The impact of small and medium enterprises on women entrepreneurs’ performance in the City of Kigali

Abstract

Various empirics’ evidences disclose that SMEs have been measured as the critical factor of the socio-economic growth of country associated with the entrepreneurial activities’ level in a given geographic area. In Rwanda, face with a number of socioeconomic factors (education, technical skills, access to finance, infrastructure, technology, culture differences...) which hinder their entrepreneurial development. This study focused on three key objectives: (i) To identify the main features of women entrepreneurs in SMEs based in City of Kigali (CoK); (ii) To assess the significant socioeconomic, social as well as legal and administrative impacts associated with women’s success in SMEs from CoK; (iii) To assess the assistance open to women entrepreneurs in SMEs by national TVET institutes, Private Sector Federation and other partners. This study focused on three key objectives: (i) To identify the main features of women entrepreneurs in SMEs based in City of Kigali (CoK); (ii) To assess the significant socioeconomic, social as well as legal and administrative impacts associated with women’s success in SMEs from CoK; (iii) To assess the assistance open to women entrepreneurs in SMEs by national TVET institutes, Private Sector Federation and other partners. Also, the study was conducted in Gasabo, Kicukiro and Nyarugenge districts employing a crosssectional research; with case study designs in which a sample size of 199 respondents women registered and engaged in SMEs were surveyed using questionnaires. The quantitative and qualitative approaches were jointly employed. The Data collection used semi structure questionnaire, Focus Group Discussion and Key Informant Interviews. The Data were analyzed using both descriptive statisticalBesides, the results were based on the three specified objectives and their impacts. The findings could alone not be used to predict to the development impacts of women entrepreneurs holistically in the country, but, they provided a clear picture in the City of Kigali. Among the findings, taxes were recognized as slight issue, while, high interest rate and collateral were identified as peak barriers to them. Hence, they have an adverse effect on their performance. Thus, the TVET supports were stronger in various areas, yet, professional technical skill trainings, business planning and financial reporting trainings are relatively weakIn summary, the socio-economic, legal and administrative factors are statistically significant correlated with more prevalent effect on the move of women in SMEs. Also, the support services to women SMEs from government bodies and other partners was tested as right valuable, albeit, much have to be more improved for long term sustainability. Usefully recommendations and further researches were suggested. Ultimately, The GoR should revise and regulate the high interest rates and facilitate women entrepreneurs to get loans at affordable rate to help them participate significantly in economic activities with greater income growth