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The reduction in rural marginalization of infrastructure in Africa has been achieved through the wide diffusion of the so-called fiscal deviation. According to New Institutional Economics, the provision of public resourcing at the local level is more economic since it meets the geographic specificity of infrastructure provisions. However, when intergovernmental fiscal transfers are towards rural road provision, it is majorly because of several structural impediments, that the corrected road will not be realized. This systematic review of literature with regards to devolution and infra-structure provision has laid emphasis on going beyond overly simplistic input-output models to explore the multiple filters regulating decentralized public works. The focus here is on institutional capacity as a crucial explanatory factor and the way deficits in technical engineering, equipment maintenance, and procurement governance conspire to undermine the potency of devolved funding. Moreover, the study discusses the moderating effects in the face of instability in the broader economy, illustrating how hyper-inflation and currency depreciation can deplete real infrastructure funds purchasing power and result in the erosion of the contractor attrition as observed. Finally, the review has identified systemic barriers, such as climate vulnerability and ministerial red-tape friction. The synthesis of empirical literature from 2010 to 2024 suggests that fiscal decentralisation without a built institutional capacity and insulated mechanisms against macroeconomic turbulence cannot deliver in the long run.

Despite changing Performance Management System (PMS) to Performance Management and Development (PMD) in 2018, public schools face difficulties in effectively implementing PMD in Botswana. This study, using a mixed methods approach, investigated the capacity of school managers to implement PMD. Quantitative analysis assessed capacity and workload, while qualitative insights explored managers’ perspectives on PMD.  From the study, poor PMD implementation is associated with capacity issues, moral laxity and organizational indifference. The study recommends building capacities at all levels of PMD and embracing PMD as a performance reform.

Does Botswana’s economic growth drive insurance sector development or follows it? This study evaluates the empirical applicability of the supply-leading and demand-following hypotheses. It employs the Autoregressive Distributed Lag bounds testing approach and Granger causality analysis within a Vector Error Correction Model framework, to examines the significance of dynamic long-run, short-run and causal relationship between the Insurance sector development (total insurance penetration) and economic growth (Gross Domestic Product per capita) over the period 2000–2023. To reduce specification bias, the control variables used are gross fixed capital formation for physical capital accumulation, inflation for macroeconomic stability and trade openness for external trade exposure. The findings indicate a statistically significant long-run cointegrating relationship among the variables, with inflation exerting a highly significant negative effect on Gross Domestic Product per capita while total insurance penetration indicates a statistically insignificant direct long-run impact. In the short run, total insurance penetration exerts a robust and statistically significant negative effect on Gross Domestic Product per capita, validating the presence of a 'savings-substitution' effect and domestic capital leakage channel identified in earlier literature. The Pairwise Granger causality analysis yields a strong backing for the demand-following hypothesis at 5% significance level, and a weak evidence of a supply-leading effect at 10% level meaning the insurance market acts primarily as a passive responder to macroeconomic expansion rather than a primary growth locomotive. Policy recommendations stress the need for regulatory reforms to boost domestic insurance premiums reinvestment, stimulate structural product innovation, and deepen financial inclusion to unlock growth-insurance complementarities.

In small and emerging markets like Botswana, what drives the financial resilience of non-life insurers? This study takes a closer look at this question, evaluating audited financial statement data from 14 Non-Bank Financial Institutions Regulatory Authority (NBFIRA) licensed insurers across the year 2010–2022 period. The resulting unbalanced panel dataset of 127 firm-year observations in total is used to test ten potential determinants: profitability, underwriting risk, reinsurance dependence, firm size, leverage, liquidity, asset tangibility, premium growth, firm age, and ownership structure. Following diagnostic testing via the F-test, Breusch-Pagan LM test, and Hausman specification test, the Fixed Effects (FE) model was retained as the preferred estimator. As findings, underwriting risk, rather than weakening solvency, showed the strongest positive association with capital adequacy. The most credible explanation for this is regulatory, companies with heavier claims exposure appear to respond to supervisory pressure by holding more capital, not less. Reinsurance dependence, firm size, liquidity, and asset tangibility were also positively significant, highlighting the importance of risk-transfer mechanisms and effective liquidity management. On the other hand, profitability, leverage, growth, and firm age fell short of significance reflecting the structural constraints of a concentrated, domestically oriented market rather than any theoretical irrelevance of these factors. Risk management practices and firm-specific structural characteristics positively influence solvency adequacy among Botswana's non-life insurers instead of profitability or growth considerations. This research adds to the already existing limited empirical evidence of drivers of solvency margins in Botswana and the Sub-Saharan Africa providing useful insights for insurers, regulators, and policymakers seeking to strengthen risk-based supervision and promote the long-term stability of the insurance sector in Botswana.

Decentralized approaches to solid waste management (SWM) have gained global attention because of their provision for the effective participation of local communities. This study investigates community participation in decentralized solid waste management policy-making processes, drawing insights from Ghana. Using mixed methods, the study reveals that community participation only takes place at the policy implementation stage and takes the form of planning and managing community-led solid waste management initiatives such as occasional community clean-up exercise during festivals and public holidays, which are usually organized on a frequent basis. Regarding the factors that promote the solid waste management policy-making process, it was realized that “including the community in the solid waste management policy-making process” was the most important factor for the community to participate in the solid waste management policy-making process. Based on these findings, the top-down approach in solid waste management policy should be reversed to bottom-up approaches.

This paper analyses the impact of economic globalisation on income inequality in Botswana, emphasising both direct and indirect transmission mechanisms. The study utilises annual time-series data from 1990 to 2023, employing the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and the Toda–Yamamoto Distributed Lag (TYDL) Granger causality method to examine the interrelations among economic globalisation, trade openness, inflation, economic growth, and income inequality. The results indicate a consistent long-term link among the variables, wherein economic globalisation diminishes income disparity, whilst broader globalisation and trade openness likely to intensify it. The causation findings indicate that both economic globalisation and globalisation directly impact income disparity, while globalisation also indirectly influences inequality via inflation. Real GDP per capita indirectly affects inequality via globalisation, while exports directly contribute to inequality. The study indicates that while economic globalisation fosters economic growth and integration, its advantages are inequitably allocated. It advocates for inclusive economic globalisation policies, targeted fiscal redistribution, financial inclusion, and export diversification to guarantee equitable and sustainable growth in Botswana.

This study examines the impact of wage disparities on employee performance within Zimbabwe's telecommunication industry using advanced structural equation modelling techniques informed by recent post-pandemic organizational behaviour research. A quantitative research approach was employed, collecting data from 227 respondents across various job levels in Harare through structured questionnaires. Data analysis was conducted using structural equation modelling, incorporating recent methodological advances in measurement invariance testing and multi-group analysis. Results reveal significant wage differentials with employees perceiving substantial unfairness in wage distribution. The structural model demonstrates that wage disparities significantly impact employee performance, with regulatory frameworks and economic instability identified as primary contributing factors. Organizations should adopt AI-enhanced transparent compensation systems and implement performance-based wage structures informed by recent Environmental, Social, and Governance frameworks to enhance employee satisfaction and organizational performance. 

This study examines the corporate governance frameworks of family-owned enterprises in Botswana. Family enterprises constitute a fundamental component of the nation's private sector, accounting for over 70% of GDP and providing employment for approximately 60% of the labour force. Notwithstanding their economic significance, these firms encounter ongoing issues in governance, especially concerning leadership succession, board composition, and professionalisation. This study utilises agency theory, stewardship theory, and the resource-based view, employing a mixed-methods strategy that includes the distribution of 150 structured questionnaires across several sectors such as retail, agriculture, hospitality, and professional services. The results indicate that companies with formal governance frameworks, including independent professional boards, written succession plans, and family protocols, consistently excel in strategic decision-making, transparency, and long-term sustainability compared to their competitors. Nonetheless, obstacles to implementation persist, since numerous enterprises are impeded by cultural opposition to non-family leadership, insufficient understanding of governance mechanisms, and a tendency towards informal decision-making. The article finishes by providing pragmatic ideas for policymakers, entrepreneurs, and development agencies to enhance resilience and competitiveness in this crucial industry.

Children resulting from father adultery frequently inhabit intricate social, emotional, and spiritual dimensions within their homes. This study employs a pastoral-theological and counselling approach to analyse the well-being of children conceived during father extramarital relationships. It examines the diverse issues these children encounter, including as identity development, familial acceptance, moral and spiritual guidance, and emotional stability. The study aims to comprehend how the church and religious communities may assist these children and their families by utilising theological ideas, pastoral care frameworks, and pertinent counselling theories. Literature review methods to gain in-depth insights into lived experiences. The results underscore the necessity for empathetic pastoral and counselling interventions, ethical familial practices, and spiritual support to alleviate the psychosocial problems linked to paternal infidelity. This study integrates theological contemplation with practical pastoral care and counselling interventions, contributing to scholarly discourse and faith-based approaches to family issues, while emphasising the overall emotional, moral, and spiritual well-being of affected children. The study advocates for knowledgeable pastoral approaches that foster healing, resilience, and spiritual development among intricate family dynamics..

The research focus was on the link between Personal Financial Management (PFM) and employees' productivity in Botswana’s public sector because this particular aspect remains largely unattended despite being an important gap within African public sector management studies. The research was conducted at the Department of Social Protection and entailed applying a quantitative research paradigm with structured research interviews (n=73). Analysis shows that there was statistical significance with PFM only marginally expanding employees' productivity at 19.3% variance significance level. It was established that marital status and age were not significant factors or interests influencing PFM while education was established as an important predictor variable using multiple regression analysis. It was established that poor PFM practice translates to employees' stress caused by financial problems manifesting at workplaces indicated by employees' lack of focus and related absenteeism. The study proposes specific programs for employees' financial well-being at workplaces.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are central to the Zambia’s economy, but often struggle with sustained profitability. This study examined the influence of entrepreneurial characteristics on SME profitability in Zambia. Specifically, the study aimed at; (i) identifying the key influential entrepreneurial characteristic and (ii) analysing the relationships between entrepreneurial characteristics and SME profitability. Entrepreneurial characteristics examined included; innovativeness, risk-taking, autonomy, confidence/negotiation skills, readiness, need for achievement, experience and education.  Data were collected from 201 SMEs registered with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) across seven urban canters through structured questionnaires administered in face-to-face approach. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select respondents. Factor analysis, Pearson correlation, and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. Findings revealed that entrepreneurial characteristics significantly influence SME profitability, with autonomy emerging as the most influential characteristic. However, correlation analysis indicated that autonomy and other characteristics including; education, experience, innovativeness, readiness, confidence, need for achievement, and risk-taking do not have a significant direct linear relationship, implying that their influence is contingent on contextual factors like finance, regulations, and markets. The study concludes that entrepreneurial characteristics alone are insufficient for profitability; instead, their influence depends on their alignment with environmental opportunities, offering insights for policy, training, and SME support interventions. Therefore, policy and practice should move beyond narrow emphasis on formal education or abstract entrepreneurial characteristics. Interventions should promote adaptive leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, and resource mobilisation that promote autonomous behaviour.  

Business Model Innovation (BMI) has been widely recognised by management scholars as a significant approach to analyse complex organisational issues and address challenges in volatile business contexts.  Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) operating in highly turbulent business environments struggle to be viable. Hence, the need to adopt appropriate business models to ensure resilient and viability. This study sought to examine the influence of BMIs on the ability of SMEs in developing nations to withstand and recover from challenges posed by unstable business environments. This study uses a quantitative approach, with a cross-sectional survey to collect empirical evidence from 327 SMEs selected through quota sampling.  Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method, results of the study reveal that BMI has a positive impact on the resilience of SMEs. The findings demonstrated that implementing innovative modifications in the business model, namely value creation, value capture, and value proposition positively influence the resilience of SMEs. The study concludes that implementing innovative business models contributes to the development of resilience among SMEs in emerging economies. This paper is relevant to SMEs operating in developing economies as well as those in volatile business environments.

The quality of institutions continues to be a pertinent issue due to its potential direct and indirect effects on economic growth. The research examined the correlation between institutional quality and economic growth in Botswana from 1990 to 2022. The research utilised the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds model to assess cointegration and the Toda and Yamamoto and Dolado and Lütkepohl (TYDL) model to investigate the direction of causality. The ARDL methodology is favoured for this research because to its applicability to small sample sizes. This method is not constrained by the sequence of integration among the variables. The results demonstrate that corruption adversely impacts economic growth in both the short term and the long term. Regulatory frameworks and governmental stability exert a substantial favourable influence on economic growth in both the short and long term. The analysis identified a bidirectional causative relationship between government stability and economic growth, as well as a unidirectional causal relationship from regulatory rules to economic growth. This study revealed a negative impact of labour on economic vitality. The cointegrating link indicates that the Botswana government ought to prioritise investments in institutional quality, targeted procedures, and policies due to their direct influence on economic growth. The report advocates for the Botswana government to formulate and implement legislation that fosters and advances the development of the citizen sector. The Botswana government should improve and sustain the factors that contribute to institutional quality, as they facilitate development.

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to Zambia’s economic growth but continue to face challenges in sustaining profitability. This study examined the effect of firm characteristics on SME profitability, aiming to (i) identify the most influential characteristic and (ii) analyse their relationships with profitability. The characteristics assessed included firm size, firm age, debt finance, liquidity, and sales growth. Data were collected from 270 SMEs registered with the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA) across seven urban centres: Livingstone, Lusaka, Kabwe, Ndola, Kitwe, Chingola, and Chililabombwe, using structured, face-to-face questionnaires. Systematic random sampling was employed, and data were analysed using factor analysis, Pearson correlation, regression, and Chi-square tests. Results showed that firm characteristics collectively have a significant effect on SME profitability, though individual relationships were weak and statistically insignificant. Among the characteristics, sales growth had the strongest influence. However, regression results (R² = 0.002, F = 0.237, p = 0.790) indicated very weak predictive power, suggesting that firm characteristics explain only 0.2% of profitability variance. This implies that SME profitability in Zambia is influenced by the combined interaction of factors rather than individual characteristics. The study contributes new insights by identifying sales growth as the most influential factor, highlighting that sales growth drives SME profitability even in resource-constrained contexts like Zambia. Policymakers should prioritise integrated strategies that foster sales growth through innovation, market diversification, and digital marketing, while enhancing liquidity through accessible, low-interest financing. Financial policy reforms should prioritize accessible, low-interest financing mechanisms that enhance liquidity and sustainable debt utilisation.

The integration of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in educational contexts has led to substantial changes in both teaching and learning approaches. The role of ICT has proven advantageous for both teachers and students. Despite this, there exists a scarcity of research investigating the experiences and perspectives of mathematics teachers at the senior secondary level in Botswana concerning the integration of ICT in mathematics education. This study investigated the perceptions and experiences of 20 purposively selected senior secondary mathematics teachers regarding the integration of ICT in mathematics education. The study was guided by Mishra and Koehler's (2006) TPACK (Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge) framework and employed structured interviews and observations to collect data. The results showed that mathematics teachers are aware of the concept of integrating technology into mathematics education. The results also showed that most teachers are only familiar with basic technological tools such as computers and scientific calculators. Teachers acknowledged the significance of integrating technology into mathematics education for both them and their students. They noted that the integration of ICT in mathematics teaching can assist in lesson planning, delivery, communication, administrative duties, and research, while also having the potential to enhance students' academic performance. However, teachers conceded that there are significant challenges to effectively integrating technology into mathematics education, which include a shortage of resources, a lack of necessary knowledge and skills, and inadequate professional training specific to the subject. The study recommended that the government of Botswana should focus on providing reliable internet connectivity in public schools, maintaining classrooms

As African countries continue to improve their healthcare quality, a study of this nature that sought to examine satisfaction with healthcare services from the perspective of healthcare users cannot be overemphasized, as the findings serve as a benchmark to guide policy decisions in the healthcare sector. This study assessed perception of satisfaction on the quality of decentralised healthcare service delivery from a positivist research orientation. A total of 408 users of healthcare services from 10 districts of Lesotho were selected to respond to a set of questionnaires and a researcher-administered survey developed from the six World Health Organisation–defined dimensions of quality healthcare: safety, equity, acceptability, accessibility, efficiency, and effectiveness. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for analysing the data obtained. The findings of the study revealed mixed feelings among users of healthcare services in Lesotho. For example, healthcare users were generally satisfied with how receptive service providers were to innovative service delivery, honesty, and the overall competence of healthcare service providers. However, significant deficits were observed in treatment safety, record-keeping, equitable geographic service distribution, and timely access. Particularly worrying were concerns about drug administration, rural service equity, and duplication of health procedures. There were no significant differences in the respondents’ satisfaction regarding healthcare services despite variations in their sexual orientation and age distribution. The study highlights the systemic inequalities and inefficiencies that counter the desired objectives of decentralised healthcare and the critical need for participatory health governance, digital health systems, improved communication strategies, health infrastructure investments and adaptive governance frameworks to bridge the disconnect between the lived experiences of healthcare users and decentralised health policy frameworks. The results offer evidence-based insights for healthcare administrators, donors, health communicators and policymakers seeking to enhance equity and quality in healthcare in resource-constrained African settings.

This study investigates the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve operational performance in Zimbabwean road haulage enterprises, with a focus on driver training as a moderator. As the logistics industry faces new difficulties, AI technologies have great promise for increasing efficiency and decision making. However, the usefulness of these technologies is determined by the skill levels of the drivers using them. This study demonstrated how extensive driver training improves the capacity to comprehend AI-generated insights, resulting in better route management, lower operating costs, and increased safety. This study examines how AI affects key performance variables such as cost savings, productivity, customer happiness, and environmental sustainability, using real data from road haulage companies. Key findings demonstrate how AI is transforming decision-making, improving operational effectiveness, and optimizing routes. The research highlights several noteworthy obstacles in addition to their obvious advantages, such as budgetary limitations, difficulty in obtaining pertinent data, and the need for more regionalized AI solutions. The findings, which are based on case studies and performance data from diverse enterprises, indicate that (i) organizations that invest in both AI and driver training benefit from a synergistic impact, resulting in higher operational outcomes, (ii) there is need to combine technical improvements with human experience to achieve maximum performance in Zimbabwe's competitive road-haulage market and finally (iii) this study offers helpful recommendations for successfully integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into haulage processes, along with insights into best practices and alternative approaches to overcome current obstacles. This study emphasizes the importance of context-specific solutions in emerging regions, enhancing the expanding corpus of knowledge on AI applications, particularly in logistics.

SMEs play a critical role in employment generation and improving economic growth but continue to be excluded from the financial systems. However, the emergence of financial technologies such as mobile money provides a critical tool to address financial exclusion. As such, this study investigates the impact of mobile money on access to finance by small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Using a sample of thirteen sub–Saharan African countries, covering the period between 2015 to 2022, the study utilised secondary data and employed panel data regression techniques in estimation. This study demonstrated that mobile money impedes access to financial services at commercial banks by SMEs. To promote financial inclusivity, this study proffers policy advice as it recommends partnering of mobile money providers and traditional financial institutions to develop financial products which are tailor-made to SMEs using mobile money platforms to take advantage of its popularity in the SSA region.

Productive asset creation has been proposed as a potential solution for local economic development. The research study explores the concept of productive asset creation and its impact on local economies. The main objective of the study was to establish the impact of Productive Assets Creation (PAC) in stimulating Local Economic Development in Botswana The research study discusses value creation and value appropriation, highlighting the role of innovation and competition in capturing societal value through productive assets. Local Economic Development provides a multilevel perspective on value creation and capture, emphasizing the role of favourable economic environments within communities. The research study referred to various kinds of literature discussing the importance of productive asset creation as a solution to Local Economic Development. The literature that was used also argued that policy consideration should be made on productive assets to promote business development and improve overall returns to communities. The research utilised qualitative methods of data collection and analysis. Interviews and document analysis were used to interact with relevant participants and gathering relevant data. The findings and recommendations derived from this paper aids in developing productive assets that feeds into local economic development initiatives. By considering the theories and perspectives discussed in the selected references, future researchers, policymakers and practitioners may gain insights into the factors and strategies that contribute to successful economic development at the local level.

This study investigates the impact of financial literacy on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on its role in enhancing financial decision-making, access to finance, fintech adoption, and risk management. Grounded in Resource-Based Theory (RBT) and Human Capital Theory (HCT), financial literacy is positioned as both a strategic capability and a form of human capital that strengthens firm resilience and competitiveness. A systematic literature review was conducted, synthesising evidence from 18 empirical studies published between 2016 and 2024. Findings reveal that financial literacy significantly improves SMEs’ ability to budget, manage debt, and evaluate investment decisions. It also enhances creditworthiness through improved financial record-keeping, thereby facilitating access to financing. Moreover, digital financial literacy is identified as a catalyst for fintech adoption, which contributes to cost reduction, operational efficiency, and financial transparency. The study concludes that targeted financial literacy interventions are essential, especially in developing economies where SMEs face structural constraints. It calls for integrated financial education strategies involving policymakers, financial institutions, and SME development agencies. Further empirical research is recommended to examine the long-term and digital dimensions of financial literacy as a driver of sustainable SME performance.