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Purpose – This paper seeks to discuss the challenges faced when trying to integrate entrepreneurship education in the training system, with a particular focus on vocational training. Design/methodology/approach – The data were collected through in-depth interviews, document reviews and focus group discussions. The respondents were drawn from [Vocational Education Training Authority] VETA headquarters – training director, centre managers, entrepreneurship instructors in the centre, and a section of final year students who were purposely selected. Other stakeholders in vocational training in Tanzania were also consulted. Findings – The findings were organized around key themes of the research as per the set objectives. The emerging views showed some of the following issues as the major challenges facing the authority in its effort to integrate entrepreneurship training in the programme: time too limited to cover the core subjects; Form iv leavers and standard vii trainees have different understanding levels; financial/budgetary constraint; few instructors with relevant skills; lack of role models of successful former trainees who are practising entrepreneurs; course too theoretical, lacking the component of field studies; and the course too boring compared with other mainstream courses. Research limitations/implications – The sample size was too small to be wholly reliable for generalizing the findings to a similar problem. However, the insights gained are a crucial basis for further research and give some variables to be investigated on their significance in shaping entrepreneurship training, especially in a developing country like Tanzania. Originality/value – The research provides knowledge that was lacking as far as entrepreneurship training and vocational training are involved. Other studies, especially in Tanzania, focused on the quality of technical training and the infrastructural resources rather than business-related skills.

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Purpose - This paper aims to provide a critical analysis of the European Commission's and the member states' attempts to introduce a European Qualifications Framework (EQF) and national frameworks respectively. Design/methodology/approach - The paper is based on a review of policies and substantive desk research in countries that have applied a qualification framework approach. Findings - The analysis shows that qualifications frameworks (QFs) are resisted partly from inertia and conservatism and partly because important educational purposes are being defended. NQF [national qualifications framework] experiences suggest that hopes associated with QFs are unrealistic (e.g. accreditation of prior learning). Research limitations/implications - The paper draws mainly on conceptual and secondary analysis. In future primary empirical analysis would be desirable. Practical implications - The findings are extremely relevant to policy makers on the European and national levels. The lessons from NQFs suggest incrementalism, building blocks, supporting policies, consensus and staying as close as possible to practice are important. Originality/value - This paper is one of the few attempts to evaluate current initiatives based on prior experiences.

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Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of entrepreneurship education and training in Kenya as a strategic approach to addressing the unemployment problem among the school and university graduates in Kenya and Africa in general. Design/methodology/approach - The study adopted a critical review of the literature method to achieve its purpose and to answer the key research question. The literature search included a computerized search of accessible and available material on entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial spirit, entrepreneurship education and training programs, history of entrepreneurship, and entrepreneurship models, Africa and entrepreneurship development. Findings - It is shown that the development of entrepreneurial spirit and competencies should be a lifelong process. Addressing Africa’s socioeconomic development in an entrepreneurial way requires learning successful lessons from within and without Africa. Specific examples of successful use of entrepreneurship to develop micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa and other parts of the world, especially the USA, are cited in the paper. A case study of using technology to promote entrepreneurship in Africa is provided. Research limitations/implications - The paper is limited since it is based on a review of the literature. Quantitative and qualitative research studies focusing on entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa are recommended. Originality/value - There are limited studies that focus on the issue of entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa. This paper and the special issue in particular have laid down pioneering ground work for research on entrepreneurship and socioeconomic development in Africa.

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