Browsing by Author "Atiase, Victor"
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Item Open Access The business models of tech hubs in Africa: implications for viability and sustainability(Taylor & Francis, 2021-06-16) Kolade, Oluwaseun; Atiase, Victor; Murithi, William; Mwila, NatashaThe paper draws from two case studies of tech hubs in Nigeria and Kenya to investigate the importance of business models to the hubs’ viability and sustainability as economic and social agents. Adopting the triple-layered business model of economic, social and environmental value creation, the study finds that the advanced, and growing, technological capabilities of the hubs are not matched with enough attention on innovative business models that can enable them to better capture value, expand the domestic markets, and compete at the international stage. We argue that a triple-layered orientation can be a win-win, integrated and mutually reinforcing model in which the hubs’ social and environmental impact can enable them to better capture economic value through the development and deployment of advanced technological capabilities and innovative business modelsItem Embargo Crafting Organisational Resilience Through Managerial Performance(Emerald, 2022-10-10) Atiase, Victor; Sarpong, David; Agbanyo, Senyo; Ameh, Johnson KwesiOrganisational resilience is a strategic resource within the contingencies of organising in Small and Micro businesses (SMEs). In this regard, the notion of resilient human capital in propelling a resilient organisation has come to dominate the contemporary discourse on the performance of SMEs. Drawing on human capital theory as a meta-theoretical lens, we examine the cumulative effect of managerial training on managers’ performance in the context of relatively underdeveloped institutions and markets. Employing a quantitative research methodology, data for our empirical inquiry comes from a survey of 506 Ghanaian SMEs operating in diverse sectors of the economy. Following SMEs being at the convergence point of resource constraint, we show why some firm managers are more likely to exhibit managerial resilience than those in other firms. Our data evidence suggests that targeted managerial training, in practice, has the potential to strengthen organisational resilience. Nevertheless, the content, efficiency and frequency of the training received, we argue, accounts for the differential performance of managers within the contingencies of everyday organising. We conclude by delineating some relevant implications of our study for the theory and practice of managerial resilience nurturing in organising.Item Open Access Creating value for whom? digitisation and governance practices of non-traditional export firms in Africa(Wiley, 2022-01-19) Atiase, Victor; Agbanyo, Senyo; Ameh, Johnson Kwesi; Sambian, Robert Makila; Ganza, PatronelaThe Non-Traditional Export (NTE) sector promises to be the antidote to Africa’s economic woes in the face of dwindling traditional exports. Adopting the Porters Value Chain Framework (PVCF) and a case study design, we explore how alcoholic beverage companies in the African NTE sector could create value in their upstream, midstream, and downstream value chain activities through effective governance and digitisation. In exploring these intricacies of governance and digitisation within African GVCs, we draw on two major case studies, Diageo South Africa and Kasapreko Ghana Limited. Our study shows that the NTE sector can contribute to both economic and social upgrading activities, contribute to industrialisation and create international competitiveness for African firms. Secondly, GVC governance and digitisation, even though still at its infant stages in Africa, has the potential in propelling economic value through the NTE sector.Item Embargo Crowdfunding and Traditional Finance: The Prospects and Challenges for SMEs in Nigeria(Edward Elgar, 2022-12-01) Oyerinmade, Oladejo R.; Ogunsade, Adekunle; Seun, Kolade; Atiase, VictorStart-ups and small businesses play a significant role in the modern global economy and remain a valuable source of employment and economic development (Eton et al., 2021; Blancher et al., 2019). Yet, access to finance continues to threaten their survival and hinders their growth potential in developing economies such as Nigeria. For instance, the funding gap for Nigerian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) stood at about US$1.7 billion yearly pre-COVID-19 pandemic and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) account for less than 1 per cent of the entire money deposit bank credit in 2018 (PwC, 2020). Typically, these businesses rely on traditional sources of finance such as friends, family, banks, angel investors, and venture capitalists (Blancher et al., 2019). However, the usual discrimination of SMEs by traditional institutions, a problem exacerbated by the global financial crisis, continues to put SMEs at a disadvantage. Consequently, small businesses began to turn to alternative sources of finance, which offer a range of cost-effective and sustainable financial services (Lakuma et al., 2019; Muneeza et al., 2018). One new financial alternative is crowdfunding which has grown exponentially since the early 2010s, due to developments in technology, the rise of digital financial services, and users’ trust in traditional providers (Wenzlaff et al., 2020; Méric et al., 2016). The potential of crowdfunding, which involves seeking financial support from large numbers of people in small amounts to reach a particular business funding objective, has been promoted as a desirable way to meet the needs of SMEs (Szabo et al., 2021; Tan and Reddy, 2020). It is also expected to help integrate SMEs into the financial net for economic development and poverty reduction.Item Open Access Designing a Pro-poor Credit Risk Management System for Financial Inclusion: An Empirical Analysis(Institue for Small Business and Entrepreneurs, 2019-11-07) Atiase, Victor; Lockyer, JoanPurpose –By drawing upon the institutional theory, the purpose of this study is to investigate the adoption of pro-poor credit risk management techniques by microfinance institutions (MFIs) in Ghana to promote a financially inclusive system. Design/methodology/approach–Using primary data collected from 141 MFIs in Ghana, this study adopts a quantitative approach concentrating on a multiple regression analysis. Firstly, financial inclusion as the dependent variable was measured using 5 sub-variables. Secondly, a four-factor construct namely loan product flexibility, dynamic incentives, managerial training and collateral substitutes were designed to measure the pro-poor credit risk management techniques of MFIs as the independent variables. Finally, the cost of capital, operational zone and lending methodology were used as control variables. All items were measured on a Likert scale of five levels anchored by strongly agree (5) and strongly disagree (1). Findings –Firstly, the study indicates that the adoption of suitable pro-poor credit risk management techniques such as loan product flexibility, dynamic incentives and managerial training is positively correlated with financial inclusion for the poor. Secondly, the study also found that the acceptance of collateral substitutes is still found to be flawed by MFIs in Ghana since it correlates negatively with financial inclusion. MFIs still request unfavourable collaterals from the poor which have the potential to exclude several individuals from engaging meaningfully in the financial system in Ghana. Research limitations/implications – This study was carried out in the Greater-Accra region of Ghana. Even though the sample is large enough, it could not be generalised to all MFIs operating in Ghana. Therefore, its generalisation to the whole of Ghana could be limited as far as the findings are concerned. Secondly, this study depended heavily on quantitative analysis to come out with the results. The study could therefore benefit immensely from a triangulated method where the qualitative dimension could provide a deeper meaning to the findings in this study. Originality/value –Empirical studies which focus on illuminating the determinants of financial inclusion using pro-poor credit risk management techniques is limited (Cámara et al. 2015). Therefore, research on pro-poor credit risk management practices of MFIs is new in the microfinance industry. The nature of credit risk management practices of MFIs regarding the poor determines to a large extent how financial inclusion is achieved in a country.Item Open Access Developing entrepreneurship in Africa: investigating critical resource challenges(Emerald, 2018-08-13) Mahmood, Samia; Wang, Yong; Botchie, David; Atiase, VictorPurpose – By drawing upon institutional theory, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of four critical resources (credit, electricity, contract enforcement and political governance) in explaining the quality of entrepreneurship and the depth of the supporting entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa. Design/methodology/approach – A quantitative approach based on ordinary least squares regression analysis was used. Three data sources were employed. First, the Global Entrepreneurship Index (GEI) of 35 African countries was used to measure the quality of entrepreneurship and the depth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa which represents the dependent variable. Second, theWorld Bank’s data on access to credit, electricity and contract enforcement in Africa were also employed as explanatory variables. Third, the Ibrahim Index of African Governance was used as an explanatory variable. Finally, country-specific data on four control variables (GDP, foreign direct investment, population and education) were gathered and analysed. Findings – To support entrepreneurship development, Africa needs broad financial inclusion and state institutions that are more effective at enforcing contracts. Access to credit was non-significant and therefore did not contribute to the dependent variable (entrepreneurship quality and depth of entrepreneurial support in Africa). Access to electricity and political governance were statistically significant and correlated positively with the dependent variables. Finally, contract enforcement was partially significant and contributed to the dependent variable. Research limitations/implications – A lack of GEI data for all 54 African countries limited this study to only 35 African countries: 31 in sub-Saharan Africa and 4 in North Africa. Therefore, the generalisability of this study’s findings to the whole of Africa might be limited. Second, this study depended on indexes for this study. Therefore, any inconsistencies in the index aggregation if any could not be authenticated. This study has practical implications for the development of entrepreneurship in Africa. Public and private institutions for credit delivery, contract enforcement and the provision of utility services such as electricity are crucial for entrepreneurship development. Originality/value – The institutional void is a challenge for Africa. This study highlights the weak, corrupt nature of African institutions that supposedly support MSME growth. Effective entrepreneurship development in Africa depends on the presence of a supportive institutional infrastructure. This study engages institutional theory to explain the role of institutional factors such as state institutions, financial institutions, utility providers and markets in entrepreneurship development in Africa.Item Open Access Does financial incentive increase the commercialisation of indigenous innovations? Empirical evidence from Ghanaian local firms(Emerald, 2023-01-25) Adjimah, Harrison P.; Atiase, Victor; Dzansi, Dennis YaoPurpose – Government incentives are critical for successful indigenous innovation commercialisation, yet there are concerns about the efficacy of these incentives. Therefore, this study examines the effectiveness of government incentives on successful indigenous innovation commercialisation in the context of low-income economies by testing the effects of demand and supply-side incentives on firm performance in the small-scale industry in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – The theoretical framework for this study is built on the below-the-radar theory of innovation (Kaplinsky et al., 2009). Using a sample of 557 firms engaged in commercialising various indigenous innovations in the small-scale industry in Ghana, PLS-SEM was deployed to assess 11 hypothesised paths based on a validated questionnaire. Findings – The model results, at a 5% significance level, indicate that supply-side incentives are statistically insignificant on sales and profitability but have significant positive effects on employment. The direct and moderating influence of supply-side incentives and market factors on overall firm performance is also insignificant, while demand-side incentives to buyers have significant positive effects on all the performance metrics and positively moderate the effects of market factors. Originality/value – The research focused on commercialising indigenous innovation in the context of lowincome economies. Few studies, if any, have separately explored the effect of demand and supply-side government incentives on indigenous innovation in the context of low-income economies. The findings suggest that innovation support should focus more on the demand side of the innovation value chainItem Embargo Does institutional logic matter in microfinance delivery? An empirical study of microfinance clients(2019-09-01) Atiase, Victor; Samia, Mahmood; Yong, WangPurpose – From an institutional theory perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the combined impact of financial capital (microcredit) and human capital development (entrepreneurship training) delivered by financial non-governmental organisations (FNGOs) on the performance of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a multiple linear regression analysis, the study used primary data collected from 506 Ghanaian MSEs. Microcredit was measured using four main constructs, namely, loan cost, loan amount, the flexibility of loan repayment and loan accessibility. Entrepreneurship training was measured using four main constructs, namely, training content, training efficiency, training frequency and training accessibility. MSE performance was also measured using three main indicators, namely, sales, employment and profitability growth. The study controlled for business age, industry category, manager’s educational level and gender. Findings – The results of this study show that the combined delivery of financial and human capital development by FNGOs has a significant impact on MSE performance. The social welfare logic adopted by FNGOs seems to be legitimate to the needs and growth of MSEs in Ghana. However, the cost of microcredit remains a drawback, constraining the performance of MSEs in Ghana. Research limitations/implications – This study was carried out in the Volta Region, which is one of the ten regions of Ghana. Even though the sample size suffices, the findings from this study could not be generalised to the whole of Ghana. Also, this study is a quantitative study and could benefit from a triangulated method where the qualitative inputs could offer insights into the findings in this study. Originality/value – Theoretically, this study contributes to the understanding of institutions and the type of impact they have on the growth of MSEs. Practically, the provision of a conducive environment and access to financial capital is crucial to the growth of MSEs. Also, the adoption of the social welfare logic in microfinance delivery could be one of the major steps in promoting the performance of MSEs in Ghana.Item Open Access Does Managerial Training have any impact on the performance of MSE Managers? Empirical evidence from Ghana(British Academy of Management, 2018-09-05) Atiase, Victor; Botchie, DavidAdopting the human capital theory as a lens, this study investigates the impact of managerial training on the performance of the managers of Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in Ghana. The study uses primary data collected from 506 MSEs who are clients of Financial Non- Governmental Organisations (FNGOs) in the Volta Region of Ghana. Managerial Training (MT) and Performance has been measured on a five-point Likert scale anchored by strongly disagree (1) and strongly agree (5). MT has been measured using 4 main constructs namely, training content, training efficiency, training frequency and training accessibility whilst performance was measured using 12 items. The study controlled for business age, industry category, manager’s educational level and gender. The study shows that managerial training content, efficiency, frequency, and accessibility are statistically significant in explaining performance among MSE managers in Ghana. Secondly, the study also shows that industry category, managers educational level, and business age influences the performance of managers. However, gender is statistically insignificant and does not have any impact on the performance of MSE managers in Ghana. The study, therefore, argues for the delivery of managerial training which is content-rich, efficient, frequent and accessible to MSE managers to develop their managerial capabilities (Fatoki, 2011; Newman et al., 2014).Item Open Access Does Microcredit Increase Household Wellbeing? Empirical Evidence from Ghana: A Panel Study.(Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 2022-10-27) Ameh, Johnson Kwesi; Atiase, Victor; Dzansi, DennisAim of the Study The wellbeing of a microfinance borrower’s household is one of the topical issues being highlighted as a result of the current commercialization of the microfinance sector Drawing on the institutional theory, the study examines the impact of microcredit on borrowers’ household wellbeing in Ghana. This study aims at investigating the impact of five key major microcredit variables namely; loan amount, loan cost, loan repayment flexibility, loan accessibility as well as loan usage on borrowers' household wellbeing in Ghana. Methodology This study adopted the Smart Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling tool (PLS-SEM) in measuring the impact of microcredit on SME borrowers’ household wellbeing. Deploying the stratified random technique, 455 SMEs in Ghana constituted the study’s primary data source. Microcredit (MC) and SME borrowers’ household wellbeing (BHW) were both measured on the five-point Linkert scale ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5) while Contribution 2 The study established the critical role of microcredit factors such as loan repayment flexibility, flexibility in loan access, and loan usage in the promotion of the wellbeing of SME borrowers’ households (Omondi & Jagongo, 2018). These factors are statistically significant in explaining the SME borrowers’ household well-being. Nonetheless, the adequacy of the loan amount and loan cost is statistically insignificant. Further, the indirect effect of gender as a moderator between loan accessibility and SME borrowers’ households is insignificant. Implications for Policy Sustained deployment of microcredit to SMEs instigates their survivability and productivity levels which triggers improvements in the wellbeing of their household. Therefore, institutions such as the Central Bank of Ghana should regulate the microfinance sector to promote the wellbeing of clients in their attempt to access microcredit from MFIS. This will reduce the numerous voids to promote a seamless deployment of microcredit to the SME sector (North, 1990). Implications for Practice Sustained microcredit investments in the SME sector portend huge positive outcomes including tremendous improvement in the wellbeing of the SME borrower's household and the entire economies in developing countries (Toindepi, 2016). Consequently, increased deployment of microcredit to SMEs to instigate their survivability and eventually improve their productivity levels and the wellbeing of their household is imperative (Roy & Mohanty, 2020). It must be emphasised as well the invaluable roles of state institutions in promoting the required conducive environments for the sustenance of the SME sector as regards the institutional structures to reduce the numerous voids and facilitate a seamless deployment of microcredit to the SME sector (North, 1990).Item Open Access The Drivers of Product Innovation in Africa(Central University of Technology, 2019-04-03) Atiase, Victor; Dzansi, Yao DennisAfrican firms have made some significant progress in product innovation through human capital development and firm competitiveness. However, these firms need to continuously focus on talent hunting and development as well as strategic collaborations to reap the full benefit of product innovation.Item Open Access The effect of pricing Strategy on the Sustainability of Microfinace Institutions: Evidence from Ghana(British Accounting and Finance Association, 2023-04-17) Sambian, Robert; Atiase, Victor; Salia, Samuel; Mgbame, Chijoke OscarThe pricing mechanisms of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) contribute to their efficiency, thereby improving their sustainability and competitiveness. However, whether these pricing mechanisms are right and promote the acclaimed social logic of microfinance delivery remains largely under-researched. Adopting the Cycle Theory (LT), this paper investigates the predictors of financial sustainability of MFIs with a specific focus on the moderating role of microcredit pricing in Ghana. Using primary data collected from 334 MFIs in Ghana, the study through Partial Least Square Regression Modelling (PLS-SEM), tested the effects of four main factors of sustainability namely capitalization (CAP), deposits (DEP), portfolio at risk (PaR), technology (TECH). Secondly, the study tested the moderating role of pricing (P) on MFI sustainability. Our research evidence indicates that at 5% significance level, higher levels of capitalization, deposits and technology have a significant positive impact on MFI sustainability in Ghana. However, portfolio at risk (PaR) has a significant negative impact on the sustainability of MFIs in Ghana. The study also reveals that microcredit pricing in Ghana has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between Capitalisation and financial sustainability. The study, therefore, conceptualizes the determinants of MFI financial sustainability in the context of Ghana as well as the contingency role of microcredit pricing in this relationship. It also offers practical insights as to how institutional arrangements and appropriate pricing of microcredit matter in the development of financially sustainable MFIs that can consistently provide the poor with financial services. Keywords: Ghana, Microfinance, Microcredit priciItem Open Access The emergence and strategy of tech hubs in Africa: implications for knowledge production and value creation(Elsevier, 2020-09-16) Atiase, Victor; Kolade, Oluwaseun; Liedong, TahiruDo-it-Yourself tech hubs in Africa are challenging the dominance of traditional universities as sites of knowledge production. We adopt the theory of the new production of knowledge to explore how these hubs’ transdisciplinary, heterarchical and boundary-spanning approach enables them to more efficiently generate innovative solutions in direct response to specific industry needs and critical societal challenges. We draw on five case studies of tech hubs in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya and Uganda. While traditional universities are struggling with resource constraints, inadequate industry engagement, and the limitations imposed by the institutional organisation of disciplinary knowledge, our study shows that tech hubs are leading the way in generating new knowledge and innovative solutions particularly for those at the bottom of the pyramid. They are also more effective in economic and social value creation by generating new jobs, stimulating the entrepreneurial ecosystem and improving the quality of life through technology. We develop a conceptual model to show the constraints underlying hub formation, the strategies used to achieve hub motives and the contingent impact of hub strategies.Item Open Access Examining the Role of Regulation in the Commercialisation of Indigenous Innovation in Sub-Saharan African Economies: Evidence from the Ghanaian Small-Scale Industry(MDPI, 2022-09-15) Adjimah, Harrison; Atiase, Victor; Dzansi, DennisUnderstanding the factors that drive the successful commercialisation of indigenous innovation in Sub-Saharan African economies is still limited. From both policy and theoretical perspectives, regulation is one factor that remains crucial for the successful commercialisation of innovation. However, the empirical evidence is still unclear regarding its effect on firm performance, urging the need for more evidence from different economies, sectors, and firms. This study, therefore, examined the effects of regulation on the performance of firms engaged in the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in the Ghanaian small-scale industry, a typical low-income economy in Sub-Sahara Africa. From the frugal innovation theoretical perspective, the study assumed that firms engaged in the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in such low-income economies operate in an environment with regulatory gaps and voids. Using a sample survey of 557, it deployed PLS-SEM to test the effects of regulation on key successful commercialisation metrics. The findings show that at a 5% statistical significance level, regulation has significant positive effects on sales, employment, and owners’ feelings of success. Regulation also positively moderates the influence of finance and organisational factors on overall firm performance. The study provides leading evidence of the effect of regulation on the commercialisation of indigenous innovation from Ghana and adds to the clarification of the impact of regulation. It suggests that in such low-income economies, the policy must consider more balanced and appropriate regulations, not less, or deregulating to promote indigenous innovation.Item Open Access Financial bootstrapping and survivability in family firms: A resource-based perspective(British Academy of Management, 2021-08-31) Ameh, Johnson; Atiase, Victor; Dzansi, Dennis; Agbanyo, Senyo; Sambian, Robert; Ganza, Patronela; Ishie, Zephaniah ChukwunaluFinancial bootstrapping (FB) is a resource-dependent management strategy within the contingencies of organizing in small businesses. In this regard, the notion of start-up and operational capital has become an important ingredient in the performance of family businesses, particularly in resource-scarce environments. Drawing on the resource-based view theory (RBV) and a multiple case study design, we examine the various bootstrapping strategies of family businesses in the context of relatively underdeveloped institutions and markets. Following family businesses being at the convergence point of resource constraint, we show why some family businesses are more likely to survive than others. Our data evidence suggests that to ensure financial sustainability, longevity, survivability, and competitive advantage in family businesses, the use of both inward and outward bootstrapping strategies is crucial. Nevertheless, the use of personal and family financial resources is widely practised in resource-scarce environments. We conclude by delineating some relevant implications of our study to policy and research regarding the survival of family businesses.Item Open Access Financial mechanisms in promoting indigenous innovations in developing countries: below-the-radar-theory perspective(British Academy of Management, 2022-08-31) Adjimah, Harrison P.; Atiase, Victor; Dzansi, DennisGovernment incentives are critical to the successful commercialisation of innovations, yet, there are concerns about their efficacy. This study explores the impact of government incentives on the successful commercialisation of indigenous innovations in low-income economies. The theoretical framework built on the below-the-radar theory of innovation has used a sample of 557 firms engaged in the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in the Ghanaian Small-Scale Industry. A partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was executed to assess 11 hypothesised paths based on a validated questionnaire. The model results indicate that supply-side incentives are insignificant on sales and profitability but have a positive impact on employment growth. The direct and moderating effect of market factors on overall firm performance is also insignificant. However, the demand-side incentives to buyers have a significant positive impact on all the performance metrics and also positively moderate market factors. The main limitation of the study is that the data used in the study were self-reported, where respondents gave their assessments of their innovation performance. However, it is believed SME owners would reflect better on their realities when doing subjective assessments. The current analysis seems to favour demand-side incentives, yet, the study is more of a supply-side view as it measures the effects of government incentives on successful commercialisation from the perspective of firms. This study is original with its focus on the commercialisation of indigenous innovations in the context of low income economies. Commercialising indigenous innovations could be the antidote to the development challenges facing developing economies. Few studies, if any, have explored the impact of government incentives on indigenous innovation in the context of low-income economies. Therefore, this study is novel in its execution and application to practice and theory.Item Open Access FNGOs and financial inclusion: investigating the impact of microcredit on employment growth in Ghana(Sage, 2019-04-08) Wang, Yong; Mahmood, Samia; Atiase, VictorFinancial non-governmental organizations (FNGOs) are regulated microfinance institutions that operate with a social welfare logic in the delivery of microcredit to the financially excluded in Ghana. The microcredit is aimed at supporting the financially excluded individuals to create sustainable micro and small enterprises (MSEs) for the generation of both skilled and unskilled employment. From the institutional theory perspective, this study aims at investigating the impact of microcredit provided by FNGOs on employment growth among MSEs in Ghana. The major contribution of this study is the fact that, there is a little study on FNGOs and their impact on employment growth in the Ghanaian context. Therefore, this is one of the few studies that highlights the role of FNGOs in promoting financial inclusion through the provision of microcredit for employment generation purposes. Through a multiple regression analysis, the study uses primary data collected from 506 MSEs in Ghana. The results show that microcredit which is flexible in repayment mode, accessible and adequate has a positive impact on employment generation among MSEs in Ghana. However, the current cost of microcredit in Ghana has a negative impact on employment growth among MSEs.Item Open Access FNGOs and microfinance delivery: The institutional logic perspective(BAM, 2019-09-03) Atiase, Victor; Mahmood, Samia; Yong, WangItem Open Access Healthcare Financing Gaps, Schemes and Life Expectancy in Africa(2023-04-17) Patronella, Ganza; Atiase, Victor; Agbanyo, Senyo; Ameh, Johnson Kwesi; Sambian, RobertOne of the challenges facing all nations currently is the means to achieve Sustainable Development goals particularly relating to health outcomes by 2030. In this regard, health financing schemes become very crucial. In the African context, many countries appear to be inadequately financing their health systems to obtain better health outcomes for their citizens. Drawing on the Prospect Theory (PT), we examine the cumulative effect of Compulsory Financing Arrangements (CFA), Government Financing Arrangements (GFA), Compulsory Health Insurance (CHI), Social Health Insurance (SHI), and Voluntary Health Arrangements (VHA) on Life expectancy (LE) across 48 African countries. Using a longitudinal study with panel data between 2004-2019, our data evidence suggests that while both government financing arrangements and social health insurance schemes have a negative impact on life expectancy in Africa, compulsory health insurance positively affects life expectancy. However, the employment ratio in Africa has a moderating effect on female life expectancy. To increase life expectancy, African governments need to create innovative measures that increase health system budgets and policy measures that are directed at investments in better pooling of health financing revenues. We conclude by outlining some relevant implications for the theory and practice of health financing policy planning in Africa.Item Open Access Investigating Financial Resilience and Survivability of SMEs in Africa: A Panel Study(Institute of Small Business and Entrepreneurship, 2022-10-27) Atiase, Victor; Agbanyo, Senyo; Ganza, Patronella; Ameh, Johnson KwesiAim of the Study The unprecedented economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic has renewed the debate on SME resilience in dealing with such pandemics and other business shocks. SME resilience largely depends on the financial capability of the SME as well as the presence of various environmental factors serving as coping mechanisms. Thus, financial capability supports the ability of the SME to adapt to both internal and external shocks, which usually forms an integral part of an organisational resilience strategy for survivability. Methodology Through a deductive research approach, this study adopted a longitudinal research design using twelve (12) year secondary data on five (5) predictors of financial resilience, namely public policy, specific tax policies, SME training, R&D, and accounting and assessment services for 20 African countries. A two-stage hierarchical Multiple Linear Regression (MRL) was executed to test five hypotheses relating to SME financial resilience in Africa. Contribution Our evidence indicates that effective public and tax policies, R&D, and accounting and assessment services significantly promote the financial resilience of SMEs in Africa. However, SME tailored training is statistically insignificant in creating financially resilient SMEs. African governments are therefore expected to augment training and capability programmes towards the creation of sustainable SMEs because African SMEs are financially fragile due to the weak institutional and technological environments in which they operate. It is, therefore, recommended that African SMEs build their internal capacities, particularly in developing their 2 human resource capacities for effective decision-making, which is crucial during pandemics and business shocks. Implications for Policy Firstly, this study has developed an efficient and robust framework that can be adopted in sustaining the operations of SMEs in serious pandemic situations in Africa. Therefore, governments in Africa should ensure that their SMEs are supported with effective policies that aim at strengthening capability and skill development, making research findings available to SMEs, and implementing friendly taxation and regulatory policies coupled with the streamlining of accounting and assessment services. Implications for Practice Investing in SME survival has a tremendous benefit for African economies as well as for individuals and their families (Chavis et al., 2009). To this end, increased financial resilience promotes SMEs' survivability which eventually improves the productivity levels of SMEs and their survival (Xue & Klein, 2010). It is equally important to emphasise the immeasurable role of the market dynamics regarding demand and supply relationships in accessing the right information for competitive advantage development, as indicated in the strategic factor market theory (Barney, 1986).