Research Article
Exploring Challenges, Opportunities, and Policy Implications for Youth Entrepreneurship in Kellem Wollega, Ethiopia
Hassen Mohammed*,
Mahlet Kebede
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
16-28
Received:
28 July 2025
Accepted:
14 January 2026
Published:
12 June 2026
Abstract: Youth entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a key driver of employment creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth. However, young people in developing countries, including Ethiopia, continue to face substantial barriers to establishing and sustaining business ventures. This study assesses the major challenges and opportunities of youth entrepreneurship in Kellem Wollega Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia, with particular emphasis on institutional, economic, social, and technological factors. A mixed-methods research approach with an explanatory sequential design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 399 youth respondents using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were gathered through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis were used to analyse quantitative data, and thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. The findings reveal that lack of access to finance, poor infrastructure, limited social support, and inadequate entrepreneurial opportunities exert significant negative effects on youth entrepreneurship. Conversely, motivation, access to business assistance services, and technology adoption show positive and statistically significant influences on youth entrepreneurial engagement. The regression model explains 45.8% of the variation in youth entrepreneurship, indicating that both challenges and opportunities jointly play an important role in shaping entrepreneurial outcomes. Although government support, training, and policy frameworks exist, their effects were found to be statistically insignificant, suggesting weaknesses in implementation and coordination. The study concludes that strengthening youth entrepreneurship in Kellem Wollega Zone requires an integrated policy approach that expands access to affordable finance, improves infrastructure, enhances business development services, promotes technology utilization, and fosters supportive social and institutional environments. These findings provide valuable evidence for policymakers, development partners, and educational institutions seeking to design targeted interventions that promote youth-led enterprise development and inclusive economic growth in Ethiopia.
Abstract: Youth entrepreneurship is widely recognized as a key driver of employment creation, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth. However, young people in developing countries, including Ethiopia, continue to face substantial barriers to establishing and sustaining business ventures. This study assesses the major challenges and opportunities ...
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Research Article
Whistle-Blowing Policy and Anti-Corruption War in Nigeria, 2016-2024
Issue:
Volume 15, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
29-37
Received:
21 April 2026
Accepted:
30 April 2026
Published:
27 July 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.jim.20261502.12
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Views:
Abstract: Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges to good governance, sustainable development, and public sector accountability in Nigeria. Although successive governments have established anti-corruption agencies and introduced various reforms, corruption continues to weaken public confidence in government institutions and hinder effective service delivery. In an effort to strengthen the fight against corruption, the Federal Government introduced the Whistle-blowing Policy in 2016 to encourage citizens to report cases of financial misconduct, fraud, and other corrupt practices. This study examines the effectiveness of the Whistle-blowing Policy in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts between 2016 and 2024. The study seeks to evaluate the extent to which the policy has contributed to the detection of corruption, recovery of stolen public funds, improvement of institutional accountability, and promotion of transparency. It also investigates the major challenges that have affected the implementation of the policy. A qualitative research design was adopted, relying on documentary analysis of government policy documents, official reports, academic literature, and other relevant secondary sources. The study is guided by Institutional Theory, which emphasizes that the success of public policies depends largely on the strength, credibility, and capacity of the institutions responsible for implementing them. The findings show that the Whistle-blowing Policy has played a significant role in exposing corrupt practices, recovering misappropriated funds, and encouraging greater public participation in anti-corruption activities. However, its overall effectiveness has been limited by the lack of a comprehensive whistleblower protection law, inadequate institutional safeguards, political interference, weak coordination among anti-corruption agencies, and fears of retaliation against whistleblowers. These challenges have reduced public confidence in the policy and affected its long-term impact. The study concludes that the Whistle-blowing Policy remains a valuable tool for promoting transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign. Nevertheless, for the policy to achieve lasting results there is a need for comprehensive legal reforms, stronger protection for whistleblowers, improved collaboration among anti-corruption institutions, and sustained political commitment to good governance and accountability.
Abstract: Corruption remains one of the greatest challenges to good governance, sustainable development, and public sector accountability in Nigeria. Although successive governments have established anti-corruption agencies and introduced various reforms, corruption continues to weaken public confidence in government institutions and hinder effective service...
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,
Philip Terzungwe Vande*
