A Systematic Review of Evidence of the Social and Psychosocial Outcomes of Entrepreneurship Programs for Sub-Saharan African Youth

Background and purpose: Owing to the lack of access to traditional employment opportunities, entrepreneurship programs have become key to equipping young people with skills and competencies to engage in economic activities to address the growing youth unemployment challenges. The available evidence in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) underscores the crucial economic impact of entrepreneurial training on individuals and communities. However, there has been limited attention to non-economic outcomes, despite the possible impact of entrepreneurial training on psychosocial well-being, social inclusion, and community cohesion, all of which are crucial to holistic well-being. Therefore, this systematic review sought to examine the state of evidence on the social and psychosocial outcomes of entrepreneurship programs in SSA. Insights from this study could provide conclusive and robust evidence of the non-economic impact of entrepreneurship.

Methods: Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, nine databases were systematically searched for published papers on entrepreneurship. The inclusion criteria were: (1) empirical studies on entrepreneurship programs targeted at youth; (2) peer-reviewed studies; (3) reports; (4) studies published in English; and (5) reported social and psychosocial outcomes. Studies were excluded if they (1) were not published in English, (2) were systematic reviews or meta-analyses, or (3) did not report the social and psychosocial outcomes of entrepreneurship. After title, abstract, and full-text screening, 17 of the 1,602 studies qualified for data extraction. The data, extracted according to mutually established parameters, were subsequently organized into themes reflecting the social and psychosocial outcomes of entrepreneurial activities.

Results: The 17 studies included in this review originated from all SSA regions: East Africa (n=8), West Africa (n=6), Southern Africa (n=2), and Central Africa (n=1). The study participants were between 14 and 55 years old, with most studies involving participants below 25 years. Most studies utilized quantitative research designs, with a significant number being randomized controlled trials (n=8) and cross-sectional studies (n=4). The remaining were case studies (n=5). The social outcomes of entrepreneurship programs were clustered into enhanced innovation and social problem-solving (n=7), improved social and family functioning (n=9), and girls’ improved well-being and empowerment (n=5). This review observed that entrepreneurship programs have been instrumental in curtailing violence, improving a sense of security, and fostering community interaction. The psychosocial outcomes of the entrepreneurship programs were improved sense of self and self-reliance (8), mental health (4), decision-making (n=4), and relational skills (n=6). The improvement in youth self-efficacy and self-esteem because of their enrollment in entrepreneurship programs has contributed to their confidence in engaging in economic and social transactions.

Conclusion and implications: This systematic review reveals that entrepreneurship programs have impacted the social and psychosocial well-being of youth, families, and communities in addition to economic outcomes. This synthesized evidence should inspire the implementation of more entrepreneurial programs. Additionally, the revelation of entrepreneurship’s impact on girls’ empowerment and improved social interaction points to the potential of such a developmental tool to foster more robust gender empowerment in SSA. This review highlights the potential benefits of policies and programs that strengthen entrepreneurship in SSA countries.