The Impact of African Firms’ Utilization of Financial and Technology Resource on Innovation: A Simple Mediation

Abstract

This study aimed at analyzing the influence of the use of technology on the use of financial services and innovation of SMEs in Africa. The study further analyzes the mediating role of the use of financial services on firm use of technology-innovation relationships among SMEs in Africa. The study utilizes data retrieved from the enterprise survey portal. The analysis employs multiple regression to test the models using SPSS, and the Sobel test further examines mediation. The results reveal a significant positive association of firm use of technology on the use of financial services and innovation. Also, there is a positive association between the use of financial services and SME innovations in Africa. The study found partial mediation of the use of financial services on the use of technology-innovation relationships. The results have implications on African SMEs need to amplify the sensitization and emphasis on fostering the use of technology in innovating new products and processes. While promoting innovation, the use of technology can enhance financial inclusion resulting in wider and deeper financing options for enterprises in Africa, which are deeply hampered by financial and technological vulnerability.