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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) significantly contribute to South Africa's economic growth and job creation; nevertheless, their sustainability is hindered by ongoing structural issues. The article analyses how digital platforms—such as fintech, digital payments, and e-commerce—can facilitate the growth and economic resilience of SMEs. The research employs a rigorous desk review process to synthesise information from academic literature, policy reports, and case studies published from 2015 to 2025. The analysis utilises thematic synthesis, uncovering four principal themes: (1) Barriers to SME Growth, (2) Digital Platforms as Solutions, (3) Obstacles to Digital Adoption, and (4) Theoretical Perspectives on Digital Adoption. Critical findings indicate that although digital platforms have substantial prospects, their adoption is constrained by infrastructural deficiencies, digital illiteracy, regulatory challenges, and perceived risks. Utilising the Technology Acceptance Model and Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the research illustrates that perceived utility and ease of use depend on structural and ecological preparedness. The document advocates for a comprehensive, contextually tailored support system that amalgamates infrastructure enhancement, digital skills education, regulatory reform, and the cultivation of institutional trust. The paper's contribution is the reclassification of contextual restrictions as primary factors influencing digital adoption in SMEs within emerging markets.

Digital expansion is conceived as a firm-level consequence after adoption, capturing both the breadth and depth of digital tools usage in operational and customer-facing business operations. The study investigates five readiness dimensions based on survey data of 388 small firms: capital adequacy, technological infrastructure, digital literacy, preference adaptation, and marketing investment. The results suggest that capital adequacy and digital literacy are positively and significantly related to digital expansion whereas technological infrastructure, preference adaptation and marketing investment are not statistically significant in the estimated model. Coefficient-comparison tests also imply that the important internal readiness variables are more strongly related to digital expansion than the market-oriented readiness variables.  This study contributes to the literature on digital transformation in small firms by showing that, in a resource-constrained emerging-economy environment, internal financial and capability-related conditions are more strongly associated with digital expansion than market-facing readiness. The results have substantial implications for Bangladesh suggesting that digital financial support should be coupled with digital literacy development and targeted capability-building for small companies.

This study examines the integration of digitalization, mobile applications, and vernacular languages in Small, Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) management within KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. A quantitative descriptive analysis was conducted using systematic probability sampling of 147 SMMEs across five sectors (agriculture, hospitality, construction, healthcare, and transportation) in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands region. Findings reveal significant gaps between policy support and the actual implementation of digital-vernacular language integration, with 45% of respondents indicating inadequate policy support and 58.9% expressing dissatisfaction with the current progress of digitalization.  Results suggest the need for targeted policy interventions to support the digital transformation of SMMEs that incorporate indigenous language capabilities. The study contributes to understanding the intersection of digital transformation and linguistic diversity in emerging economy entrepreneurship management, and the dynamic capabilities theory was undertaken as the benchmark to support the literature. The findings revealed a disconnect between the provision of support from policymakers and authorities regarding the program of action and deliverables that could help SMMEs integrate their entrepreneurial management with the demands of digitalisation, including resources and capabilities. The findings further exposed the gap between the expectations of SMMEs and the current level of digital and vernacular language integration in terms of systematic support and deliverables. Additionally, the findings characterized the slow pace of transformation supported by policymakers in digitalization, mobile applications, and the adoption of vernacular languages, which is already at an advanced stage in similar emerging economies in the global South.

Globally, SMEs were severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in developing nations where systemic vulnerabilities are more noticeable. This study examines the growth and survival tactics used by SMEs in South Africa's eThekwini Metropolitan Area during the pandemic's peak and the subsequent recovery period. The study, which was based on a quantitative design, used a structured questionnaire to survey 304 managers and owners of SMEs. The results show that SMEs used a variety of survival tactics, such as lowering operating costs, integrating digital technology, and making short-term changes to their business models. Product diversification, strategic alliances, and the adoption of e-commerce were among the growth strategies. The Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities Theory, which shed light on how SMEs used internal resources and adjusted to external shocks, serve as the foundation for this study. Recovery efforts were, however, hampered by obstacles like a lack of digital infrastructure, difficulty accessing relief funds, and complicated regulations. A post-crisis policy reflection and a SWOT analysis provide strategic insight into enhancing the resilience of SMEs. The study ends with specific managerial and policy suggestions that can be applied to urban SME ecosystems in developing nations.

This research investigates the connection between governmental assistance and business outcomes, incorporating the intermediary functions of business networking and digital marketing. Data were gathered through a questionnaire, which was distributed to 152 participants who represent MSMEs in the culinary industry in Surabaya City. The examination of this data was performed utilizing the SEM-PLS method, facilitated by SmartPLS 3.0 software. Findings from the study reveal that governmental support significantly enhances both business networking and digital marketing. Additionally, business networking and digital marketing significantly improve business performance. The research additionally illustrates that both business networking and digital marketing play a significant role in mediating the connection between government support and the success of culinary MSMEs in Surabaya City.

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in South Africa, revealing their inadequate financial reserves and insufficient strategic assistance. In response, the government implemented financial and non-financial measures to promote innovation and enhance corporate resilience. This study assessed the efficacy of these approaches in aiding SMMEs during and post-pandemic, emphasising innovation uptake and sustainability results. A positivist paradigm and quantitative design were utilised, surveying 201 small, medium, and micro enterprise (SMME) owners and managers in eThekwini Municipality via structured questionnaires. Data analysis utilising SPSS (version 28.0) identified significant deficiencies in governmental assistance frameworks, especially with accessibility and communication. Participants indicated inadequate communication regarding funding initiatives, challenges in accessing newly implemented programs, and minimal influence on business recovery and innovation. The findings reveal a continual disparity between policy objectives and actual support, emphasising the necessity for enhanced communication tactics and more accessible tools to bolster SMME resilience during crises

This study investigates the critical factors influencing social media adoption by rural Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, with a focus on supporting business survival and growth during the Covid-19 crisis. The Covid-19 crisis intensified existing challenges such as limited digital connectivity, financial constraints, and poor market access, highlighting the need for adaptive, cost-effective solutions. Social media became a vital tool for these businesses, enabling expanded market reach, improved customer engagement, and continued product promotion during uncertain times. A quantitative research approach was employed, gathering data from 374 rural SMMEs using a structured 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. Analysis revealed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.779, p < 0.001) between broadband internet access, financial resources, and social media use, all critical factors for maintaining digital engagement and ensuring business continuity. The study advocates for increased public and private investment in rural broadband infrastructure to address the digital divide and emphasises capacity building programmes to enhance digital literacy and social media marketing skills among rural entrepreneurs. The findings offer actionable insights for policy and practice, supporting the long-term sustainability of rural SMMEs and promoting inclusive digital development in rural KZN. A Social Media Adoption Model is proposed to enhance the survival and growth of rural SMMEs during the Covid-19 crisis in KZN.

The rise of digital marketing has the potential to reshape consumer engagement and business strategies, particularly in rural retailing, where traditional marketing methods often dominate. This study examines the transformative and communicative impact of digital marketing in rural retailing, with a focus on Flagstaff, South Africa. A quantitative approach was employed, with questionnaires personally administered to retail store operators and management, achieving a response rate of 86.54% from the forty-five responses received out of the fifty-two distributed. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and factor analysis, were conducted using SPSS 27.0 to validate the data. The findings indicate that digital marketing plays a crucial role in transforming and sustaining retail businesses by enhancing brand perception, influencing consumer behaviour, and facilitating effective communication. To maximise these benefits, rural retailers should transform their operational strategies to effectively leverage online platforms for improved customer engagement. Additionally, policymakers should support local businesses through resources and training initiatives. Local communities also need to be supported through the development of infrastructure that enhances digital connectivity, ensures a reliable electricity supply, and provides access to devices. Workshops or informational campaigns aimed at improving digital literacy would also be beneficial for enhancing the diffusion of digital innovation in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights into how digital marketing can transform rural retailing, offering important implications for both practitioners and researchers.

This study investigates the impact of digital transformation leadership and customer agility on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Riau Islands, Indonesia. SMEs are pivotal to economic growth, yet they often face challenges in adapting to rapidly changing market conditions. Employing a sustainable development theory framework, the research explores how effective leadership in digital transformation and an agile approach to customer engagement can drive better performance outcomes. Findings reveal that while customer agility does not significantly correlate with SME performance, strong digital transformation leadership and well-implemented digital strategies initiatives are play crucial roles in enhancing operational effectiveness and performance. Study result highlights the necessity for SMEs to focus on cultivating innovative leadership that embraces digitization and developing strategies that respond swiftly to evolving customer needs. This research underscores the importance of integrating digital practices as a core component of sustainability efforts within SMEs. Ultimately, embracing effective digital transformation leadership is essential for SMEs seeking to thrive in increasingly competitive environments. The study recommends that future research should examine additional factors that may influence the performance of SMEs, providing a broader understanding of the dynamics at work in this critical sector.

MSMEs are independent business units managed by individuals or groups that can take the form of individual companies, partnerships, or limited liability companies. Risk is generally always seen as something that has a negative impact, such as loss, danger, and several other consequences. Research objectives: 1) Identifying the risks of food MSMEs in Malang City; 2) Analyze the factors that influence the risk of MSMEs; 3) formulate the concept of risk mitigation of Food MSMEs in situations of Global economic policy uncertainty. Research design: using a quantitative approach by conducting interviews and distributing questionnaires. The research population includes all food MSMEs in Malang City amounting to 16,417 MSMEs. The sample used was 376 MSMEs with a purposive sampling method, the criteria for MSMEs Snacks in Malang City, has been established for at least 3 years. This research uses a descriptive qualitative approach with data collection techniques, namely distributing questionnaires and interviews to several food MSME owners in Malang City as key informants. The results showed that identifying MSME risks is an important step in business risk management. After the risks are identified, MSMEs need to mitigate risks so that they can develop a business risk mitigation concept in order to reduce the losses that will be faced in the uncertainty of global economic policies. The results of the study provide practical benefits for Malang City MSMEs to minimize risks and for policy makers. As well as producing a conceptualization of risk mitigation for food MSMEs in situations of Global Economic Policy Uncertainty.

Digital marketing has profoundly altered the marketing techniques utilised by merchants. Although a growing number of rural retail enterprises in South Africa are starting to implement these techniques, the comprehensive effect of digital marketing on their sustainability is still inadequately examined. This study seeks to investigate the impact of internet marketing on retail operations in the rural community of Flagstaff. A quantitative research methodology was utilised, distributing questionnaires to all 52 major merchants via a census technique, yielding 45 replies and an 87% response rate. The results demonstrate that merchants employ several digital marketing strategies, such as social media marketing, email marketing, and mobile marketing, to engage with customers and present sales propositions. This engagement is constrained by the minimal acceptance of digital marketing among consumers, restricted e-commerce utilisation, and inadequate digital literacy, preventing both sides from fully leveraging its advantages. The report advises businesses to persist in using digital marketing methods, including social media and email marketing, into their promotional efforts. This strategy will enable them to engage the niche population that prefers these platforms and maintain alignment with market trends, so assuring competitiveness. Furthermore, it is essential to assist rural areas in improving their digital marketing adoption to sustain retail enterprises and maintain relevance in the contemporary digital environment.

The world economy and ecology have undoubtedly been impacted by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic. Female-owned Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs), particularly those operating in marginalised rural economies, are major victims of the COVID-19 outbreak, mostly due to their restricted usage of digital technologies. Digitalisation thus opens up new opportunities for rural women owned MSEs and can help them remain competitive. The study aims to explore COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for rural women owned micro-and small-enterprises. Even though the literature on Women Entrepreneurship is well covered, to the best of our knowledge, the intersection between rural women entrepreneurship and digitisation remains largely unexplored, particularly in African economies. A qualitative approach using personal insights to provide COVID-19 pandemic digitisation lessons for women owned MSEs was used to guide the collection and analysis of the data. The data were collected from a purposive sample of seven women entrepreneurs operating MSEs in the Raymond Mhlaba Local Municipality located in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province and analysed through thematic analysis. The results highlight the critical importance of incorporating digital technology into business operations, stressing the need to prioritize data security, adopting a mobile-first approach, recognising the significance of an online presence, and innovatively developing digital or digitally enhanced offerings. The study's insights provide data-informed insights, as we continue to advocate for inclusive and effective responses to crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic. For rural women owned MSEs in South Africa, it is clear that digital platforms have been helpful, and while digitalization alone is insufficient, this research can inform the recovery strategies and policies needed after the pandemic. Key words: COVID-19, digitization, micro-and small enterprise, rural women entrepreneurs  

The Covid-19 crisis has disrupted businesses of Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) globally, particularly in rural areas such as KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. This study investigated the social media marketing strategies adopted by rural SMMEs to survive and grow during the Covid-19 crisis. Furthermore, it aims to recommend the social media marketing strategies that can be used by SMMEs as a critical tool for their survival and grow during the Covid-19 crisis in rural KZN. The quantitative design was adopted, and data was collected from 374 rural SMMEs in KZN by a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The collected data was analysed by means of statistical social sciences software 27.0. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and correlation analysis to identify the determinants of social media strategies and its impact on business performance.  Key findings include a significant positive relationship between creating awareness of products and services and increased sales, where r = 0.708, p <0.01 and a significant correlation between customers’ needs and complaints and use of social media to retain customers, where r =0.653, p < 0.001. Recommendations suggested that rural SMMEs must gain technical competencies to use social media marketing strategies to gain competitive advantage to sustain their businesses during the Covid-19 crisis.

The ever-evolving digital marketing landscape has continuously adapted to technological advancement, consumer behaviour and ecosystem trends. The 21st century marketplace needs traditional marketing practices, and digital platforms to ensure the actualisation of their growth and development in the ecosystem. The study examined how different digital marketing platforms can influence SMEs' operations and performance (Online marketing, and ICT initiatives). The study employed a quantitative design with primary data collection via a questionnaire designed based on 5-Likert’s Scale to answer the research questions; if there is a significant relationship between Online Marketing and SMEs' Business Competitiveness, and if ICT initiative has a positive relationship with SMEs' Business Growth. Two (2) hypotheses were formulated and tested using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). To ascertain the hypotheses formulated, both descriptive and regression analyses were carried out, and the output clearly showed a significant influence of digital marketing on the performance of SMEs. The result shows a positive impact of online marketing on SME business competitiveness. However, this study concluded that in the technology-driven environment, 21st-century SMEs will always see the usefulness and relevance of digital marketing because of its role in improving their performance. This study recommends that SMEs incorporate intensive digital platforms and engage in time-to-time updates of their online marketing channels.

The creative economy industry has created millions of jobs in Indonesia. One of the creative economy fields in Indonesia is makeup artist. But the makeup artist field also has many challenges in the increasingly fierce business competition. This research aims to investigate the influence of social media usage, innovation and competitive advantage on makeup artist business performance by considering the role competitive advantage as mediators. This research was conducted in Malang Raya with a focus on the makeup artist services business. The research method used was a survey with a questionnaire as a data collection instrument. The research sample consisted of 112 respondents who were owners of makeup artist business in Indonesia. The quantitative approach is used to describe, strengthen, and explain the hypotheses proposed in the study of observed phenomena. The statistical method used for data processing is Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). This study demonstrates a significant and positive correlation between social media usage, innovation and competitive advantage on the makeup artist business performance. The results of the mediation analysis also show that competitive advantage mediate the relationship between social media usage and innovation on makeup artist business performance. Therefore, makeup artists should optimize the use of social media to improve their business performance goals. This includes the use of the latest wardrobe, makeup trend, photo and video taking techniques, keep up to date with viral makeup content. The better the use of social media, the better the innovation, and the ability to maintain a competitive advantage by fulfills client expectations will make clients buy and recommend makeup services so as to improve the performance of makeup artists both financially and nonfinancially.

Various studies have been carried out to establish the key drivers impacting small enterprise sustainable performance in developing countries. Despite many policy-oriented studies to uncover the factors influencing SME resilience in emerging markets, these firms continue to register high failure rate, which has been further exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic. Guided by a history of linear- and log-linear econometric model estimation that ignores potential network effects, our study extends the literature by implicating SMME resilience as a production network. Utilising data from both incubated and non-incubated SMMEs, marking a departure from traditional linear econometric models, radial basis function artificial neural network algorithm was invoked to establish the drivers of SMME resilience during Covid-19 regime. The study extends the literature by implicating eXplainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) methods. Specifically, optimal SHapley Additive Explanations values (SHAP values) were computed to enhance the prediction output from the machine learning algorithm. The XAI analytics provide insightful findings on the key drivers which influenced the resilience of SMMEs during the Covid-19 pandemic. The importance of innovation through introduction of new products, company age and higher number of marketing mediums is confirmed however total assets, analytics, educational level and number of workers surfaced as a threat to these enterprises’ sustainable performance. The study recommends that both the government and SMEs should leverage XAI to identify their heterogeneous attributes and inform intelligent decision-making which necessities their resilient performance.

This study aims to analyze the influence of innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystem variables on strengthening the local economy. The development of small businesses as the basis of the people's economy is one of the strategic steps that need to be followed up with concrete steps to increase family productivity, improve the economy, and overcome the problems of poverty, and unemployment. Community business is one of the strengthening of the local economy. This research is field research with qualitative and quantitative approaches to provide a comprehensive explanation.  The research sample was MSME business actors in Sukajadi Village, Muaraenim Regency using the purposive sampling method. Data collection techniques are used through surveys, documentation, and questionnaires using Likert scales to assess instruments.  Multiple linear regression equations were utilized for the analysis of the data. The results showed that the variables of innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystem partially or simultaneously affect the strengthening of the local economy. The independent variable affected the dependent variable by 51.2% while the remaining 48.8% was influenced by other variables not described in this study. Innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystems play a crucial role in strengthening the local economy. These factors are interconnected and have a positive impact simultaneously and reinforce each other. By working together, innovation, competitiveness, and business ecosystems can create a strong sustainable, and inclusive local economic environment at the local level. This not only benefits local businesses but also for communities to become more resilient and able to access more opportunities. This condition supports the improvement of the welfare and quality of life of the community as a whole.

This study aims to find out how the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the survival of MSMEs in East Jambi District from the operational and financial side, the role and support of the government and the private sector in helping MSMEs, as well as the operational, financial and marketing strategies for the direction of business transformation from MSMEs to be able to endure. This study uses a descriptive quantitative approach, which is measured using descriptive statistical methods with excel and SPSS 25.0. The design of this research is a survey (as primary data). The results of this study are the Covid-19 pandemic has an impact on decreasing turnover, profits, and the number of buyers. 36% of respondents informed that cash adequacy is only sufficient for the next 1-3 months. The majority of MSMEs have also never received assistance from the government and the private sector. The operational and financial strategies carried out are cost efficiency by 38% and increasing operational hours by 18%, as well as marketing strategies by promoting to customers via social media by 30% and doing online sales by 27%. MSMEs in East Jambi Sub-district carry out operational and financial strategies so that they survive and continue to develop during the Covid-19 pandemic. MSMEs conduct cost efficiency as much as 38%, 30% of MSMEs promote to customers through social media such as Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram and 27% of MSMEs sell through online channels to customers in their marketing strategy. In addition, it is informed that the estimated turnover and profits of MSMEs in 2022 are fixed. The findings in this study provide an overview of the condition of MSMEs in East Jambi District due to the impact of the Covid 19 Pandemic in terms of operational and financial business sustainability and provide an overview of Government policies and assistance from the private sector to assist affected MSMEs.

The COVID-19 pandemic that disrupted national economic activities had an impact on the MSME sector. This study examines the mediating role of company performance in supporting competitive advantage during the pandemic, which is a difficult time for MSMEs. This research collaborates entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation so that it can be predicted the factors that support MSMEs in creating competitive advantage. The sample of this research is the owners or business actors of MSMEs in the Cilacap district as many as 100 respondents and PLS-SEM is used to analyze the data. The results show that business performance acts as a full mediation for entrepreneurial orientation and competitive advantage. Market orientation has a direct effect on competitive advantage, but business performance does not mediate market orientation and competitive advantage. The results of the study also show that there are market orientation findings that act as a full mediation of the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and competitive advantage. From these results, it can be concluded that entrepreneurial orientation requires business performance and market orientation to influence competitive advantage.

Digital transformation has created an information revolution, eliminated boundaries, created a knowledge-based global market, and in MSMEs finding new business models, conducting business transactions and collaborating in all fields to form economic strength. Activities that are completely digital, even transaction activities are carried out digitally because they are faster, more effective and efficient. Therefore, MSMEs can apply a business model strategy that can combine online and offline activities. To increase their capability, MSMEs start with developing strategies to become hybrid businesses and combined online and offline business models. In this case, the authors conducted research on MSMEs that use strategies to combine online and offline business, this study offers guidance for MSMEs on what strategies should be used in achieving a business hybrid so that online and offline business models can be combined. In the formation of a business hybrid, there are five capabilities, namely, assimilative capability, ambidextrous capability, environmental capability, autonomous capability and digital and non-digital competitiveness capability. The ability of assimilative can improve managerial ability in the company, absorb knowledge or resources not only from the external environment, but can come from different business units within a company.