%0 Journal Article
%T The Business Enabling Environment-Economic Development Nexus, The Zambian Context
%A Michael Mulenga
%J Scientific & Academic Publishing
%D 2020
%R 10.5923/j.economics.20201005.03
%X Using a Desk Based Research and literature review coupled with experience on the developmental work in Zambia, the present study, examines the relationships between Business Enabling Environment (BEE) and economic development for the period 2004 to 2019. The paper conclude that Zambia¡¯s Business Enabling Environment has been both narrowly defined and implemented in policy to focus more on administrative and regulatory reforms. The move that has supported more Foreign Direct Investments and leave out the majority small business in the informal sector. This explains the Zambian paradox of high FDI and economic growth but high poverty levels and one of the countries with higher GINI index in the world. The results of this paper are consistent with many others¡¯ findings of negative relationship between Business Enabling Environment and Economic Development among African countries which do not adopt pro-poor Business Enabling Environment. The study recommends that the economic managers of Zambia¡¯s economy should adopt such Pro Poor Business Enabling Environment policies that promote broader challenges of the majority informal sector such as enhanced access to Financial services(Not only credit);enhanced Business Development Services to support growth of small businesses; Improved conducive environment through laws, policies and regulatory focus on small businesses and access to competitive markets. The drive is not to leave anyone behind if this increased economic growth recorded in Zambia must translate into economic development
%K Business Enabling Environment (BEE)
%K Economic growth
%K Economic development
%U http://article.sapub.org/10.5923.j.economics.20201005.03.html