Many entrepreneurs in Zambia and across Africa face formidable obstacles in entering and growing their businesses within local and international markets. Challenges encompass issues such as limited access to capital, exorbitant interest rates on informal financing, a lack of security for performance and advance payment guarantees, and difficulties in obtaining formal and affordable capital from banks. Additionally, the absence of bankable business plans compounds these struggles.

The difficulties extend to sourcing goods for fulfilling awarded orders and contracts, as well as executing construction projects. Inadequate resources, personnel, infrastructure, experience, expertise, funding, and machinery contribute to failures and delays in delivering orders and completing projects, leading to cash flow problems.

A pervasive lack of knowledge on how to initiate businesses and secure contracts further hampers entrepreneurs. A prevalent "connections" culture poses a significant barrier, where success often hinges on knowing the right people rather than merit.

Moreover, a scarcity mentality fosters competitiveness among entrepreneurs. In contrast to counterparts in the West, East, and the Middle East, there is a notable absence of a collaborative ethos to share risks and reap collective benefits.

On a personal level, many entrepreneurs reside in neighborhoods alongside individuals of Jewish, Chinese, and Muslim origins, observing how these communities thrive through collaborative efforts to build generational wealth. While some tribes within Zambia have mastered this cooperative approach, their influence remains limited in impacting other tribes.