African Journal of Economics and Business Research

Business Mentorship System of the Igbos and job creation in Onitsha Main Market, Anambra State, Nigeria

2025-02-28T08:01:28+00:00

The Business Mentorship System of the Igbos commonly known as ‘Igba-Boi’ apprenticeship is a common practice among the Igbo people, especially the Onitsha Main Market traders in southeast Nigeria. The study focuses on the effect of the mentorship system on creating employment opportunities and other aspects of entrepreneurship in Onitsha, Anambra State. Using survey data, the study explores the relationship between mentorship and job creation through the lens of Social Learning Theory, which suggests that skills and behaviours are learned through observation and social interaction. Structured questionnaires were distributed to 375 mentors, current mentees, and former mentees. Thus, with the help of descriptive and thematic analysis, the study shows that the system of the mentorship contributes to the strengthening of the entrepreneurial abilities of the mentees and the growth rates of businesses launch and employment. The study reveals that mentees who are well trained and equipped are likely to set up business ventures thus offering employment opportunities in the region. Based on these findings, the study recommends that government structures be formalized to support and enhance the capacity of this traditional mentorship system in fostering entrepreneurship and job creation in Onitsha Main Market and similar commercial hubs.

The effect of macroeconomic factors on agricultural sector growth in Tanzania

2025-02-28T08:07:07+00:00

The agricultural sector in Tanzania is a significant contributor to the country's economy, but its growth has been impeded by various macroeconomic factors, including inflation, interest rates, and exchange rates. Therefore, the study assessed the effect of macroeconomic factors on agricultural sector growth in Tanzania. The study used Purchasing Power Parity Theory, the Expectations Theory and Cost Push Inflation Theory. A correlational research design applied, data covering the period from the year 1993 to 2023 were used. Data were sourced from reputable institutions, including the NBS, World Bank, and BOT. The descriptive analysis and time-series analysis were applied. The ARDL was used to estimate the relationships between variables. Results indicate that the interest rates, exchange rates, and inflation have a statistically significant negative effect on agricultural sector growth at p-values of 0.0458, 0.042, and 0.014, respectively. The negative effect of these variables on agricultural sector growth means that, when these variables increase, agricultural sector growth decreases and vice versa, hence the study draws a conclusion that, the exchange rate, interest rate, and inflation rate have negative effect on agricultural sector growth. The study recommends that policymakers should prioritize stabilizing these economic indicators and consider targeted support measures to mitigate their adverse effects ensuring the sector to thrive amidst fluctuating macroeconomic conditions. To mitigate these negative impacts, the government can provide subsidies to farmers in order to offset increased costs of production, renegotiating trade agreements with other countries to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers so that farmers can export their products at competitive prices.

Effects of dynamic capabilities and multichannel integration quality on bank performance: A moderated mediation model analysis

2025-02-28T08:11:42+00:00

banks. It explores the moderating role of environmental dynamism in the banking industry, using a moderated mediation model. Quantitative analyses were employed to examine data collected from multiple banks. Structural equation modeling was used to test the relationships between variables, while moderation and mediation effects were analyzed using SEM-AMOS. The findings reveal that dynamic capabilities and multichannel integration quality significantly enhance bank performance. Furthermore, environmental dynamism moderates the relationship between these variables, intensifying their effects on performance under high levels of dynamism. The results provide actionable insights for bank managers, emphasizing the importance of fostering dynamic capabilities and enhancing multichannel integration quality to sustain performance in rapidly changing environments. The findings highlight significant social benefits, as improved dynamic capabilities and critical information quality enhance bank performance, fostering economic stability, financial inclusion, and customer trust. By enabling resilience and innovation in dynamic environments, banks contribute to broader societal goals, including sustainable development and socio-economic growth.

Renewable energy resource assessment and deployment: A comprehensive review

2025-02-28T08:28:13+00:00

This study examines methodologies and technologies for assessing and deploying renewable energy resources to mitigate climate change and enhance energy security. It employs a systematic literature review, stakeholder surveys, and interviews, along with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and multicriteria analysis to evaluate potential sites. Case studies of successful projects highlight best practices. The research reveals significant regional variations in renewable energy potential, with Africa showing immense prospects for solar, wind, and biomass energy. Advanced mapping techniques are crucial for identifying and visualizing these resources. Key findings emphasize the importance of stakeholder engagement, robust regulatory frameworks, and innovative financing mechanisms for successful project implementation. The study underscores the need for cohesive energy policies, increased funding for research and development, and incentives for private investment. Recommendations include establishing clear regulatory frameworks, boosting R&D funding, and encouraging private sector participation. The study's insights are valuable for policymakers, researchers, and practitioners in the renewable energy sector, highlighting the critical role of comprehensive resource assessment and strategic planning in the transition to renewable energy.

Examining the impact of remote work on employees, employers, and the State in Nigeria

2025-02-28T08:31:15+00:00

The rise of remote work, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has created significant challenges for employees, employers, and the government, complicating the management of remote teams while striving to maintain productivity and organizational cohesion. The central problem addressed in this study is the deteriorating state of employment relations marked by downsizing and layoffs, particularly in the private sector in Nigeria. This study aims to analyze the impact of remote work on these stakeholders through a systematic and thematic review based on PRISMA guidelines. The social exchange theory and the resource-based view theory are two theories that are relevant to this study. Twenty-four (24) publications from 2013 to 2023 were reviewed and sourced from Google Scholar, DOAJ, Scopus, and Web of Science. The authors used 24 papers through a systematic review process that involved comprehensive literature searches across multiple databases. The study utilized purposive sampling techniques to select studies that met their predefined criteria. The findings indicate that while organizations have begun to adopt remote work and virtual communication tools, these resources are primarily accessible to larger companies due to associated costs. Additionally, the study highlights the pressing need for enhanced infrastructure and structural improvements to support remote work at a societal and economic level. The study recommends that the government enhance infrastructural development and that organizations implement better strategies for remote work. Furthermore, individuals should pursue advancements in technology to adapt to the changing landscape.