Assessment of competence of solar photovoltaic entrepreneurs for socio – economic development in Mwanza region

The study assessed competencies of solar photovoltaic entrepreneurs for socio – economic development in Mwanza region. The study employed descriptive research strategy to address the research objectives. Forty respondents classified as twenty solar photovoltaic entrepreneurs and twenty customers of solar photovoltaic products were selected by using purposive (judgemental) sampling in Mwanza region. Primary data for this study were collected through self-rating Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies questionnaires. Secondary data were collected from books, journals and recent research papers available online. Data analysis was done using PEC scores, correction factor and statistical methods simplified by using Ms-Excel, correlation analysis, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and t-test. Results from the study reveal that solar photovoltaic entrepreneurs in Mwanza region have moderate strength of Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies which are opportunity competencies, organizing competencies, strategic competencies and relationship competencies. Two approaches namely, solar energy business delivery models and competitive strategies were recommended and these approaches would enable strong Personal Entrepreneurial Competencies in future. There are need to conduct further studies which will explore other factors that promote solar photovoltaic industry business growth and success in Tanzania.