SMALL AND MEDIUM SCALE ENTERPRISES IN AFRICAN SETTING: THE PLACE OF WOMEN

Abstract

Objective of the study was to examine the contribution of women to SME, the factors that limit the success of women-owned SMEs in African setting. The study adopted survey approach. The respondents were randomly selected and primary data were collected using questionnaires designed and administered by the researchers. The study utilizes chi-square test of hypothesis and logit regression model. The study reveals that female entrepreneurship represents a vast untapped source of innovation, job creation and economic growth in the developing world. However, in addition to general barriers that affect SMEs and entrepreneurship in Africa (such as low income per head, dearth of infrastructure, harsh economic environment), the African woman still battles with certain peculiar barriers such as gender-induced low access to finance, poor social network, demeaning value system in African setting, multiple roles of woman, among others. Hence, study recommended that African women leaders should help women to form business groups that will enhance their networks, easy access to information and credit. NGOs also should embark on sensitization and education campaign aimed at gender equality and changing societal perspective on the social status of the African woman in African setting.