China Shop Businesses in Gaborone, Botswana: A Study of Interactions with the Local Community

Abstract

This paper reports empirical research on Chinese owned retail shop (China shop) businesses in Botswana and their interactions with the local community. It examines the challenges that Chinese merchants face when conducting retail business in Botswana, and how they cope with such challenges.  It also analyzes the social and economic impact of Chinese owned retail shops in the country.  Data were mainly collected through participant observations, in-depth interviews and, to a lesser extent, through conversations with Chinese merchants and local people in the shops. The paper argues that due to a saturated market, language and culture barriers, Chinese merchants face various difficulties in keeping their businesses going. In terms of impact, generally speaking, Chinese retail shops contribute to local communities by alleviating poverty and increasing employment opportunities, as well as motivating local people to start businesses themselves.