Small Businesses’ Awareness, Experience and Attitude towards Microfinance in Asmara, Eritrea

Abstract

It is universally accepted that Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) have a significant contribution in supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and buttressing the economy of developing countries. This study attempts to identify the problems that small businesses in Eritrea face while also measuring their awareness and attitudes towards microfinance. We collected data through questionnaires from 145 small business owners, classified into beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries of MFI loans. We find that there is considerable lack of awareness about and positive attitude from the beneficiaries towards MFI. The biggest challenge facing SMEs is financial constraints. We find that MFI is helpful in addressing the financial limitations faced by the beneficiaries. These findings underline the need to ramp up sensitization efforts and to increase access to loans for SMEs by privatizing and proliferating MFIs in Eritrea.