Journal of Business and Economics in 4IR

An Alternative Innovative Model for financing Solid Waste Management: A case of Lusaka City

2025-08-18T05:48:42+00:00

Solid Waste Management (SWM) remains a critical challenge in rapidly urbanizing cities, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Zambia, where financial and institutional capacities are constrained. This study investigates the effectiveness and sustainability of innovative financing models including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), technological integration, economic instruments and community participation in supporting SWM in Lusaka. Grounded in a pragmatist philosophy, a concurrent triangulation mixed-methods design was employed. Data were collected from 377 urban residents via structured questionnaires and 13 institutional stakeholders through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative analysis was conducted using SPSS, while qualitative data were thematically analyzed using Atlas.ti. Findings reveal that willingness to financially support improved SWM services is strongly influenced by the perceived importance of technology, prior experience with digital payment platforms and expectations of reliable service delivery. Education level emerged as a key factor shaping public attitudes toward financing approaches. Interestingly, models based on community contributions or PPPs were less favored by respondents, suggesting concerns around fairness, trust and governance. Qualitative insights reinforced these findings, highlighting challenges such as inconsistent service provision, limited stakeholder engagement and weak transparency in decision-making. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of digital transformation, inclusive education campaigns and stronger institutional accountability to build public trust and participation. The study concludes that no single financing model is universally applicable. It recommends tiered, technology-enabled and community-informed strategies tailored to the local context. The research provides practical insights for policymakers, urban planners, and development partners working toward more sustainable and inclusive urban waste systems.

Impact of Ceasing USAID Funding in Africa: A Philosophical Framework

2025-08-19T05:36:42+00:00

This paper rigorously analyses the philosophical, ethical, and governance ramifications of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) diminishing or terminating funding to African nations. Foreign aid has significantly influenced Africa's political, economic, and humanitarian environment, with USAID serving as a pivotal tool of American development diplomacy. Nevertheless, changing geopolitical goals and donor weariness have necessitated a reassessment of assistance frameworks, therefore exposing vulnerable recipient economies to additional dangers. This study examines the moral responsibilities of donor nations, the ethical implications of conditionality, and the paradoxes of reliance via a philosophical lens. Additionally, it evaluates the governance issues faced by aid-receiving nations and the possibility of transformational or regressive results without continuous external assistance. The paper advocates for a redefined approach to foreign aid that harmonizes ethical obligation with local sovereignty, accountability, and resilience.

Evaluating the contribution of effective FISP implementation in Agriculture to Zambia’s Economic Growth

2025-08-19T05:38:56+00:00

This paper aims to examine the role of government interventions in Zambia’s agriculture sector, evaluating their impact on productivity and economic growth. The Farmer Input Support Program (FISP), the government’s flagship intervention, which accounts for most of the Ministry of Agriculture's budget, is currently being implemented in 10 provinces and 116 districts. The number of beneficiaries has remained static at 1,024,434 since the 2018 farming season. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates qualitative and quantitative data gathered from farmers and stakeholders to gain a holistic understanding of the effectiveness and challenges of the FISP intervention. The findings reveal that 46.93% of farmers rate the FISP as effective or very effective, indicating that the FISP has facilitated improved access to agricultural inputs for smallholder farmers. Stakeholders opinion of FISP was that of a mixed nature some rating it effective and others rating it ineffective or indicating a neutral position It is important to note that even though the FISP has been rated so highly, the findings revealed that its implementation has faced systematics inefficiencies like delayed deliveries and inadequate targeting thereby limiting its potential. While interventions like FISP have made tangible contributions to Zambia’s agricultural productivity, their impact on the broader economic development is constrained by the systematic inefficiencies and fragmented stakeholder coordination. There is a need to digitize FISP operations, reduce delivery delays, and increase transparency.

Digital Divide and Pension Disbursement in Zambia: How ICT Constraints Affect Timely Access to Benefits

2025-08-19T06:08:25+00:00

Access to timely and equitable pension disbursement is a critical function of social protection systems. However, in Zambia, the growing reliance on digital platforms by the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), the largest public pension provider, has exposed and, in some cases, intensified long-standing disparities rooted in the digital divide. This review article investigates how Information and Communication Technology (ICT) constraints hinder pension benefit delivery, especially for older populations in rural and underserved communities. Guided by Agency Theory, the Digital Divide Theory, and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the study employs the SPAR-4-SLR protocol to conduct a structured literature review of peer reviewed articles, policy reports, and grey literature published between 2012 and 2024. The analysis identified four interrelated themes: (1) infrastructural barriers such as poor internet coverage and power instability; (2) digital illiteracy among older pensioners; (3) cybersecurity and trust concerns that inhibit technology adoption; and (4) policy and institutional gaps impeding effective implementation of digital pension reforms. While the adoption of ICT has significantly improved pension processing efficiency, it has also disadvantaged technologically challenged and digitally excluded pensioners. Agency Theory helps explain how information irregularities and weak accountability mechanisms between pension administrators (agents) and pensioners (principals) contribute to these disparities. The study concludes that bridging the digital divide requires broad-based interventions, such as expanding ICT infrastructure, rolling out digital literacy programmes for pensioners, adopting user-friendly platforms, and strengthening institutional capacity. These strategies are critical for ensuring inclusive, timely, and equitable pension access in a digital era.

Post-COVID-19 Digital Transformation in Zambia's Banking Industry: A Qualitative Exploration of Adoption and Challenges.

2025-08-19T06:27:19+00:00

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly accelerated the adoption of digital technologies across various sectors globally, with the banking industry in Zambia experiencing notable shifts in operations and service delivery. This study explores the nature and extent of digital transformation within Zambia’s banking sector in the aftermath of the pandemic, focusing on the adoption patterns, implementation challenges, and sectoral impacts. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study draws insights from interviews with key stakeholders, including bank executives, IT personnel, and customers, to understand the drivers of digital adoption and the barriers hindering smooth transitions. Findings indicate that while the pandemic acted as a catalyst for digital innovation—spurring investments in mobile banking, online platforms, and automated services—several challenges persist, including digital literacy gaps, cybersecurity concerns, infrastructure limitations, and resistance to change within institutions. The study concludes that sustainable digital transformation in Zambia’s banking sector requires a coordinated effort involving regulatory support, capacity building, and continuous technological innovation. Recommendations are made for policy makers and financial institutions to enhance digital readiness and promote inclusive digital banking.

Reimagining Pension Disbursement in Zambia: Stakeholder-Proposed Reforms for Enhancing Effectiveness at NAPSA

2025-08-19T06:32:35+00:00

Pension disbursement systems in Sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia’s National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), face persistent challenges related to timeliness, adequacy, and equitable service delivery. This article synthesises stakeholder-proposed reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of pension benefit disbursement at NAPSA. Employing a systematic review guided by PRISMA methodology and thematic analysis of peer-reviewed studies, policy documents, and institutional reports from 2010 to 2024, five critical reform pillars emerge: legislative realignment, digital transformation and ICT integration, inclusive stakeholder engagement, financial sustainability, and benefit adequacy. Stakeholder consultations reveal strong consensus on the need for reforms that balance financial viability with pensioner protection, yet empirical evaluations remain limited. Drawing on Institutional Theory, the Technology Acceptance Model, and Systems Theory, this study highlights how regulatory constraints, technology adoption, and systemic interdependence jointly shape pension delivery effectiveness. Institutional Theory explains how outdated norms and bureaucratic inertia hinder responsiveness, while TAM underscores the role of user perceptions in digital uptake. Systems Theory adds that pension administration functions as an interconnected system where failures in one component, such as ICT or policy, can compromise the entire process. The article argues for a holistic, multi-dimensional reform approach grounded in stakeholder participation and sustainable governance to ensure timely, accessible, and equitable pensions. It concludes by recommending longitudinal research to assess reform outcomes and align NAPSA’s practices with global social protection standards.

An Analysis of Factors Affecting the Financial Performance of State-Owned Enterprises: A Case Study of Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited

2025-08-19T06:39:26+00:00

This study investigates the factors influencing the financial performance of Mulonga Water Supply and Sanitation Company Limited (MWSC) in Chingola District, Zambia, using a mixed-methods approach. Through a survey of 136 stakeholders, including customers and employees, and in-depth interviews with 10 key informants from management and local government, the research identifies non-revenue water (NRW), political interference, weak internal financial controls, and revenue collection inefficiencies as primary challenges. Quantitative analysis reveals that effective NRW management and reduced political interference are critical for improving financial outcomes, while qualitative insights underscore governance weaknesses and aging infrastructure as significant barriers. The study further explores underlying causes such as chronic underfunding, reliance on outdated billing technologies, and insufficient staff training. To address these issues, the research proposes targeted strategies: enhancing internal financial controls, investing in modern infrastructure to minimize NRW, adopting digital solutions for efficient revenue collection, and instituting governance reforms to insulate the utility from political pressures. These findings contribute to the understanding of financial sustainability in state-owned water utilities in developing contexts and offer practical recommendations for policy and operational enhancements at MWSC and similar entities

The Impact of Digital Transformation, Renewable Energy, and Sustainable Tourism on Economic Growth and Environmental Sustainability: A Comparative Analysis Across Global Regions

2025-08-19T06:51:31+00:00

This study examines the interplay between foreign direct investment (FDI), digital transformation, renewable energy consumption and sustainable tourism in shaping economic growth and environmental sustainability. The objective is to analyze how these factors influence regional development and to identify key differences and policy implications. Using a quantitative approach, data from the World Bank database statistics were analyzed using Jamovi software to perform correlation, regression and moderation analysis. The results show that FDI has a positive impact on GDP growth, although its impact varies regionally. Digital transformation, characterized by Internet usage and mobile phone subscriptions, shows a complex relationship with economic growth, sometimes with unexpected negative results in certain regions. Renewable energy consumption significantly reduces CO2 emissions, supporting global decarbonization efforts, while the impact of tourism on emissions is nuanced. The study highlights significant regional disparities, with developed regions having advanced digital infrastructure compared to developing regions. The implications underscore the need for targeted policies to improve digital connectivity, support the transition to renewable energy, and promote sustainable tourism. Recommendations include investing in digital infrastructure, facilitating renewable energy projects, developing sustainable tourism policies, and improving the investment climate. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies and sector specific analysis to better understand regional differences and emerging trends. This comprehensive approach provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders seeking to bridge regional gaps and promote sustainable development.

An Investigation into the Effects of Budgeting on Financial Wellness at Household Level: A Case of households in Lusaka District

2025-08-19T06:54:35+00:00

This study investigates the effects of budgeting on financial wellness at the household level, focusing on households in Lusaka District. Recognizing the critical role that budgeting plays in personal financial management, the research aims to (a) evaluate households’ attitudes towards budgeting as a tool for managing their finances effectively (b) establish prevalent budgeting practices among Lusaka households, and (c) determine the effect of the budgeting practices on financial wellness. Four hypotheses were tested to determine the impact of the different budgeting methods namely, Zero-Based Budgeting, the 50/30/20 budgeting rule, Envelope Budgeting, and Pay-Yourself-First budgeting on household financial wellness. A descriptive correlational research design was employed, utilizing primary data randomly collected from the 384 households from within the seven constituencies of Lusaka district namely; Lusaka Central, Matero, Mandevu,Munali, Chawama, Kabwata and Kanyama using structured questionnaires with closed ended questions. The sample was demographically diverse, representing various age groups, education levels, income brackets, and employment statuses. Data analysis included descriptive statistics to profile household characteristics and budgeting behaviors, as well as regression analysis to assess the relationship between budgeting methods and financial wellness. Findings reveal that an overwhelming majority (96.88%) of households prepare monthly budgets, with Zero-Based Budgeting and Envelope Budgeting emerging as the most commonly used methods. However, only 62.63% of households reported adherence to their budgets, citing unexpected expenses and irregular income as major challenges. Regression results indicate that Zero-Based Budgeting and the Pay-Yourself-First method have significant positive effects on financial wellness, supporting their respective hypotheses. Conversely, the 50/30/20 budgeting rule and Envelope Budgeting showed statistically significant negative relationships with financial wellness, highlighting the limitations of rigid budgeting frameworks. The study concludes that budgeting methods that promote flexibility and prioritize savings enhance household financial wellness.

Effect of Mobile Money on the Demand for Retail Banking in Zambia: Case Study of Zanaco in Lusaka

2025-08-19T11:46:49+00:00

This paper examines how mobile money affects the demand for retail banking in Zambia, focusing on ZANACO in Lusaka. Driven by the rise of mobile money services from MTN Zambia, Airtel Money, and Zamtel Mobile Money, Zambia saw over 20 million registered mobile money users by the end of 2022. Using data from 376 respondents and regression analysis, the study found a strong negative relationship between mobile money usage and traditional banking (r = -0.72, p < 0.05). Cost effectiveness and safety emerged as key factors influencing customers' preference for mobile money. While mobile money reduces reliance on traditional banking for small transactions and bill payments, retail banks remain vital for lending and large transactions. The study recommends that ZANACO enhance digital banking services, improve mobile banking security, and explore partnerships with telecom operators to maintain competitiveness.

Examining Factors Influencing the Entrepreneurial Intentions of Youths in Lusaka, Zambia

2025-08-19T11:46:45+00:00

This research analyses determinants of entrepreneurial intentions among university students in Lusaka, Zambia, using data from 319 participants to investigate how environmental and attitude factors influence entrepreneurship aspirations. The study focuses on formal networks, structural support, perceived behavioural control, and attitude. Survey data from Lusaka university students were analysed using correlation and regression analyses. Results show positive and significant correlations between formal networks, perceived behavioural control, attitude, and entrepreneurial intentions. However, structural support, while positively correlated, is not a significant predictor of entrepreneurial intentions. These findings emphasize the importance of strong formal networks, perceived behavioural control, and a positive entrepreneurial attitude. The non-significant role of structural support suggests a need for further exploration in promoting entrepreneurship in Lusaka. This research enhances understanding of factors influencing entrepreneurial mindset among young individuals in the region.

Barriers and Enablers of Technological Adoption in Zimbabwe’s Underground Chrome Mining: Implications for Strategic Decision Making

2025-08-20T11:50:38+00:00

The research investigates barriers and enablers that affect technological adoption within Zimbabwe's underground chrome mining operations aiming to improve strategic decision making for industry stakeholder. The sector faces major obstacles to technological advancement because it lacks proper infrastructure and faces regulatory hurdles and insufficient financial resources. The sector can enhance technological integration through skilled labor together with government support and industry collaboration. The research combines mixed methods to analyze the perspectives of miners alongside government officials and technology providers. The research shows that barriers and enablers form a complex relationship which needs tailored solutions to address specific challenges by leveraging existing advantages. The research provides actionable recommendations to policymakers and industry leaders who aim to establish better conditions for technological advancement which can drive sustainable growth in Zimbabwe's chrome mining sector.

The Influence of Technology Driven Decision Making on Safety Outcomes in Zimbabwe’s Underground Chrome Mining Sector

2025-08-20T11:53:54+00:00

This paper investigates how technology-based decision systems affect safety results in Zimbabwe's underground chrome mining operations. The research investigates the complex experiences and safety practice perceptions of mine managers and safety officers and frontline workers through distributed questions. The research shows that real-time monitoring systems and data analytics together with other technological tools create better safety culture and improved situational awareness among workers. The participants stated that successful change implementation requires both effective communication and leadership support to build positive attitudes towards technology. The research shows that financial limitations and inadequate training programs act as obstacles to implement technology successfully. The research provides essential knowledge about technology that is safety relationships in mining operations which helps stakeholders make better decisions. The research demonstrates that successful technology implementation requires stakeholder collaboration to establish safety. The journal presents practical recommendations to enhance safety performance in Zimbabwe's underground chrome mining operations through technology driven decision making safety practices in mining operations.