Title: Exploring the destination support of SME exporters by export associations in Ghana's non-traditional export sector

Authors: Albert Martins; Sam Kris Hilton; Ebenezer Dzinpa Effisah

Addresses: Department of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra, LG 149, Ghana ' Research Department, Kricet Insight, 128 City Road, EC1V 2NX, London, UK; Department of Economic Studies, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Ghana ' School of Economics, University of Cape Coast, PMB, Ghana

Abstract: This study evaluates the extent of Export Associations' (EAs) destination support to their small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) exporter-members, by identifying destination support gaps for improvement. We employ a mixed-method approach. We collect quantitative data from 259 SME exporters via survey method, and statistically analyse it using Wilcoxon signed rank test. We also collect qualitative data from 19 EAs via semi-structured interviews, and analyse it thematically. Aside government and export promotion agencies, EAs are relevant as complementary support providers to SME exporters. However, due to lack of financial resources and management challenges, they provide low support to SME exporters and tend to provide them more home-country than foreign-country support. Given that most research on horizontal networks of exporting SMEs has focused on developed economies, this study contributes to literature and policy-making in SME horizontal export networks in developing countries. It further highlights the importance of foreign-country support to SME exporters.

Keywords: export associations; SME exporters; export network; home-country support; foreign-country support.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGSB.2025.148567

International Journal of Globalisation and Small Business, 2025 Vol.15 No.1, pp.53 - 74

Received: 01 Jun 2024
Accepted: 24 Mar 2025
Published online: 12 Sep 2025 *

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