Nurturing Growth: Exploring Factors Influencing Female Youth Entrepreneurs in Lusaka's Central Business District

Abstract

Female youth entrepreneurship is increasingly acknowledged as a catalyst for economic growth, productivity, innovation, and job creation. It plays a pivotal role in sustaining economic dynamism and competitiveness on the global stage. In contributing to the corpus of literature on female entrepreneurship, this study analyzed factors influencing the performance of female youth entrepreneurs in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Lusaka, Zambia. The research employed an explanatory mixed methods design and used structured interviews and purposive sampling to collect data. The research findings indicate a commendable pattern of adherence to local authority requirements with 72% majority of female entrepreneurs having consistently fulfilled their tax and levy obligations to the local authority. On marketing strategy, the study has shown that most female entrepreneurs use social media platforms such Facebook as their core marketing channel. The study revealed the intricate challenges that female youth entrepreneurs face when striving to balance the demands of their businesses with family and personal responsibilities.