FROM SKILLS TO PRODUCTIVITY: THE ROLE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT

Résumé

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a central role in the dynamics of development in Africa by shaping skills formation, employment creation, and productivity growth. Despite high levels of entrepreneurial activity, most African economies continue to face low productivity, widespread informality, and persistent skills mismatches. This article examines how entrepreneurship interacts with human capital development and labor market outcomes, and how these interactions influence productivity. Drawing on recent literature and empirical evidence on micro and small enterprises, the study analyzes the mechanisms through which skills acquisition, vocational training, and digital adoption affect entrepreneurial performance and job creation. The findings suggest that entrepreneurship contributes to productive employment and higher firm-level productivity when supported by targeted skills development, access to technology, and institutional support. Conversely, necessity-driven and informal entrepreneurship tends to generate low-quality jobs with limited productivity gains. The article contributes to the development literature by positioning entrepreneurship as a key transmission channel between skills, employment, and productivity, and by offering policy-relevant insights for promoting sustainable and inclusive growth in Africa.

Keywords

Entrepreneurship - Skills development – Employment – Productivity – Africa