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Recent Submissions
The Impact of the Adoption of FINTECH by Commercial Banks in Lusaka CBD for Profit & Provision of Quality Services
(University of Lusaka, 2025) THOLE, Josephine
The Global financial crisis of 2008 set the stage for the expansion of financial technology, an innovation that uses technological systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in financial transactions and operations. The emergence of
fintech posed a threat to the market share of traditional banks, through its ability to reach and serve vast numbers of people spread out in different geographical locations including the unbanked. This awakened the need for collaboration of fintech and traditional banks. The limited knowledge pertaining to the impact of the integration of fintech led to the investigation of its impact on commercial banks in the Lusaka Central Business District for profit and provision of quality financial services. This study was guided by the following specific aims; firstly, to find out what the impact of the adoption of fintech by commercial banks in Lusaka central business district has been, to analyse how the adoption of fintech by commercial banks in Lusaka central business district influences the provision of quality financial services, to find out the role that fintech plays in commercial banks’ provision of quality financial services, and to investigate how the adoption of fintech by commercial banks has led to profit for commercial banks. Using the mixed methods approach, this study utilized the concurrent design to collect data using a self-administered questionnaire as well as a structured interview guide. Furthermore, non-probability sampling was used, particularly, the purposive and convenience sampling to narrow down our sample after which the quantitative data collected was input into SPSS and qualitative data was analyzed thematically. Subsequently, the conclusion was that there indeed has been adoption of fintech by commercial banks. It was established that fintech has been a contributor to banks profit and provision of quality financial services. Although fintech has not been the sole contributor to profits and provision of quality financial services, it has been a catalyst to ensuring the attainment of profit. The future of banking hinges heavily on innovation and customer centricity among other factors, therefore, the onus is for banks to determine the direction of these innovations to maintain their place as market leaders
Stakeholder Engagements and its Impact on Community Projects Outcome: A Case Study of the Luangwa Community Forest REDD+ Project
(University of Lusaka, 2025) PHIRI, Constance Nyawa
Community projects are powerful instruments for addressing many social problems and attaining development that is sustainable at the local level. This kind of initiative's success usually relies on the quality of stakeholder engagement in a broad, multi-disciplinary approach that gathers and mobilizes perspectives and skills throughout the project life cycle. However, this paper explored the impact of stakeholder engagement on community project outcomes through a case study focused on the Luangwa Community Forest REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) Project in Zambia. The REDD+ Project with its geographical area of more than one million hectares, cutting across three provinces and affecting more than 225 000 people is the largest REDD+ project in the African continent aiming at conservating the forest while promoting forest conservation and carbon offsetting-related activities alongside socioeconomic development. The study employed a mixed methods approach combing the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data to better understand stakeholder engagement and its role in the implementation of community projects. Quantitative data was obtained from a questionnaire survey of 385 community household heads and qualitative data was obtained from an in-depth interview with 33 core stakeholders, comprising of local leaders, government professionals, and environmental groups. Data analysis of Quantitative data from in-depth interviews was statistically explored using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Excel to find patterns, correlations, and trends regarding stakeholder engagement and project results. Qualitative data from interviews was analyzed using thematic analysis to identify recurring themes, perceptions, and recommendations associated with stakeholder engagement. The results of the study highlighted key practices of engagement such as Free Prior and Informed Consent, needs surveys, capacity-building workshops, and community meetings contribute to a component of project success. The results underline how such an important role as stakeholder collaboration plays in increasing ownership of the projects, while at the same time it enables efficient use of resources, reduces risks, and achieves successful project results, which in turn facilitate sustainable development. Furthermore, the findings indicate that efficient stakeholder engagement brings about a sense of shared interest, ensures transparency, and makes allowance for consideration of the specific needs
of the local context. For example, it was found that 77.8% of respondents stressed the positive role of stakeholder engagement with respect to establishing trust, community involvement, and long-term commitment to the outcome of the project. The results also elucidate that participatory approaches must be adopted to strike a cognitive balance between environmental conservation and community development. On the contrary, 13.9% of the respondents expressed negative effects of stakeholder engagements due to the priority and resource title conflicts and constraints of the participants, contrary to the progress. Furthermore, there is a need to find proper strategies to ensure a balance so that the negative impacts of stakeholder engagements are minimized. Therefore, the study puts forward recommendations for policy makers and project implementers to consider. One such recommendation is to conduct training and awareness programs for local communities and authorities on the importance of equitable resource distribution and decision-making and establish Inclusive Governance Structures and engage local traditional leaders, women’s groups, and youth representatives in forming and running these committees to encourage participatory decision making. Lastly for future research, the study should consider examining the ways in which gender dynamics affect participation, decision making, and benefit-sharing for the REDD+ projects.
An Analysis of the Relationship between Financial Planning and MSME Profitability
(University of Lusaka, 2025) MANYONGO, Terry Netsai
This paper examines how financial planning affects Zambian MSMEs' profitability. The major objectives of the study were to determine how much financial planning affects MSMEs' profitability, how much awareness there is of financial planning among MSMEs, what advantages financial planning offers MSMEs, and how difficult financial planning is for MSMEs. Using a mixed-approaches research design, collection and analysis of data utilised both quantitative and qualitative methodologies. While quantitative data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, qualitative data was analysed using a thematic approach. There were 290 MSMEs in the study's sample. Cash flow statements and budgets, which are used for financial planning, showed to be significant predictors of MSMEs' profitability. However, it is important to note that a number of factors will determine how much these variables impact MSMEs' profitability. A number of challenges that MSMEs face have when it comes to financial planning were highlighted, including the requirement for specialized knowledge and the applicability of financial planning in the current changing business climate, to name a few. Since financial planning has been shown to help achieve seamless operations and aid in important financial decision making, the study advised MSMEs to actively pursue it. The report also recommended that quasi -governmental organizations actively participate in promoting financial planning knowledge.
Effects of Budget Practices and Control on Performance of Local Government Projects: A Case of Lusaka City Council
(University of Lusaka, 2025) MUTALE, Kasonde
Local governments play a crucial role in delivering essential services and implementing development projects that improve the well-being of citizens. However, their ability to execute these projects effectively is often determined by the robustness of financial management and budget practices. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the effects budgeting and financial management procedures used in Lusaka City government projects. This study was underpinned on the Agency Theory, Resource-Based View (RBV) Theory, and Systems Theory. The study employed a concurrent mixed - methods research approach in which quantitative data was collected through survey questionnaires and qualitative data through semi - structured interviews. Key findings revealed that 49.4% of participants disagreed that stakeholders participate in budget planning, while 37% strongly agreed that stakeholder involvement remains a
significant challenge. Furthermore, 87.7% of respondents reported that funds are not disbursed on time, and 63% agreed that delays in budget approval hinder effective project implementation. Notably, 74.1% of participants (strongly agreeing and agreeing) supported the introduction of a new budget and financial control framework, recognizing its potential to improve resource allocation, reduce wastage, and enhance project outcomes. The strongest positive correlation with project performance was observed for budget planning (r = 0.623, p < 0.01), indicating that thorough planning significantly enhances the likelihood of project success. The study concluded that enhancing stakeholder participation, ensuring timely fund disbursement, and addressing delays in budget approval are essential to improving project performance. It further went on to recommend implementing accountability mechanisms, strengthening financial oversight, and fostering transparency through a revised budget framework. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the challenges of budget practices in local government. It proposes a practical framework emphasizing stakeholder engagement, efficient financial controls, and continuous improvement to optimize budget processes and promote sustainable project success.
Key words: financial management, budget planning, project performance
Determinants of Female Labour Force Participation in Zambia: A Cross-sectional Analysis, 2022
(University of Lusaka, 2025) PHIRI, Edgar
Women represent nearly half (49.6%) of the global population but are significantly underrepresented in the labour force, with participation rates nearly 27% lower than men. In Zambia, the 2022 Labour Force Survey revealed that labour force participation was 43.8% for males and only 28.7% for females, despite government efforts to promote gender equality through policy frameworks and commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study analysed the determinants of Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP) in Zambia using secondary data from the 2022 Labour Force Survey. Employing a logistic regression model, the research examined individual, household, and geographical factors influencing FLFP. Key variables included age, education, marital status, number of children, sex of the household head, household size, household income, rural/urban residence and province. The findings revealed that age, education, and rural/urban residence positively influenced FLFP. Conversely, being married, widowed or living in a female-headed household reduced women’s likelihood of labour force participation. Household income and size were not statistically significant, indicating that cultural and social factors might play a more significant role. Regional disparities were also observed, with participation rates varying across provinces. This study underscores the importance of addressing gender disparities in employment to promote FLFP and ultimately inclusive economic growth. It contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the determinants of FLFP in Zambia, offering valuable insights for policymakers aiming to enhance women's economic participation.
Keywords: Determinants of Female Labour Force Participation, Female Labour Force Participation, Gender Disparities, Inclusive Economic Growth, Logistic Regression
Analysis, Regional Disparities and Zambia Labour Force Survey