Constraints to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Recovery : A post-COVID-19 Pandemic in Malawi

Main Article Content

Eluphy Banda Nyirenda
Abubaker Qutieshat, Dr
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3569-6576

Abstract

Purpose: This review paper was done to understand the major constraints to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises’ (MSMEs) recovery in Malawi following the impact of COVID-19, discuss implications, and propose policy recommendations.


Design/methodology/approach: A systematic review of literature, both grey and from peer reviewed journals was used to identify the major constraints exerted on MSMEs following the onset of COVID-19. 


Findings: The major constraints to MSMEs’ recovery include disruptions in supply chain, demand for increased use of technology and innovation, lack of access to capital on information on opportunities/ emerging markets, increased health and safety requirements.


Research limitations/implications: The unavailability of data on MSMEs’ contribution to the growth and scholarly publication on pre- and post-recovery in Malawi.


Practical implications: This study proposes review of fiscal and monetary policies to align with MSMEs growth needs.


Originality/value: This is a review paper.


Paper type: A literature review.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Article Details

Section
Articles
Author Biography

Abubaker Qutieshat, Dr, University of Dundee, United Kingdom and ODC, Oman

Dr. Abubaker Qutieshat is an Associate Professor and Research Lead at ODC, Oman. He is also affiliated with the University of Dundee, United Kingdom as an Associate Member of Staff and Honorary Researcher. Email address: aqutieshat@dundee.ac.uk.

References

Chadza, W., Burke, W. J., Nyondo, C., Khonje, M., Munthali, M., Nyirenda, Z., Muyanga, M., & Jayne, T. S. (2020). An Early Assessment of the Impact of Covid-19 in Malawi. Research in Agriculture & Applied Economics. https://doi.org/10.22004/ag.econ.329212
Chandra, A., Paul, J., & Chavan, M. (2020). Internationalization barriers of SMEs from developing countries: a review and research agenda. International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, 26(6), 1281–1310. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-03-2020-0167
Kalidas, S., Magwentshu, N., & Rajagopaul, A. (2020). How South African SMEs can survive and thrive post COVID-19. McKinsey & Company, 13. https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/middle-east-and-africa/how-south-african-smes-can-survive-and-thrive-post-covid-19
Mulaga, A. N. (2013). Analysis of External Financing Use: A Study of Small and Medium Enterprises in Malawi. International Journal of Business and Management, 8(7). https://doi.org/10.5539/ijbm.v8n7p55
Mwaanga, C., Mulenga, J., Lubinda, M., Siame, M., Kaliba-Chishimba, K., Mulenga, M. C., & Kafula, C. S. (2021). COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Implications on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Operations in Zambia. Journal of Business Administration Research, 10(1), 1–32. https://ideas.repec.org/a/jfr/jbar11/v10y2021i1p32.html
Nakhumwa, C. (2015). Smallholder market access: the case of groundnut sector in Malawi. University of Greenwich.
Nurunnabi, M. (2020). Recovery planning and resilience of SMEs during the COVID-19: experience from Saudi Arabia. Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, 16(4), 643–653. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-07-2020-0095
Wang, Y. (2016). What are the biggest obstacles to growth of SMEs in developing countries? – An empirical evidence from an enterprise survey. Borsa Istanbul Review, 16(3), 167–176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bir.2016.06.001
Zidana, R. (2015). Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Financing and Economic Growth in Malawi: Measuring the Impact between 1981 and 2014. Journal of Statistics Research and Reviews, 1(1), 1–6.
Zidana, R. (2017). Exploring Alternative Sources of Financing Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Malawi: Lessons from Elsewhere. Afro Asian Journal of Social Sciences, VI(4). https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2986883
Zutshi, A., Mendy, J., Sharma, G. D., Thomas, A., & Sarker, T. (2021). From Challenges to Creativity: Enhancing SMEs’ Resilience in the Context of COVID-19. Sustainability, 13(12), 6542. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13126542