Barriers and Opportunities for Green Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies: A Case Study of Kilolo District, Tanzania

This study examined the barriers and opportunities for green entrepreneurship in emerging economies, focusing on Kilolo District, Tanzania. Green entrepreneurship, which emphasizes sustainable business practices, is increasingly seen as a vital component of both economic development and environmental conservation. Despite the potential benefits, several challenges hinder the growth of green enterprises in Kilolo, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient technical knowledge, regulatory barriers, and low levels of environmental awareness. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study surveyed 80 green entrepreneurs in the district and interviewed key stakeholders, including government officials, NGO managers, and financial institution leaders. The findings revealed that while 37.5% of entrepreneurs practiced organic farming and 25% utilized renewable energy sources, the majority faced significant obstacles. Many entrepreneurs relied on personal savings (50%) and had limited access to loans (25%). The study also identified gaps in technical training and regulatory support, with 62.5% of entrepreneurs reporting limited technical knowledge and 50% facing regulatory challenges. Moreover, environmental awareness was low, with 56.25% of respondents unaware of the environmental impact of their business activities. Despite these barriers, there were notable opportunities for growth, particularly through enhanced access to finance, infrastructure development, capacity-building programs, and policy reforms. The study concluded that addressing these challenges through targeted interventions could significantly promote green entrepreneurship in Kilolo District, contributing to both sustainable development and economic growth. The findings affect policymakers, financial institutions, and development organizations fostering green entrepreneurship in emerging economies.