Page 18 - 3-Windhoek (10 April 2024)(SESSION 2) Graduation e-BOOK

Namibia Business School
FACULTY OF COMMERCE,
MANAGEMENT & LAW

DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

CANDIDATE: KANTEMA Emma S

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION

INVESTIGATIGATING FACTORS INFLUENCING THE
PERFORMANCE OF YOUTH-OWNED SMALL AND
MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN THE KAVANGO REGION,
NAMIBIA

The doctoral study was undertaken and completed under the
supervision of Prof Charles Makanyeza as the Main Supervisor and Prof
David Chitakunye as the Co-Supervisor.

The study investigated factors affecting the performance of youth-
owned SMEs in the Kavango East Region, Namibia. It focused on
determining the impact of individual, organizational, and business
climate factors, as well as exploring additional influences on the
performance of these enterprises. According to the study age,
gender, education, as well as innovativeness and entrepreneurial
aspects, positively influence the performance of youth-owned
SMEs. The study further found that organizational factors such as
managerial competencies and resources have a positive influence
the performance of youth-owned SMEs. Competition, market
access, government policies and the regulatory framework also
related positively to performance of these entities. Recognizing the
importance of the positive relationship between business climate
factors and SME performance, financial institutions and organizations
supporting entrepreneurship should focus on providing accessible
financing options specifically tailored for youth-owned SMEs. Namibian
government policies should prioritize simplifying and streamlining
regulatory frameworks to alleviate bureaucratic barriers for youth-
owned SMEs, emphasizing the need for regular reviews and updates
to ensure a business-friendly environment fostering growth and
innovation.

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