Enhancing the competitiveness of small and medium enterprises in Africa: a strategic framework for institutional support

Abstract

A key issue for Africa.s economic future is whether and how local enterprises benefit from the liberalisation and globalisation of product markets. Most enterprises are of small or medium size and the problems they face fall into two categories: First, access: can they participate in production for regional and global markets or do they remain excluded? Second, upgrading: does inclusion lead to upgrading or does it lead into a race to the bottom? This report examines the institutional framework in which African SMEs try to compete.