Helping Small and Medium Business

Abstract

It is well documented that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play a critical role in a successful economy. In Southern Africa, where countries are typically capital-poor and labour-rich, the emergence of the small, medium and micro-enterprise (SMME) sector provides opportunities for investment in industries with higher labour absorption at a lower cost of capital. The role of the SMME sector is also essential for technical and other innovation, which is so vital for the challenges facing the sub-continent. This paper addresses the contribution made by SMMEs to the South African economy, and the policy constraints facing the sector.