Assessing Entrepreneurial Intentions and Actions Among Youth in the City of Tshwane: A Post-COVID-19 Perspective

Abstract

This study assessed the perceived post-COVID-19 Entrepreneurial Intentions and actions among youth in the City of Tshwane using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. It examined the perceived influence of COVID-19 on attitudes toward entrepreneurship, Subjective Norms, and Self-Efficacy, and how these factors shape Entrepreneurial Intentions and subsequent Entrepreneurial Actions. Data were collected from 326 youths across five regions of the City of Tshwane using convenience sampling and a self-administered questionnaire. The findings were generated from analyses conducted using Microsoft Excel, IBM SPSS version 29, and STATA version 13. The results indicate that the perceived effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were positively associated with the antecedents of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. However, Subjective Norms did not significantly influence the development of Entrepreneurial Intentions. In addition, Self-Efficacy was directly linked to both youth Entrepreneurial Intentions and Entrepreneurial Actions. These findings extend the application of the Theory of Planned Behaviour by highlighting the role of Self-Efficacy in translating Entrepreneurial Intentions into Entrepreneurial Action. From a sustainability perspective, strengthening youth entrepreneurship can support more inclusive and resilient local economies by expanding opportunities for self-employment, livelihood creation, and productive economic participation. The findings therefore emphasize the importance of supportive entrepreneurial institutions and early entrepreneurship development as components of longer-term strategies to address youth unemployment and promote sustainable socio-economic development.