highlights the interplay between tradition and innovation, offering a roadmap for Indigenous entrepreneurs to thrive in today’s competitive markets.

First offering an introduction to Indigenous entrepreneurship, the authors explore the distinctive features of Indigenous entrepreneurship and the importance of cultural values, traditions, and knowledge systems in shaping Indigenous business practices. The authors discuss the concept of sustainability and its relevance to Indigenous SMEs, emphasizing the need to incorporate economic, social, and environmental considerations into business decision-making processes.

Drawing upon interdisciplinary perspectives from business, Indigenous studies, sustainability, and development studies, the authors highlight the challenges and opportunities confronting Indigenous SMEs in pursuing sustainable business strategies. Exploring a range of strategies, from community-based approaches to resource management and traditional knowledge sharing to innovative marketing techniques and partnerships with non-Indigenous stakeholders, the book provide insights for Indigenous entrepreneurs to enhance the sustainability and resilience of their businesses.

The book showcases case studies and best practices from Indigenous-owned businesses around the globe, highlighting instances of sustainable entrepreneurship in action. These case studies demonstrate how Indigenous SMEs are effectively tackling social, environmental, and economic challenges while also preserving their cultural identity and fostering community well-being.

The book also explores the role of Indigenous women in business, the adoption of technology in Indigenous businesses, marketing and branding strategies for Indigenous SMEs, community-based economic development initiatives, and Indigenous tourism enterprises and sustainable tourism practices. The book also includes discussion of government policies and programs supporting Indigenous entrepreneurship

By providing practical guidance, theoretical insights, and real-world examples, this book serves as a comprehensive guide for Indigenous entrepreneurs, policymakers, scholars, and practitioners seeking to establish thriving enterprises that balance economic viability with social and environmental responsibility.

CONTENTS:
Preface

Introduction

1. Introduction to Indigenous Entrepreneurship

2. Navigating the Terrain: Challenges and Opportunities for Indigenous Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)

3. Indigenous Entrepreneurship Models and Frameworks

4. Sustainability in Indigenous Business Practices: Honoring Tradition, Embracing Innovation

5. Indigenous Women in Business

6. Innovation and Technology Adoption in Indigenous Businesses

7. Marketing and Branding Strategies for Indigenous SMEs

8. Community-Based Economic Development Initiatives: Fostering Sustainable Growth and Empowerment

9. Social Enterprise and Indigenous Community Development

10. Best Practices and Success Factors of Social Enterprise in Indigenous Community Development

11. Indigenous Tourism Enterprises and Sustainable Tourism Practices

12. Revitalizing Traditional Crop Diversity: Indigenous Food Sovereignty and Sustainable Agriculture

13. Government Policies and Programs Supporting Indigenous Entrepreneurship


Index


About the Authors / Editors:
Esther Asiedu, PhD
Senior Lecturer, Department of Management Studies, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana

Esther Asiedu, PhD, serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Management Studies at Ghana Communication Technology University in Accra, Ghana. Her academic expertise is evidenced by her extensive research interests, which include management and organizational behavior, leadership, supply chain dynamics, graduate employability, entrepreneurship, procurement, corporate sustainability, small and medium-sized enterprises, AI and management, higher education, green human resource management, procurement practices, and gender-related issues. As a reviewer for several prestigious journals in the fields of management, business studies, AI in management, and corporate social responsibility, Dr. Asiedu has contributed to the academic community through her critical evaluations. Her own research has been published in notable journals and publications by Palgrave Macmillan, IGI Global, Springer, Apple Academic Press, and Taylor & Francis. Dr. Asiedu earned her PhD in Business Administration from CASS Europe in France, an MPA, and a BA (Hons) in Sociology with Political Science from the University of Ghana. She also holds a Postgraduate Certificate in International Higher Education Practice from Coventry University.

Ebenezer Malcalm, PhD
Associate Professor and Dean, School of Graduate Studies and Research, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana

Ebenezer Malcalm, PhD, is an Associate Professor and the Dean of the School of Graduate Studies and Research at Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU), Accra, where he was formerly Director of the Centre for Online Learning and Teaching (COLT). He was the founding Pro Vice Chancellor for Laweh Open University College, the first open university in Ghana. Prof. Malcalm is also an experienced e-learning consultant, professional development consultant, researcher, monitoring and evaluation consultant, communication and development consultant, and leadership expert. He has worked with the American Institute of Research and African American Studies Department at Ohio University, USA. He also facilitated online courses at Ohio University, USA. He graduated and earned a master’s degree in International Affairs with a major in Communication and Development at Ohio University. He earned his PhD in Instructional Design and Technology at Ohio University, USA. Dr. Malcalm has published in and reviewed for reputable journals from publishers including Sage, Emerald, Springer, and Taylor and Francis.

Afia Nyarko Boakye, PhD
Senior Lecturer, Department of Management Studies, Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana

Afia Nyarko Boakye, PhD, is a Senior Lecturer at Ghana Communication Technology University, Accra, Ghana, in the Department of Management Studies. Her academic competence is mirrored by her research activities which embraces a broad range of topics including management and organizational behavior, entrepreneurship and leadership, graduate employability studies, corporate sustainability, small- and medium-sized enterprises, AI and management, higher education, green human resource management, procurement practices, and gender-related issues. Dr. Boakye has published extensively in reputed journals such as the journal Higher Education, Skills and Work-Based Learning (Emerald) and other journals published by Springer, Palgrave Macmillan, Taylor & Francis, and IGI Global. She is reviewer for journals in management, business studies, and AI in management, as well as for the journal Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management. Dr. Boakye holds a PhD in Business Administration from Open University Malaysia (OUM).

Mohammed Majeed, PhD
Lecturer, Marketing Department, Tamale Technical University, Ghana

Mohammed Majeed, PhD, is a Lecturer (PhD) at Tamale Technical University, Tamale, Ghana. His current research interest includes digital marketing, value co-creation, brand/branding, and social media in service organizations. With an impressive academic background, Dr. Majeed has earned two doctoral degrees: a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Marketing, earning him the title "Dr²." Dr. Majeed is also known for his strong presence in the publishing world, contributing articles in renowned academic journals and collaborating with eminent academic publishers including Emerald, Wiley, Taylor & Francis, Springer, Cogent, Routledge, and Apple Academic Press. His research interests span several vital areas in contemporary marketing and business, such as value co-creation, digital marketing, green and sustainable practices, branding, and consumer behavior. In addition to his role at Tamale Technical University, Dr. Majeed lectures at prominent institutions across Ghana. His prolific contributions to academic literature include six published books with 10 more in production with leading publishers. Furthermore, Dr. Majeed has authored over 40 book chapters, solidifying his influence as a scholar and thought leader in his field.

Yomboi Jonas
Teacher, Senior High School, Navrongo, Ghana

Yomboi Jonas is currently a teacher at Senior High School, Navrongo, Ghana, and a PhD candidate in Accounting. Mr. Jonas also teaches part-time at the Community Health Training College. His research interests include social media, public sector accounting, and financial reporting. He has published in reputable journals and platforms such as IGI Global, Emerald, Wiley, and CRC/Taylor & Francis. He holds a Master of Commerce in Accounting from the University for Development Studies, a Bachelor of Education in Accounting with Mathematics from Valley View University, and a Diploma in Ghanaian Sign Language from University of Education, Wenniba, Ghana.




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