An investigation of major management challenges in Lusaka’s selected small and medium scale enterprises.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the management challenges faced by SMEs in Zambia. The main objectives of the study were to identify the challenges faced by small scale entrepreneurs, to examine the current measures put in place to address the identified challenges, to establish the effectiveness of the measures in addressing the challenges and to suggest solutions to challenges faced by small scale entrepreneurs. The study adopted a collective case study research design in triangulation and analysis of data. A sample of 30 respondents was involved in the study. The participants were all Lusaka based where the study was taking place. Excel was used to analyse data that was collected through interviews and focus group discussions. Through the findings, it was highlighted that entrepreneurship plays a key role in the reduction of unemployment and poverty. Consequently, there are challenges that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face and these included lack of skill sets in entrepreneurship, improved /innovative leadership, and management skills. The government through organisations such as Zambia Development Agency and Zambia Agribusiness Trade Project is trying to address most of these challenges by providing training, market linkages and financial support at times. It is recommended that more efforts are made towards management training and efforts are made by government bodies to link SMEs to Larger organisations to allow for learning through mentorship.