Abstract:

In many developing countries like Rwanda where the government is generally regarded as committed to the advancement of the economy, this study provides us with the opportunity to compare what entrepreneurs view as encouraging entrepreneurial growth to what the government has determined as priorities, and how the two groups compliment or differ in their understanding, interpretation, and Implementation of entrepreneurial policies.

In this study, we analyze data collected from entrepreneurs in Rwanda regarding their entrepreneurial activities and the role of government in facilitating and promoting businessmen and women in their immediate, interim, and long-term ambitions. Utilizing a mixed-method approach this study collects both quantitative and qualitative data using a combination of surveys and interviews from entrepreneurs in Kigali, the country’s political and economic capital and three neighboring provinces. A questionnaire survey was administered to 415 participants and 323 completed questionnaires were returned. Descriptive and correlational statistics were generated for this study using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.

The research project was conducted over a period of three months and ended just two weeks before the global pandemic forced countries to close their borders. The global pandemic triggered by Covid-19 posed many challenges and opportunities to small and mid-sized businesses. Many businesses suffered enormous financial losses that resulted in the closure of several small enterprises. Rwanda, an ambitious developing economy in east Africa was not an exception. Therefore, a critical component of this study is comparing the responses of study participants with the government strategies regarding the Rwandan government’s policies regarding entrepreneurship before, during, and after the pandemic in order to inform and advise policymakers on the future expectations of this vital sector.

This current research is different from past research in that it focuses on entrepreneurs’ perceptions of the government’s policies on entrepreneurship. The findings hereof, make a case for recommendations to policymakers and implementers of strategies, including training, especially in technological advances specific to business and professional growth and management, to encourage, enhance, and strengthen the backbone of the country’s economic growth potential.

Through this study, our goal is to answer the important question of identifying the specific role played by policymakers and entrepreneurs/businesses leaders in attaining of the government’s economic forecast growth. By linking these key players to the strategic plan, a road map can be developed that secures the entrepreneurs as job generators, income creators, and drivers for continuous development in the business sector of the country.

Please choose your submission type: Developmental Paper

Primary Track: African Studies

Keywords: Policy & practice issues on African development and SMEs.

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Prof Rebecca Mbuh DeLancey,