Incubators’ Services for Digital Entrepreneurs’ Performance in Tanzania

Abstract

This study assessed incubators’ services for digital entrepreneurs’ performance in Tanzania. The study was guided by three specific objectives: to explore the influence of technical services provided by incubators on digital incubate entrepreneurs’ performance; to examine the influence of business services provided by incubators in assisting the digital incubate entrepreneurs’ performance; and to examine the influence of networking services organized by incubators impacting digital incubate entrepreneurs’ performance. The study was conducted at the University of Dar es Salaam ICT Innovation Hub (UDICTI). The population comprised active incubates under UDICTI, whereas the sample of 42 incubates was involved. The study employed a mixed research approach. Multiple linear regression and descriptive statistic methods were utilized to analyze the quantitative data, while content analysis was done, and thereafter quotes and narration were deployed to analyze qualitative data, hence triangulation. The study findings revealed that technical, business, and networking support services had a positive and significant influence on the performance of digital entrepreneurs. The study concluded that incubators' services play a constructive role in shaping the growth and development of digital entrepreneurial firms. The recommendations were made to policymakers on the need for the provision of insightful advice to the government so that a user-friendly entrepreneurial environment can be created to capacitate the fresh graduates to effectively engage and prosper in digital entrepreneurship.