Nirmala Dorasamy - Böcker

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a driving force of the global economy, contributing up to 50% of gross domestic product in some instances. They also contribute to economic development through various channels such as employment creation, economic growth and poverty reduction, key elements of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, in many economies the majority of jobs are provided by SMEs. However, despite their support of the economy, SMEs are prone to several binding constraints, such as access to finance and market entry, as well as exogenous shocks and crises, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on evidence from international experience, SMEs and Economic Development in Africa provides grounded solutions to challenges affecting SMEs, particularly in Africa, and offers guidance on how to build resilience to counteract future shocks. It also offers a number of policy measures which governments in developing countries may need to consider in order to encourage economic growth and development, such as increasing productive capacities, training, enhancing business ethics and professionalism and improving competitiveness. What makes this book distinctive is that fact that it brings together the literature concerning SMEs in one place, and using case studies, it showcases how policymakers can overcome the challenges affecting SMEs. The book also provides tested and practical remedies for African economies with a view to making SMEs a springboard for economic prosperity. The book will appeal to advanced students, scholars and researchers, as well as policymakers, development agencies and non-governmental organisations.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are a driving force of the global economy, contributing up to 50% of gross domestic product in some instances. They also contribute to economic development through various channels such as employment creation, economic growth and poverty reduction, key elements of the Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, in many economies the majority of jobs are provided by SMEs. However, despite their support of the economy, SMEs are prone to several binding constraints, such as access to finance and market entry, as well as exogenous shocks and crises, most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on evidence from international experience, SMEs and Economic Development in Africa provides grounded solutions to challenges affecting SMEs, particularly in Africa, and offers guidance on how to build resilience to counteract future shocks. It also offers a number of policy measures which governments in developing countries may need to consider in order to encourage economic growth and development, such as increasing productive capacities, training, enhancing business ethics and professionalism and improving competitiveness. What makes this book distinctive is that fact that it brings together the literature concerning SMEs in one place, and using case studies, it showcases how policymakers can overcome the challenges affecting SMEs. The book also provides tested and practical remedies for African economies with a view to making SMEs a springboard for economic prosperity. The book will appeal to advanced students, scholars and researchers, as well as policymakers, development agencies and non-governmental organisations.

This book delves into the critical issue of ensuring the long-term financial viability of local governments in the diverse region of Southern Africa. Across Southern Africa, cities and communities are facing a multitude of challenges, from rapid urbanization and infrastructure challenges to social inequality and environmental degradation. In this thought-provoking book, the authors explore the intricate relationship between financial sustainability and the pursuit of sustainable cities and communities through different lenses.Drawing on extensive research and case studies from various countries in the region, this book provides a comprehensive analysis of the financial realities faced by local governments. It examines the factors influencing revenue generation, expenditure management, and fiscal governance, shedding light on the complexities of financial decision-making in the context of limited resources and pressing development needs. Furthermore, it offers practical insights and actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and academics. It explores innovative approaches to revenue diversification, efficient expenditure allocation, and effective fiscal management, with the ultimate aim of fostering sustainable development, social services delivery, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure in Southern African cities and communities.This is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the challenges and opportunities associated with financial sustainability in the context of urbanisation and sustainable development in greater Africa. It serves as a guide and inspiration for building financially resilient local governments that can support the aspirations and well-being of their citizens while contributing to the broader vision of sustainable cities and communities.

Southern Africa stands at a critical juncture, facing the urgent need to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and align with the African Union's Agenda 2063. Simultaneously, the region is grappling with the challenges of poverty, inequality, environmental degradation, and climate change. This book provides a comprehensive exploration of sustainable development challenges and opportunities in Southern Africa, emphasizing the crucial role of public governance.It examines historical, economic, social, and environmental factors shaping the region's progress, with a focus on the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It delves into the evolution of public governance, from pre-colonial systems to modern innovations, and analyse the impact of colonial legacies, constitutional reforms, and administrative practices. The book explores how Southern African nations can leverage innovative governance approaches, including citizen engagement, data-driven decision making, collaborative partnerships, and robust anti-corruption measures, to achieve a more sustainable and equitable future and better public service delivery. It emphasizes the necessity of policy coherence, robust regulatory frameworks, and regional cooperation to achieve inclusive and sustainable growth. The book offers a roadmap for Southern African countries to strengthen public governance, empower citizens, and accelerate progress towards a more prosperous and resilient future. Finally, it provides actionable recommendations for policymakers, civil society, and international organizations to foster a resilient and equitable future for Southern Africa.

In 2024, the BRICS alliance expanded to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and is now informally referred to as BRICS+. This book explores the impact of these nations on governance practices and sustainable development in Southern African countries. It examines how BRICS+ countries influence political policies, including trade relationships, investment flows, and diplomatic engagements and how they contribute to or challenge the sustainable development agenda within Southern Africa, addressing issues such as poverty reduction, climate change, and social inequality. It analyzes how BRICS+ interactions affect regional governance frameworks, such as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other regional initiatives and offers insight into how BRICS+ economic activities, including resource extraction and industrialization, impact environmental sustainability efforts in Southern Africa. Further, the book discusses the way BRICS+ states can facilitate the transfer of technology and innovative governance practices to improve sustainable development strategies in the region. A critical assessment of the challenges posed by BRICS+ engagement in terms of ethical governance, corruption, and dependency versus the opportunities for regional empowerment and capacity building is examined in the book. It compares the influence of BRICS+ with other global powers or regional groupings, analysing their different approaches to governance and sustainability and includes specific case studies from Southern African countries to illustrate how connections with these nations have led to significant outcomes—both positive and negative—in governance and sustainability initiatives.The book is primarily aimed at scholars, researchers and advanced students, as well as policymakers and government officials in Southern Africa and BRICS+ countries.

This book seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of the political, governance, and socio-economic landscape of South Africa in the aftermath of apartheid. It examines the complexities and dynamics that have influenced and shaped the development of the country since 1994, identifying the enduring issues and challenges, along with the opportunities present for building a sustainable and inclusive South Africa in the future.The book aims to enhance comprehension of how South Africa can traverse its distinctive development trajectory by examining the wider political context, governance structures, and policy measures. The objective is to analyse the impact of the political and governance structures instituted in the post-apartheid era on the country's developmental path. This encompasses the transformation of public administration and the influence of political dynamics and governance in determining the trajectory of the country's future.In this effort, the book not only explores significant accomplishments since 1994 but also engages in a critical examination of the limitations, governmental shortcomings, and challenges that persistently obstruct the progress of the country. Furthermore, it presents insights and recommendations aimed at enhancing governance, enacting policy reforms, and devising strategies to foster sustainable development.

This book establishes a nexus between corruption in public procurement and the prevailing crisis of governance in Africa. Thus, the abuse of public power for advancing private gain constitutes an impediment to effective public service delivery, thereby engendering a crisis of governance.

This book establishes a nexus between corruption in public procurement and the prevailing crisis of governance in Africa. Thus, the abuse of public power for advancing private gain constitutes an impediment to effective public service delivery, thereby engendering a crisis of governance.

This book presents insights into the governance challenge associated with the management of the lockdown measures in relation to the welfare of citizens in selected African states.

This book presents insights into the governance challenge associated with the management of the lockdown measures in relation to the welfare of citizens in selected African states. The intention of the project is to present a critical analysis of the effectiveness and the consequences of the measures adopted by the government of these African countries to contain further spread of the virus, within the context of existing governance challenges in the management of the public sector. This will expose the contradictions in the implementation of public policy and the actualization of its intendment for the promotion of good governance and the welfare of citizens. The benefit thereof is the feasibility of arousing further intellectual engagements on the need for effective management of public sector with strong infrastructural support for the good of all in Africa.

This book examines the important role played by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in driving economic growth in Africa.