Entrepreneurship has become a dream for lots of people all over the world. Despite this, studies point out that very few people understand the importance of entrepreneurship and dare to turn their dreams into reality.

According to the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI), enterprise is a crucial engine of economic growth. Without enterprise and entrepreneurs, there would be little innovation, little productivity growth, and few new jobs. Given the current economic challenges facing many countries across the globe, it has been proven that the notion of engendering greater entrepreneurial activity has become a prominent goal for many national governments.

Fred Omondi, an entrepreneur and architect working with Arc grid Consultant ltd -Kigali says with entrepreneurial skills, understanding the challenges and the benefits that come after is beneficial as it acts as a drive for one to make it in their entrepreneurial journey.

He says that having entrepreneurship skills doesn’t necessarily mean that one

should start up their own enterprises; it’s a skill that one leverages in most

fields.

Studies have proven that besides reducing unemployment rates and boosting economic growth, the importance of entrepreneurship lies in positive social changes, made through non-profit organisations or businesses which are focused on innovative and sustainable development.

It does not necessarily mean that social entrepreneurs are working only to solve social   problems, but with more creative and innovative approaches majority of the problems can be solved more efficiently.

Omondi understands that an entrepreneurship mindset means that one has

more opportunities than others, and also, such people are capable of taking up

more risks, which is an essential skill to thrive in any area.

"With entrepreneurship, it means that it’s easier to set goals in life for self-improvement as well as help drive change with innovation. Also, this  means that one is in a position to identify problems and provide a timely solution rather than sitting around and waiting on opportunities to present themselves,” he says.

Francis Mwangi, an educator at Mount Kenya University Rwanda says entrepreneurship is the backbone of an economy as it is the driving force behind both small and large-scale businesses in the country.

Mwangi is of the view that possessing entrepreneurship traits and skills comes

in handy when one decides to do a side hustle.

"A monthly salary may not be adequate to meet one’s desired living standards but having a side job can fill the gap. Also, some salaried employees have enough

free time that can be gainfully utilised to enhance one’s economic status

instead of being wasted,” he says.

"For this reason, some institutions of higher learning such as Mount Kenya University Rwanda have an entrepreneurship foundational course in their curriculum. In addition, the University has a Graduate Enterprise Academy for nurturing entrepreneurial talent by imparting practical entrepreneurship skills.

The rationale is that graduates do not have to remain unemployed if they can’t find jobs; they can engage in self-employment and hence create jobs for themselves and others,” he adds.

On the side of the learners, Prince Aime Murara, the deputy secretary-general, Education for Nations and Humanitarian Africa (ENHA)-Girubuntu, says having entrepreneurial skills is essential because, in the workforce, most employers are now often seeking an entrepreneurial mindset in their graduate recruits.

He says that learners should drop the notion that they only require entrepreneurial skills if they intend to become an entrepreneur and set up their own business, rather embrace the skill on a wider scale as it has been proven to be marketable outside the school environment.

He also adds that with the global issue of unemployment, it is essential to have entrepreneurship skills because it will enable one to set up a business on the side and create employment as well as make a living out of it.

Murara notes that entrepreneurship skills mean that an individual is in position to turn ideas into action. This, he says, can include creativity, innovation, and risk-taking, as well as the ability to plan and manage projects to achieve objectives, which are all essential in this competitive world.

On the other hand, Omondi says this skill also makes one adaptable to change in the industry, be it from technology advancement to company reshuffle and, also keep one relevant to the labour market.

He further observes that having entrepreneurial skills is a requirement for graduates and even or those who are already working.

"In case one doesn’t have the skillset, being able to learn can make their

optimism and self-confidence that allows such individuals to have personal and

career development goals and achievements,” he says

How to build on entrepreneurship skills

Dr Opiyo Andala, an educator at Mount Kenya University says if you have entrepreneurship skills, building on them becomes essential to keep you relevant in the labour market.

He says that if you are still in school, one way of doing that is by getting involved with or set up a social enterprise-an organisation that uses business methods for social or environmental benefits.

Also, still on learners, he says they should come up with new ideas especially when they are doing their internship. He says that this doesn’t necessarily mean that it has to be a business-related idea.

He also points out that doing as much research as possible is vital. This could involve doing many readings as well as watching different business programs and talk shows about innovation and entrepreneurship.

Entrepreneurship entails risk-taking, Mwangi adds. Working professionals who afraid to leave their jobs and venture into business may instead think of consultancy as a part time basis in their areas of expertise. They can undertake side jobs such as writing, online and offline training to earn from their skills.

"Creative and innovative employees who do not have the time or capital to start their own side business may practice intrapreneurship instead. This means creating and innovating products or services, hence allowing an employee to act like an entrepreneur within the organisation but without personally undertaking any risks.”