Support to youth entrepreneurship in the informal sector: a case of Lusaka’s Kamwala trading area, Zambia
Date
2019
Authors
Mtonga, Marian
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
This study aimed at exploring the nature of youth entrepreneurship support in Kamwala
Trading Area of Lusaka, Zambia. The objectives that guided the study were: to establish
the nature of business activities that youths in the informal economy engage in; to explore
the kind of government support youths have access to; and to understand the opportunities
and challenges associated with government support in promoting youth entrepreneurship.
A case study research design using qualitative approaches was used to conduct this study.
The sample composed of 21self-employed youths aged between 26 and 35 years and 3 key
informants. All participants were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Data was
collected using an interview guide and analysed thematically. Findings of the study were
that youths in Kamwala trading area engaged in trading of consumer goods and services
such as restaurants, hair salons, tailoring, sale of perishables like fruits and vegetables and
non-perishables such as footwear, phones and phone accessories. The study established
that capital (money), patience, determination, being good to customers and having access
to trading space are necessary requirements for the success of these businesses.
The study revealed that youth entrepreneurs have access to loans and trading space as
support from the government. However, the officials reported that they provide support
such as skills development, training, mentorship and networking.Further, the youths
indicated that the government should continue giving them loans because they are more
effective in growing their businesses while the officials from the government argued that
skills development was very important because skills do not diminish and that when one is
empowered with skills they have the ability to execute business opportunities.
The study established the nature of the registration process, competition and high interest
rates on loans as some of the challenges associated with government support. The study
recommended that the government should ensure that the programs and policies meant for
youth run businesses are viable and accessible. It was also recommended that the
government should put in place a mechanism of accountability on how resources are
disbursed to ensure intended beneficiaries have access to the support.
Key Words: Youth Entrepreneurship, Government support
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Youth Entrepreneurship--Zambia , Young business people--Zambia , Informal sector(Economics)--Youths--Zambia