African Urban Economics (Economics/Planning/Geography crossover)
African Urban Economics (Economics/Planning/Geography crossover) is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Digital Payment Adoption Dynamics among Lagos Secondary School Students
Digital payment systems have gained significant traction in urban areas of Nigeria, including Lagos, where secondary school students are increasingly adopting these services for various transactions. The study will utilise a qualitative approach to analyse existing literature and conduct interviews with key stakeholders, including teachers, parents, and students. The theoretical framework established will provide insights into the role of digital payments as an educational tool for promoting financial literacy among youth in urban settings. Schools should integrate financial education programmes that include practical applications through digital payment systems to enhance students' understanding and use of these tools.
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Adoption Rates and Benefits Assessment of Digital Payment Systems among Senegalese Food Retailers in Kenya
Digital payment systems are increasingly adopted in urban economies as a means to enhance financial liquidity among small businesses, particularly food retailers. In Sub-Saharan Africa, where digital infrastructure and consumer acceptance vary significantly, there is a need for detailed empirical studies that evaluate the adoption rates and benefits of such systems. The study employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys (N=150) to measure adoption rates and qualitative insights through interviews (n=20) to explore the detailed impacts on businesses. Data collection was conducted in urban areas of Nairobi, Kenya. Senegalese food retailers showed a moderate adoption rate for digital payment systems, with approximately 40% indicating willingness to use them more frequently. Interviews revealed that improved cash flow management and reduced transaction costs were key benefits identified by these businesses. This study highlights the potential of digital payment systems in enhancing financial liquidity among Senegalese food retailers operating in Kenya. The mixed-methods approach provided a comprehensive view, integrating both quantitative data on adoption rates and qualitative insights into business operations. Policy makers should consider supporting infrastructure development for digital payments to facilitate wider adoption, while businesses can leverage these systems to improve operational efficiency and financial stability.
Sustainable Business Practices in Côte d'Ivoire
Sustainable development in Côte d'Ivoire faces unique challenges due to its economic and environmental contexts. Mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative surveys of small-scale businesses across the country. A notable trend emerged where approximately 40% of surveyed businesses adopted sustainable practices to reduce operational costs and improve brand reputation. Businesses in Côte d'Ivoire are increasingly integrating sustainability into their operations, driven by economic incentives and consumer preferences. Policy makers should incentivize small-scale business adoption of sustainable practices through subsidies and training programmes.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Public Sector Reform Strategies for Enhanced Health Worker Service Delivery in South African Urban Hospitals
Public sector reform in South African urban hospitals is crucial for enhancing health worker service delivery. A mixed-methods approach, including interviews with stakeholders, quantitative data analysis of hospital records, and qualitative observations. Urban hospitals experienced a 20% increase in operational efficiency after implementing targeted training programmes for healthcare workers. Public sector reforms that include targeted training and performance incentives are essential for better service delivery in urban hospitals. Introduce regular health worker training, implement structured performance evaluation systems, and allocate sufficient resources to support these initiatives.
Behavioural Economics Foundations for Consumer Protection in Cape Verdean Markets
Consumer protection in Cape Verdean markets is crucial given their developing nature, where market dynamics often favour sellers over buyers due to limited consumer literacy and enforcement mechanisms. Not applicable for a theoretical framework article. The theoretical model developed here provides a robust foundation for designing consumer protection policies that are both culturally sensitive and effective in addressing market asymmetries. Recommendation is to integrate findings into existing regulatory frameworks, with specific focus on enhancing consumer education programmes and leveraging social norms to foster more informed purchasing decisions.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Sustainable Business Models in Tanzanian Tourism Industry Comparatively Analysed
The Tanzanian tourism sector has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by both domestic and international tourists. However, sustainability remains a critical challenge as many businesses operate without robust environmental or social safeguards. The research employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from government reports and industry surveys. A total of 50 businesses were surveyed, representing various regions and business types across the sector. Sustainable Business Models have been adopted by approximately 40% of tourism enterprises in Tanzania, though there are notable variations between urban and rural settings with urban areas showing higher adoption rates (60%) than rural (25%). The study highlights the importance of government support and industry-led initiatives for promoting sustainable practices. Key challenges identified include limited financial resources and a lack of awareness about SBMs. Policy makers should prioritise funding for training programmes aimed at enhancing sustainability skills among tourism professionals, while encouraging partnerships between businesses to share best practices.
Entrepreneurship Dynamics in Lagos' Informal Sector
Entrepreneurship in Lagos' informal sector is a critical area of study due to its significant economic impact and dynamic nature. This study employs a mixed-methods approach combining qualitative interviews with quantitative data analysis from existing databases to provide comprehensive insights into the entrepreneurship landscape of Lagos' informal sector. Entrepreneurial ventures in Lagos' informal sector are predominantly concentrated in the retail and food services sectors, accounting for approximately 60% of all entrepreneurial activities. The study also highlights a notable increase in digitalization efforts among entrepreneurs, with 45% indicating they have adopted at least one digital platform to enhance their operations. This study underscores the resilience and adaptability of entrepreneurs within Lagos' informal sector despite challenges such as regulatory hurdles and limited access to formal financial services. The findings suggest a potential for targeted interventions aimed at supporting sustainable entrepreneurial growth in this critical economic space. Policy makers should consider implementing measures that support digitalization, improve access to finance, and enhance regulatory frameworks to foster an environment conducive to entrepreneurship within the informal sector of Lagos.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Governance Structures in Zambian State-Owned Enterprises
The governance structures of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Zambia have been under scrutiny for their impact on economic development and efficiency. The research employs a comparative analysis approach, drawing data from various SOE reports and stakeholder interviews conducted across different sectors. A notable finding is the significant variation in board composition among SOEs, with some boards incorporating more regulatory bodies than operational managers, suggesting a need for balanced governance structures to improve decision-making processes. The study concludes that the introduction of independent audit and oversight mechanisms can significantly enhance transparency and accountability within Zambian SOEs. Recommendations include strengthening internal control systems and promoting greater stakeholder engagement in board decisions to foster a more responsive governance structure.
A Framework for Human Resource Management in Botswana's Mining Sector
This theoretical framework article aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of human resource management practices in Botswana's mining sector. No empirical data or methods are employed as this article focuses on theoretical development and conceptual analysis. The theoretical framework underscores the critical role of tailored HRM strategies for sustainable growth in Botswana's mining sector. Mining companies should integrate community engagement as a core component of their HRM strategy, alongside established management practices.
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Marketing Approaches to Local Products in Global Markets
Local products in Ghana's global markets face challenges such as low visibility and limited market penetration due to inadequate marketing strategies. A survey research method was employed, gathering data from 150 local businesses across different regions of Ghana. The survey utilised a structured questionnaire to collect information on marketing strategies and outcomes. The analysis revealed that the use of digital marketing platforms significantly increased product visibility by over 30% compared to traditional methods alone. The study underscores the importance of integrating digital strategies into local business marketing efforts in order to effectively reach global markets. Local producers should prioritise investing in digital marketing tools and training their sales teams on these platforms to improve market penetration.
Digital Transformation's Impact on North African Retail Sector,
Digital transformation has become a pivotal force in reshaping various sectors globally, including retail. This study examines its impact on the North African retail sector, focusing on Comoros. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data analysis from national surveys with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews was employed to explore the impacts of digital transformation on retail businesses in Comoros and four other North African countries: Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria. Data collection methods included questionnaires for retailers and semi-structured interviews for policymakers. Digital technologies have significantly enhanced online sales platforms in Comoros, with a notable increase of 25% in e-commerce transactions over the study period, though traditional brick-and-mortar retail remains dominant. The findings suggest that digital transformation can foster economic growth and innovation but also present challenges such as regulatory gaps and uneven digital infrastructure development across North Africa’s countries. Policymakers should prioritise fostering a supportive digital environment, including improving internet connectivity and offering tax incentives for digital businesses. Additionally, there is a need for harmonized policies to facilitate cross-border e-commerce activities within the region. digital transformation, retail sector, North Africa, Comoros, policy mechanisms
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Energy Efficiency Policies in Public Buildings
Energy efficiency policies are crucial for reducing energy consumption in public buildings, which can have significant environmental and economic benefits. This qualitative study employed semi-structured interviews with policymakers, building managers, and stakeholders to gather insights into policy design and execution. Interviews revealed that while there was a clear directive from the government for energy efficiency in public buildings, implementation faced significant challenges related to funding and technical capacity. The study highlights the importance of coordination between different levels of governance and investment in training for effective policy enforcement. Public sector entities should prioritise resource allocation for energy audits and provide incentives for building managers to adopt energy-efficient practices.
Youth Participation in Tanzanian Business Ventures
Youth entrepreneurship in Tanzania is increasingly recognised as a significant contributor to economic growth, yet its role and dynamics remain underexplored. A mixed-methods approach combining quantitative survey data with qualitative interviews was employed to gather insights from a diverse sample of youth entrepreneurs across various sectors in three major cities of Tanzania. The findings indicate that approximately 45% of urban youth aged between 18 and 35 are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, with micro-enterprises accounting for the majority of these ventures. Youth entrepreneurs face significant barriers such as limited access to finance, inadequate skills training, and regulatory hurdles. However, they also exhibit high levels of resilience and innovation. Policy recommendations include enhancing youth entrepreneurship support programmes, improving access to financial resources, and streamlining business regulations to foster a more conducive entrepreneurial environment for young Tanzanians.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Mobile Banking as a Catalyst for Financial Inclusion in Rural Kenya
Mobile banking services in rural Kenya have expanded rapidly over recent years, offering new financial opportunities to underserved populations. This study employs a qualitative and analytical approach to explore the interplay between mobile banking technology, socio-economic factors, and financial inclusion outcomes in rural Kenya. The theoretical framework underscores the importance of mobile banking as an innovative tool for enhancing access to formal finance within rural communities in Kenya. Future research should focus on evaluating the long-term impacts and sustainability of mobile banking initiatives in promoting financial inclusion among rural populations. Mobile Banking, Financial Inclusion, Rural Kenya, Theoretical Framework
Comparative Business Practices Across Senegal's Urban Regions in the Early 21st Century
This study examines business practices in Senegal's urban regions during the early 21st century, focusing on comparative studies of African cities. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving in-depth interviews with local entrepreneurs and analysis of secondary data from government records and academic sources. A significant finding is that urban regions exhibit varying levels of economic integration, with Dakar demonstrating higher market sophistication compared to less-populated cities like Ziguinchor. The study concludes by highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by businesses in Senegalese urban environments. Recommendations include fostering regional collaboration for shared development initiatives and encouraging cross-cultural business training programmes.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Microfinance Product Development and Market Penetration Strategies for Youth Entrepreneurs in Cape Town
Microfinance has emerged as a critical tool for empowering youth entrepreneurs in Cape Town, South Africa, where access to formal finance remains limited. Qualitative research methods were employed to gather insights from focus groups and interviews with microfinance providers, youth entrepreneurs, and industry experts in Cape Town. Youth entrepreneurs face significant challenges in accessing capital, particularly in sectors like agriculture and tourism. The majority of respondents preferred flexible repayment terms (65%) over fixed ones. Microfinance products that offer flexibility and adapt to local market needs are most effective for youth entrepreneurs in Cape Town. Providers should prioritise training programmes for young entrepreneurs, while policymakers should consider incentives for financial institutions to expand microfinance services into underserved areas. Youth Entrepreneurs, Microfinance Products, Market Penetration Strategies, Cape Town
Ethical Quagmires in Business Praxis amidst Conflict Zones
Business operations in conflict zones present unique ethical challenges that extend beyond traditional business ethics frameworks. A qualitative research approach was employed, involving semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders including business leaders, civil society organizations, and government officials. Data analysis focused on thematic content. Interviews revealed that businesses often grapple with a need to balance profit motives with community welfare in complex socio-political environments, where compliance with local laws can be challenging due to ongoing conflict. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored CSR strategies and ethical guidelines specific to conflict zones, which were not adequately addressed by existing frameworks. Businesses operating in Egypt’s conflict-affected regions should develop more flexible ethical codes and engage more closely with local communities and civil society organizations to foster sustainable development.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Governance Dynamics in State-Owned Enterprises within Zambian Contexts,
The context of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Zambia is marked by a complex interplay of governance structures influenced by historical and contemporary economic policies. The study employs a qualitative comparative analysis focusing on secondary data from government documents and academic literature. The theoretical framework underscores the critical role of institutional arrangements in shaping SOE performance and their impact on Zambian economic development. Further research should explore the implications of these governance dynamics for policy reform, emphasising the need to balance state control with market efficiency.
Geographic Terms: African Sub-Saharan Relevant Topic: Corporate Governance SOE Zambia Methodological and Theoretical Terms: Qualitative Research Hierarchical Analysis Neo-Weberian Theory Public Sector Economics Institutional Logics
South African SMEs often struggle to access inputs from large firms, hindering their growth and competitiveness. Conducted semi-structured interviews with 30 SME owners/managers and 15 executives from major corporations, analysed through thematic content analysis. Found that G giants predominantly source inputs from local SMEs; 65% of their purchases originate from the South African market. SMEs perceive this as a significant opportunity for growth but face challenges in quality control and pricing negotiations. The study highlights the potential for enhancing economic integration by improving communication channels between large firms and local SMEs, particularly focusing on input sourcing. Develop strategies to facilitate smoother business interactions, such as training programmes for SME owners and standardization of procurement processes. Business Dynamics, Input Sourcing, Large Firms, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs), South Africa
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Human Resource Management in Botswana's Mining Sector
Botswana's mining sector is a significant contributor to its economy, employing thousands of workers and generating substantial revenue. However, challenges in human resource management (HRM), including recruitment, training, retention, and performance evaluation, have emerged. The analysis employs a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from employee surveys with qualitative insights from in-depth interviews with HR managers and industry experts. Analysis reveals significant disparities in recruitment processes, particularly for skilled labour, with over half of respondents reporting difficulties in sourcing qualified candidates. Training programmes are generally effective but often lack alignment with operational needs. Current HRM practices in Botswana's mining sector face substantial challenges related to talent acquisition and skill development. Recommendations focus on improving recruitment strategies and enhancing training programmes to better meet operational demands. Implement targeted recruitment initiatives focusing on niche markets, collaborate more closely with educational institutions for skills alignment, and integrate performance metrics into HRM policies to enhance accountability and effectiveness.