The Impact Of Strengthening SMES To Meet Current Realities After Decades Of Failures In Liberia: A Qualitative Study

Kaffey, Sr Nyenati, Emmanuel Tweh Friday, Susanne Nambatya

Abstract


This study explores the challenges and opportunities facing Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Liberia, situating the analysis within international frameworks such as UNCTAD, ITC, AfCFTA, ECOWAS, and the World Bank’s LIFT-P project. Using a qualitative design; the study engaged 35 participants, including SME owners and managers, government officials, development partners, and leaders of business associations, women entrepreneurs’ groups, and youth networks. Findings reveal that SMEs are constrained by limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, weak institutional support, and persistent socio-cultural barriers, particularly against women and youth entrepreneurs. While government policies highlight competitiveness, implementation remains hampered by limited resources and poor coordination. Development partners emphasize capacity building and regional integration, while associations demonstrate resilience through grassroots training initiatives. The study concludes that SME development in Liberia requires a holistic approach that integrates financial reform, infrastructural investment, institutional strengthening, and inclusive policies. Such measures are critical for positioning SMEs as engines of economic recovery, diversification, and sustainable development in post-conflict Liberia.

The Impact Of Strengthening SMES To Meet Current Realities After Decades Of Failures In Liberia: A Qualitative Study


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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.52155/ijpsat.v53.2.7583

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