Entrepreneurial Intentions of University Students: Insights for Entrepreneurial Education in Ethiopia

The purpose of this study was to determine the entrepreneurial intention of graduating universities students in Ethiopian and to identify factors which influence students’ entrepreneurial behavior. A survey design was employed where 665 final year university students from five universities were randomly selected as participants. Quantitative data were collected through self-evaluation survey questionnaire and analyzed using Pearson Correlation and Logistic Regression. Additionally, data from open-ended questions were used to identify factors which influence students’ entrepreneurial behavior. The study found high entrepreneurial intention for final year university students in Ethiopia, but, low propensity to venture into business within two years after graduating. Findings from the Logistic Regression analysis found strong support for perceived feasibility, perceived desirability and course support as predictors of entrepreneurial intention, and to some extent perceived locus of control, but, gender and prior experience in a business had no effect. Barriers that deter entrepreneurial attitude include: poor government support (policies and bureaucracy), institutional issues (lack of start-up capital, business premises, and poor access to adequate and quality inputs and markets), personal issues (lack of self-confidence and motivation, fear of failure, poor entrepreneurial skills and knowledge on opportunity identification), and societal issues (society/family support and perception). From this study, it was concluded that university students recognize entrepreneurship as the way forward for curbing unemployment, but, universities need to equip students with relevant competencies that are appropriate for business start-up. The government on its part should provide positive business environment and proper infrastructure for starting a new business. Keywords: Entrepreneurial Intentions; Business; University Students; Logistic Regression; Ethiopi