Determinants of Youth Self-Employment in Bujumbura, Burundi

Abstract

In response to escalating youth unemployment challenges globally and particularly in Burundi, this research investigates the determinants of youth self-employment in Bujumbura, aiming to identify key shaping entrepreneurial decisions. The study explores the influence of demographic, socio-economic, and psychological factors on youth’s pursuit of self-employment. Data were collected from 378 self-employed youth in Bujumbura using disproportionate stratified and snowball sampling techniques. Descriptive and Inferential analyses were conducted, including Multiple Linear Regression and Structural Equation Modelling, utilizing IBM SPSS 25 and SMARTPLS. Demographic analysis revealed that age (β=0.288, P<0.001), education (β=0.009, P<0.05), and skills (β=0.009, P<0.05) significantly influenced the decision to become self-employed. Socio-economic factors highlighted the importance of access to financial resources (β=0.044, P<0.05) and social networks (β=0.238, P<0.001), with the latter playing a substantial role in influencing self-employment decisions. Psychological factors emphasized the need for achievement (β=0.897, t=59.832, p<0.001) and entrepreneurial intention (β=0.048, t=2.201, p<0.05) as a driving force behind youth self-employment.