Entrepreneurship Factors Contributing to Youth Employment in the EAC Countries Data and Policy Analysis

This policy research paper analyses entrepreneurship factors contributing to youth unemployment and also provides working recommendations for engagement on youth employment through entrepreneurship in the EAC Countries. The data and policy analysis are based on the theory of 4Es as propounded by ILO and Youth Employment Network literature. The literature reviews, field research survey, focus group discussion, combined observational and consultations with key informants were research methods used in collecting secondary and primary data. Data analysis used non-parametric methods, mainly frequency and cross tabulations.

The paper finds that entrepreneurship factors such as inadequate innovative skills; limited entrepreneurship knowledge, education and training skills; communication skills barriers; limited entrepreneurship experience; and existence of informal sector and entrepreneurship barriers contribute highly to youth unemployment in most of the EAC countries.

The paper recommends for improved entrepreneurship conditions and relevant implementation strategies include need to ensure adequate innovative skills; enhance entrepreneurship knowledge, education and training; informal employment in both formal and informal sectors improved; remove communication skill barriers; instil positive opportunity perception and ensure adequate access of entrepreneurship experience for optimal youth employment.