Graduate School of Business

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    An investigation of the impact of mobile money services on the profitability of commercial banks in Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2024) Mbunji, Paul
    The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of mobile money services on the profitability of Commercial banks in Zambia. The study was guided by three objectives; (i) To examine the level of use of mobile money services in Zambia; (ii) to assess the measures of financial performance in the banking industry and (iii) to establish the relationship between the use of mobile money services and financial performance of the banking industry. The study applied both qualitative and quantitative research approaches mainly with descriptive correlation design. The target population comprised of workers in all the commercial banks, mobile money operators (MMOs) and regulators and bank experts from Zambia Information and Communications Technology Agency (ZICTA) and Zambia Institute of Bankers (ZIOB) located in Lusaka central business district. A sample of 156 respondents was chosen using purposive sampling techniques to select retail, operations, customer service and finance department employees from banks and MMOs and two experts from ZICTA and ZIOB as key informants. Data was collected using questionnaires administered via Google forms sent to WhatsApp contacts and email addresses of respondents. Data were and analyzed using SPSS statistical packages to generate descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviations) and inferential statistics (regression analysis). The findings of the study were presented in form of means, standard deviations, Pearson’s linear correlation coefficient and linear regression analysis. According to the findings of the study, it was indicated that there is generally a high level of use of mobile money services in the banking industry observed from a high level of reliability and accessibility to the services (Means of 3.71 and 4.17 simultaneously). The findings also indicated that there is a high level of financial performance reflected by a high level of profitability (Mean=4.52) in the banking industry, a high level of loan supervision (Mean=3 .85) and relatively high revenue sources (Mean=4. 11) for the banks. It was also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and financial performance in terms of profitability of banking industry (Sig. Value=0.2l2). It was also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and loan portfolio management of the banking industry (Sig. value=0.605). Finally, it also indicated that there is an insignificant relationship between mobile money services use and revenue of banking industry (Sig. Value=0.435). The study thus recommends that commercial banks in Zambia which have not yet collaborated with MMOs should adopt the use of mobile money services on their platforms as it is highly reliable, accessible and reduces congestion in bank premises by customers who come to make transactions. This will help to boost financial performance in the banking industry.
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    An investigation into the effectiveness of customs strategies in mitigating smuggling of goods in Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2024) Hamachila, Chipo
    The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the existing customs strategies in mitigating smuggling of goods in Zambia with the following study objectives; to assess the effect of taxes on smuggling in Zambia; to analyze the relationship between willingness to pay taxes and smuggling in Zambia; to examine the policy, legal and institutional framework that addresses goods smuggling in Zambia and to examine the effectiveness of the law in relation to goods smuggling in Zambia. Using a Mixed Method approach, descriptive and correlation design were utilized. Primary and secondary data were used where Primary data was using an open-ended questionnaire supplemented by desk research for secondary data. The sample size was 125 individuals from ZRA for both the quantitative and qualitative analysis. However, only 101 participants responded. The findings showed a significant positive relationship between taxes and smuggling prevalence. However, the willingness to pay taxes and smuggling relationship was not significant. For qualitative, the study revealed both strengths and weaknesses within the current policy, legal, and institutional framework addressing goods smuggling. Regarding law effectiveness in combating smuggling, perspectives vary. While some viewed the law as effective, others cited corruption, inadequate penalties, and resource constraints affecting implementation. The study recommends policymakers prioritize transparent tax communication to manage perceptions and balance revenue generation with smuggling risk.
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    Minimisation of late payment of premiums by intermediaries and probable solutions for general insurance companies in Lusaka, Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2021) Manokore, Arnold
    This study sought to understand the premium remittance challenges faced by the Zambian general insurance industry, and suggest realistic solutions. The research used an embedded mixed methods design. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 319 respondents, via email and also by hand. Interviews were also conducted with representatives from the brokers and insurers association, regulator and a service provider. Results of the study showed that defaulting brokers deliberately reneged on their obligations in order to derive financial benefits from using collected premiums. The unethical behaviour was found to be promoted by weak governance and a general lack of accountability especially among large indigenous brokers; lack of strict enforcement, as well as absence of a framework to protect the interests of insurers in situations where brokers default. The study also found that the preferred long-term solution to premium problems is the cash and carry principle, which strengthens the insurer’s position while bringing clarity and certainty to the status of insurance policies. Several amendments to the Insurance Act were recommended, as well as the need for further research to understand the likely impact of the cash and carry principle on insurance affordability, penetration, and sustainability of the insurance business in Zambia.
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    The effects of working capital management on profitability of microfinance institutions in Zambia: a case study of Bayport Zambia limited.
    (The University of Zambia, 2024) Joe, Fungai
    This study investigated the effects of working capital management on the profitability of Bayport Zambia Limited, a microfinance institution in Zambia. The specific objectives were to find out the effect of cash management profitability of Bayport, to assess the effect of non-performing loans (debtors) on Bayport Profitability, to examine the effect of operational expenses on the Profitability of Bayport and to determine the effect of debt recovery effort on the profitability of Bayport. Data were collected through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews with employees and senior management of Bayport Zambia Limited. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including frequency distribution and percentages. The study found that effective management of liquid cash is crucial for sustaining and maximizing profits. Weak cash management negatively impacts profitability. Managing and mitigating non performing loans significantly affects financial performance. Weak management of operational expenses can impact profitability. Timely and efficient debt recovery efforts positively influence profitability. Based on these findings, the study makes several recommendations. Bayport should reassess and strengthen debt recovery strategies, reduce high operational expenses, and utilize technology solutions to effectively monitor customer status. Collaboration with regulatory authorities is necessary to develop and enforce a regulatory framework for responsible lending and efficient working capital management. Financial literacy and education programs should be implemented to promote awareness and responsible borrowing. These recommendations aim to improve working capital management and overall profitability in Bayport Zambia Limited and the microfinance sector in Zambia.
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    Business accelerator interventions and MSME growth in Lusaka, Zambia.
    (The University of Zambia, 2024) Mwape, Chembo
    The Zambian government and numerous stakeholders have been at the forefront of creating a conducive climate for MSMEs to thrive by implementing various programs and policies. Despite these interventions, the failure rate of MSMEs is alarmingly high and currently stands at 50% (Chilembo 2021). Business accelerator programs aim to improve the survival and success rate of MSMEs and consequently reduce the failure rate of MSMEs in the country. They have increased in number and popularity in the past 5 years. Considering that MSMEs are a key vehicle to national social-economic development, this study sought to assess the the influence of accelerator programs to the growth of the ventures they support. This study employed a mixed methods approach to identify the support provided by business accelerators to MSMEs in Zambia, which type of support MSME’s found most valuable and to investigate the relationship between accelerator programs and MSME growth. The sample consisted of 5 Business accelerator firms and 50 MSMEs from Lusaka. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used as instruments for data collection. The data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics and presented in tables, bar charts and bar graphs. Some data was thematically and qualitatively analyzed. The study established that accelerator programs had a positive relationship to MSME growth. The findings indicated that the accelerator programs offered MSMEs interventions including capital, mentorship, training and networking. The study also concluded that training is the most beneficial intervention received by participants in acceleration programs. The study recommends need for increased capital funding for business start-ups and for purposes of expanding already established businesses. There is also need to expand the training of new entrepreneurs in order to equip them with relevant skills that would enable them manage their businesses better, and steer their businesses in the right direction.