This study explores the integration of Entrepreneurial Coaching (EC) as a pedagogical innovation in Entrepreneurship Education (EE) and its role in fostering Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE). The aim is to synthesise existing research to understand how EC supports the development of ESE and addresses the knowing–doing gap in entrepreneurial practice. A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. The search strategy utilised the Scopus and Litmaps databases, identifying 548 records. After removing duplicates, 407 records were screened based on titles and abstracts, resulting in 96 studies in the final synthesis. Findings reveal that EC enhances ESE through reflective and experiential learning but highlight significant gaps, including limited longitudinal research, the need for scalable coaching models, and a lack of standardised evaluation frameworks. This study acknowledges its reliance on selected databases (Scopus and Litmaps) and the exclusion of non-English publications as limitations, which may have excluded the relevant literature. These findings emphasise the potential of EC to complement existing pedagogical approaches in EE while identifying critical areas for future research to establish its theoretical and practical contributions.

Background: Several studies have been conducted to investigate the relationship between networking and performance, but unfortunately findings have been inconclusive. Nevertheless, networking has been recognised as a vital element for enhancing competitiveness amongst small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Aim: The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of different forms of networking, networking activities and the perceived importance of networking on SME performance.Setting: The study was conducted in South Africa, more specifically on entrepreneurs who have SMEs operating in the Gauteng province.Methods: This was a quantitative study with a cross-sectional research design on a sample size of 304. Multiple linear regression was employed as the core statistical technique to analyse the primary data.Results: It was evident that the more value entrepreneurs put on networking, the lesser their businesses performed, as the relationship became negative. However, the more they got involved in networking activities and maintained the relationships, the better their businesses performed. It was interesting to note that social, business and managerial network forms emerged as one form of networking, which we have named business networking. However, the importance and maintenance of networks were very distinct as networks were valued higher than what we saw from the maintenance and participation in networking.Conclusion: The study does not suggest that networking is irrelevant. However, it argues that this might be reflecting the risk of overvaluing networks. It is evident that networking influences performance of SMEs irrespective of whether it is social, business or managerial.

Entrepreneurship is a fundamental driver of economic growth and innovation, particularly in emerging economies where youth unemployment remains a critical challenge. This study examines the role of self-efficacy in shaping entrepreneurial motivation and behaviour among students at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), South Africa. Grounded in Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory, this study integrates Ajzen’s Theory of Planned Behaviour and Becker’s Human Capital Theory to explore the link between self-efficacy, entrepreneurial intentions, and long-term business success. A qualitative research design was employed, involving in-depth interviews with purposively selected students enrolled in entrepreneurship programs. Thematic analysis was utilised to extract key themes related to self-efficacy, resilience, risk-taking behaviour, and socio-economic influences. The findings indicate that students with higher levels of self-efficacy demonstrate stronger entrepreneurial motivation, persistence, and proactive business engagement. The study further explores the role of mentorship programs, institutional support, and policy interventions in enhancing self-efficacy among young entrepreneurs. The research offers critical policy recommendations for higher education institutions, government bodies, and business incubators, advocating for structured entrepreneurship training, financial accessibility reforms, and mentorship-driven ecosystem development. The findings contribute to the growing body of literature on entrepreneurial self-efficacy in emerging markets and provide actionable strategies to foster an entrepreneurial mindset among university students.

Family entrepreneurship is the backbone of economic development and growth in most African countries, including job generation. Small community-based enterprises to multi-industry conglomerates are all examples of family businesses. To ensure their growth, it is important that family businesses are delicately and decisively managed. Like other types of businesses, family businesses require an enabling environment to thrive. This environment is embedded within an entrepreneurial ecosystem which includes policy, capital, culture, market access, resources, human capital, innovation research and development, technology transfer, and community building. This chapter aims to look at the fundamental components of the entrepreneurial ecosystem that help family businesses develop and grow. The chapter's discussions focused on the family business ecosystem, culture, conflicts, and other challenges that African family-owned businesses face. The analysis was aided by using an explanatory embedded multiple case study methodology. Top Faith University, Mkpatak in Nigeria, Maponya Business in South Africa, and Mohammed Enterprise Limited (MeTL) in Tanzania are the three case studies presented. It was observed that one of the major risks for family businesses is succession planning and conflict over succession in the business. This could be due to family system behaviours and norms such as communication, conflict resolution approaches, and family positional power. Based on these findings, African family businesses should consider adopting appropriate governance structures, procedures, and succession planning to mitigate operational risks. The governance structures and procedures- present opportunities to strengthen their market value, such as technology transfer, hiring competent human capital, fostering a positive workplace culture, and ensuring that their business is run professionally to attract investors and collaborators as it grows. Family businesses should implement a proactive strategy plan for succession planning to enable sustainable growth and the successful transfer of these businesses to the next generation.

This case study delves into the transformative potential of entrepreneurship education on economic empowerment in South Africa, with a focus on a foundational first-year entrepreneurship module (ENTR101D) at the South African University of Technology. Tailored to address the specific socio-economic needs of students from low-income, rural, and township backgrounds, the module seamlessly integrates theoretical frameworks with practical learning, resilience-building, and a culturally inclusive approach. Key components of the curriculum, such as design thinking, financial literacy, and business modelling, are imparted through experiential learning and reinforced by mentorship and industry partnerships. The findings underscore the profound impact of ENTR101D, equipping students with essential entrepreneurial skills and fostering a flexible, growth-oriented mindset. This not only promotes financial self-sufficiency and upward social mobility but also instils a sense of hope and optimism for the future. These insights underscore the significance of contextualised, practice-oriented entrepreneurship education as a catalyst for supporting sustainable economic development, particularly in underserved communities.