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The Characteristics and Determinants of Entrepreneurship in Ethiopia

Author

Listed:
  • Wolday Amha
  • Tassew Woldehanna
  • Eyoual Tamrat
  • Aregawi Gebremedhin

Abstract

Using Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) approach, the study analyzes the characteristics and determinants of entrepreneurship in Ethiopia. Primary data are collected through the Adult Population Survey (APS) and analyzed using Probit model. To overcome the hetroscedasticity problem, which is prevalent in cross-section studies, robust standard errors were employed. The findings of the study reveal that about 53% of the adults in Ethiopia are potential entrepreneurs. The perceived opportunity rate in Ethiopia (65%) is above the average for factor-driven economies (63%); while the perceived capabilities rate (69%) is below the average for factor driven economies (71%). Ethiopia’s rate of entrepreneurial intention (22%), early-stage entrepreneurial activity rate (12.2%), and established business activity rate (8.3%) are below the average for both factor-driven economies and Sub-Saharan African countries. The econometric analysis indicates that demographic variables such as age, level of education, societal attitude towards entrepreneurship, and social networks (knowing someone in business) are significant in influencing potential entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intentions in Ethiopia. In early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA),"Fear of failure" is found to have a negative and statistically significant effect. On the other hand, the probability of engaging in TEA significantly differs between those living in urban and rural areas. Furthermore, the results provide basic data to develop national entrepreneurship strategy, consistent with the MSE development strategy and other macro and sectoral level strategies. Thus, the low rate of TEA and established business in Ethiopia can be improved by expanding the quantity and quality of support services. Moreover, there is also a need to develop region-specific entrepreneurial development plan to reduce region to region or urban-rural differences.

Suggested Citation

  • Wolday Amha & Tassew Woldehanna & Eyoual Tamrat & Aregawi Gebremedhin, 2016. "The Characteristics and Determinants of Entrepreneurship in Ethiopia," Ethiopian Journal of Economics, Ethiopian Economics Association, vol. 24(1), April.
    • Handle: RePEc:ags:eeaeje:259488
    DOI: 10.22004/ag.econ.259488
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Evans, David S & Leighton, Linda S, 1989. "Some Empirical Aspects of Entrepreneurship," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 79(3), pages 519-535, June.
    2. Evans, David S & Jovanovic, Boyan, 1989. "An Estimated Model of Entrepreneurial Choice under Liquidity Constraints," Journal of Political Economy, University of Chicago Press, vol. 97(4), pages 808-827, August.
    3. Frank H. Stephen & David Urbano & Stefan van Hemmen, 2005. "The impact of institutions on entrepreneurial activity," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 26(7), pages 413-419.
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