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Youth Entrepreneurship, Credit Access and Post‐Disaster Business Recovery: Evidence From Informal Food Enterprises in Ghana

Author

Listed:
  • Bernard Kwamena Cobbina Essel
  • Ebenezer Donkor
  • Ayat Ullah
  • Faizal Adams
  • Miroslava Bavorova

Abstract

This study investigates how access to finance (credit access) influences business recovery and entrepreneurial performance among youth‐led informal food enterprises in Ghana, with implications for financial inclusion, entrepreneurial ability and post‐crisis business resilience in developing economies. Using cross‐sectional data from 136 enterprises across three regions, we apply a probit model to identify determinants of youth entrepreneurs’ access to credit and an endogenous treatment regression to assess its impact on firm outcomes. Results show that membership in business associations significantly increases the likelihood of obtaining credit, while mentorship and social media usage are associated with lower access. Importantly, enterprises receiving credit support experience substantial gains in entrepreneurial performance, with average profit increases of GHS 11586.44 (p

Suggested Citation

  • Bernard Kwamena Cobbina Essel & Ebenezer Donkor & Ayat Ullah & Faizal Adams & Miroslava Bavorova, 2026. "Youth Entrepreneurship, Credit Access and Post‐Disaster Business Recovery: Evidence From Informal Food Enterprises in Ghana," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 38(3), pages 488-504, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:38:y:2026:i:3:p:488-504
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.70070
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