Establishing a private midwife business in Zambia : a case study

The starting point for establishing own business is the desire to become an entrepreneur which is always a conscious choice and requires careful consideration. This case study was done for the author herself to evaluate the viability of the business idea. The aim of this project was to describe the process of establishing a private midwifery business in Zambia. The objectives were to 1) To develop a business plan for the establishment of a midwife consultant company in Zambia, 2) To assess the healthcare business environment of Zambia, 3) To evaluate the profitability of the business idea, and 4) To analyze the business opportunities of the private midwife business to be established in Zambia. The research method of this Master´s thesis project was qualitative case study research implemented with the desk research technique. A background description was implemented as a narrative literature review followed by the production of the business plan. The actual business plan is not included in this report because of the confidentiality of the business plan. The main result was the creation of a business plan. Other findings support that Zambia, as a business environment, is full of opportunities, although it is challenging and bureaucratic. It seems that in Zambia, there is a need and a possibility of success for private midwife services, but the profitability is uncertain. Locally implemented market research would support the business plan and profitability calculations. In Zambia, the midwifery business would create an opportunity for pregnant women to receive more holistic and gentle care but also to create jobs and improve the conditions of the locals. The business plan would require some adjustments to meet the needs of the operating environment in Zambia but overall, the business idea is viable. After all, this case study has provided good initial work in the process of establishing a midwifery business in Zambia