African Insurance Studies (Business focus)
African Insurance Studies (Business focus) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Human Resource Management in Botswana's Mining Sector
Human Resource Management (HRM) in the mining sector of Botswana is crucial for maintaining productivity and ensuring compliance with labour laws. Qualitative research methods were employed to gather insights from existing literature and interviews with stakeholders. HRM policies in Botswana's mining sector often emphasise flexibility and adaptability, particularly regarding leave management and remote working arrangements. Current HRM practices show a strong focus on customization to meet the unique needs of a resource-exhaustive industry, but there is room for improvement in areas such as employee engagement and training programmes. Implementing more standardised HRM policies could enhance consistency across different mining companies and improve overall sector performance.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender Inequality Programmes and Insurance Access in Nigerian Communities 2010
Gender inequality remains a significant issue in Nigerian communities, affecting access to insurance among women. The study employed ethnographic methods including participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with community members, insurance providers, and programme implementers to gain insights into the dynamics of gender inequality and its impact on insurance access. Findings indicate that while some programmes have successfully increased women's awareness about insurance products, significant barriers such as cultural norms and economic constraints persist, particularly in rural areas where female participation is lower. Gender equality initiatives need to be more culturally sensitive and address structural barriers to improve insurance access for women in Nigerian communities. Programmes should incorporate gender-sensitive training sessions, engage local leaders, and provide financial literacy workshops to enhance women's confidence and knowledge about insurance products.
Education and Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Development in Uganda
Education plays a crucial role in fostering entrepreneurship within Uganda’s business ecosystem. A mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative survey data will be employed to explore the relationship between educational programmes in business and entrepreneurial activity. Business graduates show a higher likelihood (60%) of starting their own ventures compared to non-graduates, indicating that education significantly influences entrepreneurial behaviour. This study provides insights into how educational interventions can be tailored to support the growth of Uganda's entrepreneurship sector. Government and educational institutions should prioritise developing comprehensive business curricula and mentorship programmes to enhance future entrepreneurs’ capabilities.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Technological Adoption Among Smallholder Farmers in Congo's Gold Mining Districts
Precision agriculture techniques are increasingly being adopted by smallholder farmers to enhance productivity in resource-limited settings. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with 30 smallholder farmers. Data collection occurred over a period of six months. Farmers showed moderate interest and usage in precision agriculture tools such as GPS-guided tractors and soil moisture sensors, with about half of the respondents indicating willingness to adopt new technologies. The findings suggest that while there is potential for increased adoption, barriers related to cost and technical literacy need addressing. Investment in training programmes and affordable technology solutions should be prioritised to facilitate wider technological uptake among smallholder farmers. Precision Agriculture, Smallholder Farmers, Technology Adoption, Gold Mining Districts, Democratic Republic of Congo
Cross-Cultural Management Challenges in Pan-African Companies
Cross-cultural management challenges are increasingly recognised as significant obstacles for Pan-African companies operating across diverse geographical and cultural landscapes. This study employs qualitative thematic analysis to synthesize existing literature on cross-cultural management issues and integrates insights from various disciplines including organisational behaviour, cultural studies, and business administration. This theoretical framework delineates the multifaceted nature of cross-cultural management issues in Tanzanian contexts, highlighting the need for tailored strategies to mitigate these challenges effectively. Recommendations include developing comprehensive language training programmes and fostering intercultural competency within insurance companies to address identified communication barriers.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Gender-Specific Insurance Products in Urban Ghanaian Communities
Urban Ghanaian communities are increasingly exposed to property loss risks due to climate change and urban development projects. A qualitative study employing semi-structured interviews with community leaders, policy makers, and insurance providers to gather insights. Interviews revealed that women's participation in insurance decision-making processes is low, often due to cultural norms. Women are more likely to report property losses but have lower coverage levels than men. Gender-specific insurance products can be designed to improve uptake and effectiveness by addressing these barriers. Insurance companies should engage with local communities to understand gender dynamics in risk perception and decision-making, and tailor their products accordingly.
Geographic Terms: Urban Geography Methodological Terms: Qualitative Research Theoretical Terms: Gender Studies Empirical Terms: Insurance Studies Contextual Terms: Climate Change Economics
The Influence of Business Education on Entrepreneurship Development in Uganda
Uganda's economy is largely driven by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which often lack formal business education. This study examines how educational backgrounds influence entrepreneurship development in Uganda. Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs and educators. The sample included 30 participants from various sectors, focusing on educational backgrounds and their effects on entrepreneurial ventures. Entrepreneurs with formal business education reported higher rates of successful venture establishment (85%) compared to those without such training (42%). Business education plays a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurial success by equipping graduates with essential skills and networks. Ugandan policymakers should prioritise integrating entrepreneurship programmes into formal business curricula to enhance SME growth potential.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Behavioural economics has emerged as a critical field for understanding consumer behaviour in financial markets, particularly within African contexts characterized by diverse socio-economic conditions and limited formal financial services. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys focusing on a diverse sample of Nigerian insurance customers across urban and rural settings. During the study, it was observed that over 60% of respondents exhibited cognitive biases such as loss aversion and confirmation bias when making insurance purchase decisions, highlighting significant consumer vulnerability. The findings underscore the need for targeted education programmes and regulatory interventions to mitigate these behavioural vulnerabilities in Nigerian insurance markets. Policy recommendations include mandatory financial literacy training for consumers and enhanced oversight of insurance companies to align with best practices from behavioural economics research.
Youth Engagement in Business Dynamics Within Angola's Socioeconomic Landscape, 2006
Youth have become a significant demographic in Angola's socioeconomic landscape, particularly within business dynamics. An ethnographic study was conducted through participant observation, interviews with stakeholders including young entrepreneurs, and analysis of secondary data from government sources and industry reports. Youth account for approximately 40% of new business ventures in Angola's economy, focusing primarily on microfinance and digital services. Challenges include limited access to capital and market knowledge. The youth sector represents a dynamic force within Angola’s economic development but requires targeted support to foster sustainable growth. Policy makers should prioritise educational programmes that equip young entrepreneurs with financial literacy and business skills, alongside initiatives aimed at improving access to finance and technology infrastructure.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Renewable Energy Initiatives and Employment Dynamics in Zanzibar, Tanzania
Renewable energy initiatives have been implemented in Zanzibar, Tanzania to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts. A comparative analysis of local businesses engaged with renewable projects versus those not involved was conducted through interviews and surveys. Contrary to expectations, there is a significant increase (30%) in job creation among companies that adopted renewable energy technologies compared to their counterparts. Renewable energy initiatives have had a substantial positive impact on employment generation in Zanzibar's local economy. Local governments and businesses should prioritise the adoption of renewable energy solutions to further boost employment opportunities.
Microinsurance and Stigmatization among Former Child Soldiers in Eastern Sierra Leone
The Eastern Sierra Leone region has a history of conflict and subsequent stigmatization among former child soldiers. A mixed methods study combining qualitative interviews and quantitative insurance enrollment data to explore factors influencing participation and impact on stigmatization reduction. Microinsurance enrollment was higher among former child soldiers who perceived support from their communities compared to those in more isolated areas, with a significant difference (p < 0.05). Microinsurance can serve as an effective tool for stigma reduction but requires community engagement and tailored interventions. Policy makers should integrate microinsurance into post-conflict rehabilitation programmes and encourage community support structures. microinsurance, former child soldiers, stigma, Sierra Leone, mixed methods
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Microfinance Institutions and Women Entrepreneurs in Ethiopian Development Context, 2005
Microfinance institutions (MFIs) have emerged as significant players in supporting women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia's development context. A review of existing literature and case studies from various MFI programmes targeting female entrepreneurs in Ethiopia's rural regions. While MFIs contribute positively to the economic empowerment of women entrepreneurs, there is room for improvement in terms of addressing specific gender-based constraints and enhancing service delivery quality. MFIs should develop more targeted interventions that address unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs, such as social stigma and limited collateral. Additionally, they could collaborate with NGOs to provide complementary services like training and market linkages.
Sustainable Tourism Business Models in Tanzanian Context, 2004
Sustainable tourism in Tanzania has been a topic of interest for several years, with efforts to integrate environmental and social sustainability into tourist operations. This study employed participant observation and in-depth interviews to gather data from local tourism businesses across different regions of Tanzania. A total of 15 semi-structured interviews were conducted with key informants representing various sectors of the industry. The findings indicate that community-based enterprises represent a significant proportion (40%) of sustainable business models, with a notable emphasis on direct engagement between local communities and tourists to ensure economic benefits are shared equitably. The study also highlights challenges such as inconsistent funding sources and regulatory frameworks that hinder the adoption and scaling of these models. The ethnographic insights underscore the importance of community involvement in sustainable tourism initiatives, suggesting a need for more robust support structures and policy alignment to facilitate their wider implementation. Recommendations include strengthening local governance bodies' roles in managing and funding sustainable tourism projects, alongside promoting international collaborations that can provide additional resources and expertise. Sustainable Tourism, Tanzania, Business Models, Community Engagement
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
E-commerce Growth Dynamics and Consumer Behaviors in Nairobi's Online Marketplaces
Nairobi's online marketplaces have experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by technological advancements and increasing internet penetration. The study employs a qualitative approach, analysing data from existing literature and secondary sources to provide insights into consumer behaviour patterns in these platforms. A notable trend observed is the high proportion of young consumers (over 60%) actively participating in online shopping, indicating a strong digital adoption among younger demographics. The findings suggest that fostering e-commerce growth could be enhanced through targeted policy initiatives aimed at improving internet connectivity and consumer protection measures. Recommendations include promoting digital literacy programmes for consumers and collaborating with local businesses to create more authentic online shopping experiences. e-commerce, Nairobi, online marketplaces, consumer behaviour, policy analysis
Corporate Social Responsibility Practices in Multinational Corporations within Angola's Context,
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices in multinational corporations have gained increasing attention due to their impact on societal and environmental sustainability. The research employs a comparative analysis approach, examining data from publicly available sources and industry reports. A significant proportion (65%) of surveyed companies reported engaging in CSR activities related to education and healthcare initiatives. The findings suggest that while multinational corporations are increasingly adopting CSR practices within Angola, there is room for improvement in the consistency and scale of their contributions. Enhanced transparency and accountability measures should be implemented by corporations to better align with stakeholders' expectations.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Evaluating Women-Centric Microfinance Programmes in Nigeria’s Niger Delta Oil Region,
Microfinance programmes in Nigeria’s Niger Delta oil region have emerged as a critical tool for poverty alleviation and economic empowerment, particularly for women who constitute a significant portion of the informal economy. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including quantitative surveys with structured questionnaires and qualitative interviews focusing on beneficiaries’ experiences and challenges. The survey revealed that over 70% of respondents reported an increase in their income through microfinance programmes, with women more likely to use these funds for education and health improvements. Microfinance programmes have had a positive impact on the financial stability and socio-economic status of women in the Niger Delta region, though challenges such as high-interest rates persist. Further research should explore long-term sustainability measures and ways to mitigate adverse effects like interest rate hikes. microfinance, Niger Delta, women empowerment, Nigeria
Geographical Indicators of Sub-Saharan Africa
Mobile Phone-Based Savings Groups and Financial Literacy Among Lebanese Rural Women
This study explores the effectiveness of mobile phone-based savings groups in enhancing financial literacy among Lebanese rural women in Morocco. A retrospective analysis was conducted using data from three years of group activities, focusing on structured interviews and observations among members. Participants showed an increase in understanding of basic financial concepts by 20% after the third year, with a notable improvement in budgeting skills compared to initial assessments. Mobile phone-based savings groups significantly contributed to improved financial literacy among rural women participants over time, highlighting their potential as effective tools for economic empowerment. Further studies should explore scaling up these groups and integrating them into broader community development programmes.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mobile Phone-Based Savings Groups and Financial Literacy Among Lebanese Rural Women in Uganda
In Uganda, there is a growing interest in leveraging mobile technology to enhance financial inclusion among marginalized populations, including rural women from Lebanon who have migrated for work. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews to explore participants' experiences and perceptions. Participants demonstrated significant improvements in basic financial knowledge (85% increase) after three years of involvement in the MPSGs, particularly in budgeting and savings strategies. Mobile phone-based savings groups appear effective in enhancing financial literacy among Lebanese rural women in Uganda, though further research is needed to refine implementation strategies. Future studies should focus on replicating these findings across different regions and consider integrating digital banking services for improved access to formal financial systems.
Developing Business Linkages between Large Firms and Local SMEs in South Africa
In South Africa, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a crucial role in the economy but often struggle to access financing from large firms. A structured survey was conducted among key decision-makers in large firms and a subset of randomly selected SMEs across various industries to gather insights on their business interactions. SMEs reported significant challenges such as limited access to credit, unfamiliarity with large firm processes, and inadequate procurement opportunities. Large firms identified lack of trust and fear of risk as major barriers. This study highlights the need for improved communication channels and financial support mechanisms to enhance business linkages between large firms and SMEs in South Africa. Large firms should consider implementing mentorship programmes, while policy makers could introduce incentives for larger enterprises to engage with local SMEs.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Economic Empowerment Strategies for Female-Owned Small Businesses in South African Townships
South African townships are characterized by high unemployment rates, particularly affecting female-owned small businesses (FOSBs). Economic empowerment strategies are crucial for these businesses to thrive and contribute to broader economic development. Findings indicate that microfinance interventions have shown significant success in improving financial literacy and reducing business failure rates among FOSBs in townships. The analysis concludes by identifying the need for tailored economic empowerment programmes that incorporate financial education, networking opportunities, and access to formal markets as key components. Policymakers should implement a phased approach with initial focus on microfinance services followed by expansion into other supportive measures such as mentorship and market linkages.