Title: Constraints faced by exporting small to medium enterprises in Zimbabwe

Authors: Tapuwa Roseline Karambakuwa; Ronney Mcebisi Ncwadi

Addresses: Nelson Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa ' Nelson Mandela University, University Way, Summerstrand, Port Elizabeth, P.O. Box 77000, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa

Abstract: The paper presents the constraints faced by small to medium enterprises (SME) exporters in Zimbabwe. The research sample consisting of 120 exporting SMEs was chosen from Harare, Mashonaland Central and Mashonaland East provinces. Convenient non-probability sampling method was used to select the SMEs. The triangulation method was used to collect primary data, which involved combining and utilising the questionnaire, interviews and focus group discussions. Secondary data was also utilised. The major challenges faced by SMEs are limited access to finance, lack of relevant information on the actual products that external customers prefer, lack of internal systems for efficiency in running the businesses, an unstable macroeconomic environment and failure to provide competitive products on the international markets. These constraints can be reduced by the intervention of both the government and support institutions in various ways.

Keywords: Zimbabwe; Zimtrade; export; small to medium enterprises; trade; constraints; finance; trade balance; trade deficit; institutions.

DOI: 10.1504/AJESD.2017.094860

African Journal of Economic and Sustainable Development, 2017 Vol.6 No.4, pp.262 - 279

Received: 15 Feb 2017
Accepted: 17 Jan 2018
Published online: 25 Sep 2018 *

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