The Impact of digitalization on the internationalization of SMEs in Africa: A study of SMEs within the Textile and Handicraft Industry in Ghana
2022 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE credits
Student thesis
Sustainable development
SDG 8: Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all
Abstract [en]
here has been a significant transformation in business operations due to theemergence of globalization, which has made both individuals and businessesinteract beyond their originating borders. As such, more research has beenfocused on factors that influence the internationalization of firms.Digitalization is one of the main factors that has accelerated theinternationalization of smaller and larger firms. Research has been conductedto ascertain the extent of the impact of digitalization on the internationalizationof Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) but mostly limited todeveloped economies. The African market is different from mature markets,and that makes it necessary to find out the impact of digitalization on theinternationalization of African SMEs.Therefore, the study aimed to fill the existing gap by finding out howdigitalization has impacted the internationalization process of Ghanaian SMEsand to identify the digital platforms that result in high international sales forthese firms. We also aimed to understand the internationalization process ofGhanaian SMEs due to the impact of digitalization. This study was conductedusing the qualitative method, and data were collected from seven SMEs withinthe Textile and Handicraft industry in Ghana. The empirical findings revealedthat digitalization enabled the SMEs to internationalize. It enabled them toidentify and access business opportunities and networks beyond their borders.Some of the SMEs internationalized gradually while others internationalizedrapidly, though all of them benefited from using digital platforms. The findingsrevealed that the use of networks for internationalization is common amongthe Ghanaian SMEs, but some of the SMEs can internationalize withoutnetworks.In summary, this study revealed that, in Ghana, digitalization has made asignificant impact on the internationalization of SMEs in their networkbuilding, international payment systems, international marketing and sales,and international customer relations. This study further identified Facebookiiiand Instagram as the digital platforms that generated the highest internationalsales.
Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2022. , p. 119
Keywords [en]
Ghana, Digitalization, Internationalization, small and medium-sized enterprises, digital platforms, digital marketing, digital payment systems, emerging markets, Africa.
National Category
Business Administration
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:lnu:diva-114402OAI: oai:DiVA.org:lnu-114402DiVA, id: diva2:1672144
External cooperation
Atanga Drums; Amingo Art and Crafts; MFB Baskets; Wood Art Designs; Ghana Bamboo Project; The Big Blue Moment Enterprise; Supreme Kente
Educational program
International Business Strategy, Master Programme 120 credits
Supervisors
Examiners
2022-06-222022-06-182022-06-22Bibliographically approved