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Youth employment and women’s economic empowerment in Africa: The role of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector

This project examines employment creation for youth and women in Africa, focusing on small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism sector. Using data from Tanzania, Uganda, and Mauritius, it will explore the role that the private sector can play in increasing youth employment and women’s economic empowerment in Africa, and provide practical and policy-relevant results and directions on how to support and scale up tourism SMEs.

The study will use qualitative and quantitative methods to identify gender differences in employment and in the performance of women and youth-owned SMEs, assess the effectiveness and outcomes of the various tourism-based interventions instituted by the governments and their partners, contribute to the design of reliable policy recommendations, and strengthen the research team’s capacity. The University of Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) will lead the project and will work in partnership with the University of Mauritius Enterprise (Mauritius) and Makerere University (Uganda).

Project ID
108661
Project Status
Completed
End Date
Duration
24 months
IDRC Officer
Paul Okwi
Total Funding
CA$ 646,600.00
Location
Mauritius
Tanzania
Uganda
Programs
Sustainable Inclusive Economies
Employment and Growth
Institution Country
Tanzania
Project Leader
Beatrice Mkenda
Institution
University of Dar es Salaam
Institution Country
Uganda
Project Leader
John Mutenyo
Institution
Makerere University
Institution Country
Mauritius
Project Leader
Prof. Raja Vinesh Sannassee
Institution
UOM Enterprise Ltd

Outputs

Leveraging youth employment in Tanzania tourism sector : the role of MSMEs

Leveraging youth employment in Tanzania tourism sector : the role of MSMEs

Brief

The study was designed to survey the extent of youth involvement in the tourism industry and then to explore ways the sector’s micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) could be leveraged to support youth employment opportunities. This brief provides key findings from the research regarding: access to capital; formal employment contracts; equal opportunity access; and business performance. Recommendations include enhancing access to credit for potential and existing entrepreneurs; enforcement of employment contracts; and increased small business supports.

Author(s): Phocus Lesseri, Gerald

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Language: English

Youth employment and women’s economic empowerment in Africa : the role of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector : Mauritius, Tanzania and Uganda

Youth employment and women’s economic empowerment in Africa : the role of small and medium enterprises in the tourism sector : Mauritius, Tanzania and Uganda

Report

The study investigated determinants of financial performance in Mauritius as well as potential gender and age-based disparities with respect to generic factors that influence development of small and medium enterprises (SME). It also analyzes challenges and potential barriers that women and youth face in operating SMEs in the tourism sector. Findings point to the absence of gender disparity with respect to the generic factors influencing SME development, access to finance in general and the quality of institutional support provided. The Ugandan and Tanzanian teams visited Mauritius for the 3rd Technical workshop and for a study tour to learn more about the Mauritian case study.

Author(s): Mauritius Chapter

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Language: English