Failure or success of African SME’s : a study on UWAZI cooperation in Zanzibar

• Main Author: Oscarsson, Marie
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Högskolan på Gotland, Avdelningen för Företagsekonomi 2007
• Subjects: SME; Africa; small scale entrepreneurs; finance; network; Afrika; småskaliga entreprenörer; finansiering; nätverk; Business studies; Företagsekonomi
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hgo:diva-310

In the discussions today about Africa’s way out of poverty the main focus has been on SME’s, and there potential to increase the economy. In my thesis I research a network of small scale producers in Zanzibar called UWAZI. The thesis compares the theory of Robertson and Lussier, with UWAZI’s situation in Zanzibar. The two most important factors for success are identified as networks and financing which this thesis is focusing on. The conclusion is that UWAZI needs a better financing programme in order to be successful in the future and if this is implemented there is no reason for them to fail. They have a strong network and cooperation and a good mentor programme linked to the business. This thesis proves that it is possible for a women network to reach a successful enterprise in Africa.