ZAMBIA: Degree holders failing to own businesses

By Ollus Ndomu

A recent survey conducted by the Bank of Zambia (BOZ), in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and Zamstats, has shed light on the state of business ownership in Zambia, revealing some concerning trends regarding higher education qualifications and entrepreneurship.

According to the survey findings, individuals with Masters degrees and other higher qualifications constitute only a meager 3% of Zambians who have successfully transitioned to become business owners. This low representation of highly educated entrepreneurs underscores challenges in fostering entrepreneurship among the country’s educated population.

In contrast, the survey indicates that Diploma holders are the most prevalent group among business owners, comprising 43% of the total. Certificate holders follow closely behind at approximately 30%, while first-degree holders make up about 22% of Zambians who own a business. Interestingly, individuals without tertiary qualifications were found to be nearly on par with Masters degree holders, with 2.4% and 2.8% respectively.

The significance of promoting business ownership lies in its potential to drive economic growth and job creation. By reducing reliance on government employment and fostering a vibrant private sector, countries can alleviate pressure on public finances and stimulate job creation in various industries. However, Zambia’s current landscape suggests a need for concerted efforts to support local entrepreneurship.

Critics argue that successive governments, including the current administration, have prioritized mass employment in the civil service over fostering private sector growth. While such measures may offer short-term relief in tackling unemployment, they pose long-term challenges, including fiscal strain and limited revenue diversification.

To address these issues, stakeholders emphasize the importance of implementing policy reforms to create an enabling environment for local businesses. Key recommendations from the survey include:

Making affordable credit or loans accessible to aspiring entrepreneurs.
Enacting tailored and preferential tax legislation to incentivize business ownership.
Reducing documentation requirements for registering and formalizing businesses.
Enhancing mindset and financial literacy among potential entrepreneurs to foster a culture of entrepreneurship.

In light of these findings, policymakers and stakeholders are urged to prioritize initiatives that support local business ownership and entrepreneurship as a sustainable pathway to economic growth and job creation in Zambia.