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Firm growth, exporting and information communication technology (ICT) in Southern Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Rethabile Masenyetse

    (Central Bank of Lesotho)

  • Malefu Manamathela

    (Central Bank of Lesotho)

Abstract

This paper examines the key determinants of firm growth in three Southern African countries of Eswatini, Lesotho and Namibia and assesses whether exporting activity and use of information communication technology play any role in growth of the firms. The paper uses data collected by the World Bank through enterprise surveys during the period 2014–2016. Employing the ordinary least squares, the results show that firm growth is determined by size of the firm, age, use of information communication technology, exporting activities, foreign ownership and the legal form of the firm. The result is robust even when controlling for industry and country differences. Overall, the results support industrial policy geared towards small firms through rolling out information communication technology infrastructure and promoting access to exporting markets.

Suggested Citation

  • Rethabile Masenyetse & Malefu Manamathela, 2023. "Firm growth, exporting and information communication technology (ICT) in Southern Africa," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 12(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:12:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-023-00273-4
    DOI: 10.1186/s13731-023-00273-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Firm growth; Exporting; Technology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • F14 - International Economics - - Trade - - - Empirical Studies of Trade
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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