Author(s): Sidney Kawimbe
Entrepreneurship education in Zambia has become integral to shaping its economic landscape by fostering a new generation of business leaders. This educational initiative is crucial amid Zambia's rich natural resources and cultural diversity, which provide a fertile ground for entrepreneurial ventures. Recognizing the transformative potential of entrepreneurship education, Zambia has tailored its educational curricula to equip students with essential skills and mindsets needed for business initiation and management. Practical training, mentorship programs, and resource access further enhance this educational framework, translating theoretical knowledge into actionable business strategies. As a result, Zambia has witnessed a burgeoning entrepreneurial ecosystem, marked by a rise in successful startups and small enterprises across diverse sectors. However, gaps remain in understanding the precise mechanisms through which entrepreneurship education translates into sustainable business success in Zambia. This study aims to address these gaps by assessing current programs, examining their impact on entrepreneurial competencies, and investigating correlations between education participation and business outcomes. By identifying barriers and proposing evidence-based recommendations, this research contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of entrepreneurship education initiatives and fostering economic development in Zambia. Using Slovin formula to compute the sample size, a total of 270 entrepreneurs from all the 10 provinces of Zambia were sampled This qualitative study employs in-depth interviews and focus groups across Zambia's provinces to explore stakeholders' perspectives and experiences, offering nuanced insights into entrepreneurship education's role in shaping business success. The findings underscore the importance of contextual relevance, supportive ecosystems, and practical skill integration in maximizing the impact of entrepreneurship education. Future research directions include longitudinal studies and comparative analyses to refine educational strategies and policy interventions, ensuring sustained economic growth and entrepreneurial resilience in Zambia.