Browsing by Author "Ashipala, Amenenge Ndeyapo"

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    An investigation into the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in utilising e-commerce in Windhoek, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2021) Ashipala, Amenenge Ndeyapo; Muranda, Zororo
    The E-commerce industry in Namibia is currently significantly underutilised by the SME sector. It is well established in research undertaken in other economies globally that improved utilisation of e-commerce by SMEs uplifts their perfonnance. This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by small and medium enterprises in utilising e-commerce. The study uses a case study approach with the City of Windhoek as the case. Methodologically the study used a qualitative research method. This study focussed on investigating the extent to which e-commerce is utilised by SMEs incubated by the City of Windhoek as well as their perceived challenges and benefits. The study interviewed eighteen (18) SME owners incubated at the City of Windhoek Bokamoso Incubation centre. Respondents were purposively selected and asked to respond to a set of semi-structured questions. Data collected in the study was analysed using thematic analysis, and the themes that emerged from their responses were discussed and supported with literature. The results suggest that these SMEs are aware of e commerce, and some are already utilising it. Those utilising e-commerce do so because of benefits like international trade, reduced costs, and the opportunity for a high customer base. On the action drivers, SMEs believe that they are driven to adopt e-commerce because of the demand from the market. In addition, they are driven by external parties such as the Ministry of Trade and Industry to use e-commerce. The challenges identified by the SMEs are organisational, financial, technical as well as legal and regulatory. Even though the SME owners understand e-commerce benefits, they are hindered from adopting e-commerce by lack of funds to purchase secured online systems that are not prone to fraud and the regulator's framework surrounding e-commerce in Namibia does not support various online payment methods. The study recommends a drive to implement e-commerce as part of the long-tenn business strategy. Regulatory institutions should also work on providing awareness and ease the regulatory framework surrounding e-payment and the attendant security measures. At policy level, the study recommends financial inclusivity through the number of on-line payment systems that are accessible to SMEs