Recreating the Village Abroad: The Role of Diasporic Networks fostering Entrepreneurship in Chicago and Paris among West African Populations

This thesis explores how diaspora networks foster entrepreneurship and community development among Nigerian migrants in Chicago and Senegalese migrants in Paris, with the goal of identifying policy interventions that can replicate these networks to better support West African entrepreneurs. Using a qualitative, interview-based, and comparative approach, the research analyzes how barriers, such as limited access to cultural organizations, inadequate training resources, and complex bureaucratic systems, can impact entrepreneurial success. Despite their different urban contexts, both groups rely heavily on social networks and cultural ties to overcome these challenges. The study offers adaptable policy recommendations that prioritize inclusion, visibility, and institutional support. Guided by the ethos that “it takes a village,” this research highlights how cities can create more equitable and inclusive environments for migrants by centering the lived experiences of West African communities.