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The impact of small and medium-sized enterprises on the economic development of South Africa

Author

Listed:
  • Paul Saah

    (North-West University, South Africa)

Abstract

The continuous rise in the number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa in recent years, as well as their importance to economic growth, has piqued interest in this field. The aim of this research is to look into the effect of SMEs on South Africa's economic growth. This research used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methods to provide the most accurate description of the phenomena under examination. For the quantitative study, data was collected from secondary sources for the contribution of SMEs to the production of jobs as well as their contribution to South Africa's GDP. Meanwhile, for the qualitative study, primary data was obtained from interviews. The research participants for the qualitative study were 20 proprietors and managers of small businesses. The outcome of the study discloses that SMEs make a positive impact towards economic development in terms employment creation, contribution to GDP and poverty alleviation in South Africa. The study recommends that government should formulate economic policies that will encourage the SME sector to grow by ensuring that adequate infrastructural facilities such as sufficient electricity and efficient transport systems are in place for the proper operation of SMEs.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul Saah, 2021. "The impact of small and medium-sized enterprises on the economic development of South Africa," Technium Social Sciences Journal, Technium Science, vol. 24(1), pages 549-561, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:tec:journl:v:24:y:2021:i:1:p:549-561
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    File URL: https://techniumscience.com/index.php/socialsciences/article/view/3734/1691
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    File URL: https://techniumscience.com/index.php/socialsciences/article/view/3734
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Maswana, Jean-Claude, 2010. "The Global Financial Crisis and Recession," Working Papers 15, JICA Research Institute.
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    Cited by:

    1. Urim-Tummim Shipanga & Suzaan Le Roux & Jobo Dubihlela, 2022. ". Operational risk factors and the sustainability of small and medium manufacturing enterprises in South Africa," Insights into Regional Development, VsI Entrepreneurship and Sustainability Center, vol. 4(4), pages 126-139, December.
    2. Thobeka Ncanywa & Noluntu Dyantyi, 2022. "Can enabling entrepreneurship ecosystem improve commercialization of research in South African Higher Education Institutions?," International Journal of Research in Business and Social Science (2147-4478), Center for the Strategic Studies in Business and Finance, vol. 11(8), pages 304-311, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    SMEs; employment; GDP; poverty alleviation; economic development; South Africa;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • R00 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General - - - General
    • Z0 - Other Special Topics - - General

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