The Internationalization of African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A South-North Pattern
Article
Misati, E, Walumbwa, FO, Lahiri, S et al. (2017). The Internationalization of African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A South-North Pattern
. 3(1), 53-81. 10.1080/23322373.2016.1275940
Misati, E, Walumbwa, FO, Lahiri, S et al. (2017). The Internationalization of African Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A South-North Pattern
. 3(1), 53-81. 10.1080/23322373.2016.1275940
Despite the growing internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from Africa, related research remains limited. Adopting a qualitative approach, this study investigates three SMEs in the African coffee subsector that internationalized rapidly beyond the continent. The case studies, based on interview and secondary information, shed light on the antecedents, timing, strategies, modes and consequences of the SMEs’ South-North internationalization. The cases also generate understanding of how various elements of SMEs’ foreign expansion compare with those of previously studied firms. Our analysis reveals that an understanding of SME internationalization is attainable by integrating multiple theoretical foundations (i.e., the Uppsala model, Linkage-Leverage-Learning framework, and Network theory). We develop testable propositions and conclude by providing managerial and policy implications, highlighting limitations, and suggesting directions for future research.
