The Lack of Business Dispute Resolution in East Africa: An Unresolved Impediment to SME Development?

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and SME development are often seen as a route to increased employment and economic growth in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Impediments such as lack of access to finance, the need for entrepreneurial attitudes, and training have been well explored as have been institutional constraints like corruption in the countries. This chapter explores the consequences of an institutional situation on SME development, focusing on the issue of business disputes and possibilities for their resolution. The chapter builds on 60 interviews with micro-and small-business owners in the urban centers of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The findings have implications for concrete business support activities as well as policymaking for entrepreneurship and development in different African countries. NR - 45 PU - SPRINGER-VERLAG SINGAPORE PTE LTD PI - SINGAPORE PA - SINGAPORE, SINGAPORE