IGBO APPRENTICESHIP (Igba Boyi) AS EXEMPLAR OF INDIGENOUS AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP MODEL

Abstract

Igbo apprenticeship (igba boyi) is recently receiving rave reviews in the literature given its success rate in the transgenerational reproduction of successful indigenous entrepreneurs. The paper draws extensively from a 2021 study of Igbo apprenticeship in the Onitsha market, arguably the largest market in West Africa, showing how indigenous entrepreneurship has been boosted by the apprenticeship scheme. Studies on indigenous entrepreneurship have shown that the products of the Igbo apprenticeship scheme show greater dexterity in managing their businesses, are more resilient and evince significantly better results. The paper highlights the nexus between the Igbo apprenticeship scheme and entrepreneurship. The paper seeks to unpack the enablers of Igbo apprenticeship, and why it is largely seen as the poster face of local Igbo entrepreneurs. The paper makes a case for the scalability and adoption of the igba boyi indigenous entrepreneurial model as a vehicle for the development and sustenance of indigenous entrepreneurship practices for African development.