Vol. 1 No. 1 (2012)

View Issue TOC

Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Women’s Business Practices in Contemporary Egypt: An African Perspective

Nadia El-Sayed, Department of Research, Suez Canal University Deborah Yates, Suez Canal University Marion Faulkner-Taylor, Alexandria University
Published: January 22, 2026

Abstract

This article examines how Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) shape women’s entrepreneurial practices in contemporary Egypt, framing the nation within its broader African socio-cultural context. It addresses a critical gap in literature concerning the adaptation of IKS within modern, gendered business environments. Employing a rigorous qualitative methodology, the research is based on an ethnographic study involving in-depth, semi-structured interviews with thirty women business owners across Cairo and Alexandria (2021–2023), supplemented by field observations and document analysis. Thematic analysis of the data reveals that these entrepreneurs actively integrate indigenous epistemologies—such as principles of communal reciprocity (*wasta*), relational trust, and oral agreement customs—into their business operations, marketing, and conflict resolution. These practices, often operating alongside formal institutional frameworks, are shown to enhance business resilience and community embeddedness. The study argues that these IKS constitute a distinct, undervalued form of African business acumen, challenging Western-centric entrepreneurial models. By foregrounding African women’s agency in knowledge production, the research contributes to decolonising leadership and governance studies. It concludes that policy frameworks should recognise and support such hybrid models to foster more inclusive and culturally-grounded economic development.

Full Text:

PDF (English (United Kingdom)) HTML (English (United Kingdom))

Read the Full Article

The HTML galley is loaded below for inline reading and better discovery.

Open HTML Open PDF

How to Cite

Nadia El-Sayed, Deborah Yates, Marion Faulkner-Taylor (2026). Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Women’s Business Practices in Contemporary Egypt: An African Perspective. African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2012), 40-55.
EndNote (RIS) BibTeX

Keywords

Indigenous Knowledge SystemsWomen's EntrepreneurshipEgyptAfrican Business EthicsQualitative MethodologySustainable LivelihoodsSocio-cultural Capital

Research Snapshot

Desktop reading view
Language
EN
Formats
HTML + PDF
Publication Track
Vol. 1 No. 1 (2012)
Current Journal
African Journal of Women in Leadership and Governance

References

  • AbdelRahman, M.A.E. (2023). An overview of land degradation, desertification and sustainable land management using GIS and remote sensing applications. RENDICONTI LINCEI. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12210-023-01155-3
  • Adeola, O. (2023). Introduction to Casebook on Indigenous Business Practices in Africa – Volume II Trade, Production, and Financial Services. Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-762-420231002
  • Adeola, O. (2023). Advancing Africa's Indigenous Business Practices: Recommendations for Educators and Business Actors. Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80455-762-420231022
  • Aluko, H.A., Watson, A., Islam, N., Fernandes, F.A.P., Aluko, A.O., Ayertey, S., & Baig, M.M. (2025). Rethinking Business Practices: Harnessing Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Sustainable Strategies for Resilient Entrepreneurial Success. Business Strategy and the Environment. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.70306
  • Chaachouay, N., & Zidane, L. (2024). Plant-Derived Natural Products: A Source for Drug Discovery and Development. Drugs and Drug Candidates. https://doi.org/10.3390/ddc3010011
  • Chakuzira, W., & Mkansi, M. (2025). Indigenous Business Supply Chain Alliance: A Kinship Perspective. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94410-9_2
  • Choongo, P., Lesa, C.N., Taylor, T.K., & Masurel, E. (2024). Mind Your Business or Mining Business? Indigenous Entrepreneurship in the Copperbelt Province Zambia. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64924-0_7
  • Diko, M. (2023). Advancing agriculture through Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) in South African indigenous or black communities. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v12i2.2333
  • Eijdenberg, E.L., Ostertag, F., Dana, L., & Onwuegbuzie, H. (2024). The Significance of Indigenous Entrepreneurship in Sub-Saharan Africa: An Introduction. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64924-0_1
  • Ekene, A.K., Lee, K.S., Decide, M.T., & Thobejane, T.D. (2023). Placing Indigenous Knowledge at the Core of Production and Marketing of Medicinal Plant (
  • ) in Zimbabwe and South Africa. Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-251-520231017
  • Eseoghene Efebeh, V. (2025). Youths’ Perspective on Entrepreneurship in Indigenous Communities in Africa. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Youth Entrepreneurship. https://doi.org/10.5040/9798881895068.ch-010
  • Fulgence, K. (2024). Entrepreneurial Motivation Among Small-Scale Business Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Tanzania. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64924-0_3
  • Gaurav, T.S. (2025). The Role of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Preserving Cultural Identity. The International Journal of Humanities, Social Sciences and Business Management. https://doi.org/10.62896/ijhsbm.v1.i2.02
  • Majeed, M., & Basewe Kosiba, J.P. (2023). An Examination of Indigenous Business Incubators: A Case of Kente Weaving Industry in Ghana. Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-251-520231015
  • Marozva, G., & Magwedere, M.R. (2025). Indigenous Financial Knowledge Systems, Financial Inclusion, and Supply Chain Funding in SMMEs. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94410-9_6
  • Mashau, P., Farisani, T., & Bello, A. (2024). A Focus on Cannabis as an Indigenous Entrepreneurial Activity in South Africa by the Indigenous Khoisan and Bantu. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64924-0_10
  • Meru, A.K., Njoroge – Kinoti, M.W., & Matiri – Maisori, B. (2023). The Somali Business Orientation: Key Lessons and Recommendations for Africa From the Kenyan Somali Practice. Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-251-520231021
  • Ndi, C.L.A.E. (2022). Indigenous Knowledge and Poverty Alleviation in Africa: Experiences from Cameroon. African Perspectives on Poverty, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, and Innovation. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-19-5856-4_10
  • Nyoni, T., & Maimela, G. (2025). Digital content creation as a tool for safeguarding and promoting indigenous knowledge systems in South Africa. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i8.4408
  • Ojo Oloruntoba, ,.S., Moyo, ,.I., & Zondo, L. (2025). Introduction. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Youth Entrepreneurship. https://doi.org/10.5040/9798881895068.0004
  • Ojo Oloruntoba, S. (2025). Decolonizing Knowledge on Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship in Africa. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Youth Entrepreneurship. https://doi.org/10.5040/9798881895068.ch-001
  • Onwuegbuzie, H.N., Mafimisebi, O.P., & Orighoyegha, E. (2024). Indigenous Knowledge and Entrepreneurship as a Strategy for Sustainable Development in Africa. FIIB Business Review. https://doi.org/10.1177/23197145241288403
  • Oukouomi Noutchie, S.C. (2025). Decolonizing education in Africa: Curriculum reform, language policy, and indigenous knowledge systems. International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147- 4478). https://doi.org/10.20525/ijrbs.v14i5.4255
  • Pratap, M. (2022). Integrating Local and Indigenous Knowledge for Climate Change Adaptation in Africa. Palgrave Studies in Sustainable Business In Association with Future Earth. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-86803-1_18
  • Rambe, P. (2024). Business Expansion Strategies on Indigenous Innovation Commercialisation of Small Indigene Firms: An Emerging Economy Perspective. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-64924-0_15
  • Sheta, A., Azim, N.A., & Adisa, I. (2023). Market Revival and Sustainability: Lessons for Business Actors From the Case of Kiliim Social Enterprise, Egypt. Casebook of Indigenous Business Practices in Africa. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-251-520231012
  • Tshibalo, A.E., & Chitakira, M. (2025). Indigenous Salt Production System and Sustainability: A Case Study of Baleni Thermal Springs, South Africa. Palgrave Studies in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenization in Business. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-94410-9_5
  • Uzobo, E. (2025). Afrocentrism. Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Youth Entrepreneurship. https://doi.org/10.5040/9798881895068.ch-002