Exploring the extent & impact of ICT use on Small and Medium Enterprises in Developing Countries: The case of urban women enterprises in Kampala, Uganda

Kyakunda, Margaret (2025) Exploring the extent & impact of ICT use on Small and Medium Enterprises in Developing Countries: The case of urban women enterprises in Kampala, Uganda. Doctoral thesis, University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

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Abstract

Despite the improvements in access to and use of information and communication technology (ICT) around the world, there is evidence that suggests a persistent digital divide between and within countries. This gap is particularly evident in women small and medium enterprises in developing countries. Despite increasing numbers of women in developing countries creating business, studies suggest that only half as likely to use ICT in starting or running their enterprises compared to men. Small and medium enterprises run by women face challenges in adopting ICT, such as affordability of ICT devices and excessive services costs, limited access to ICT infrastructure, digital literacy, and socio and cultural barriers. This qualitative study sought to understand drawing from urban women experiences the extent and impact of ICT use on SMEs and the challenges, and opportunities presented by ICT. This study was guided by the technology acceptance model (TAM2), four objectives, and qualitative data were collected from fifty-seven online questionnaires from urban women entrepreneurs who had basic ICT skills and various levels of access to ICT in the Ugandan capital city, Kampala. Additionally, semi structured interviews were conducted with a local commercial bank executive, policymaker, and multiple informants in four local nongovernment organisations that implement ICT training and development programs catering specifically to women entrepreneurs at grassroot level. The data was analysed using Grounded Theory. The results indicated that while strategies have been created to connect ICT with SMEs, the success of these initiatives relies on factors such as the intention to use, ease of use, usefulness of the technology, access, and ICT skills. In conclusion, this research highlights its academic, methodological, and practical contributions and suggests further studies to support women-owned small and medium enterprises in developing countries in adopting ICT and achieving sustainable growth and empowerment.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Women entrepreneurship, Technology Acceptance model(TAM2), SMEs, Urban, Uganda, Developing countries.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HB Economic Theory H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman T Technology > T Technology (General)
Divisions:	Theses and Dissertations > Doctoral Theses
Depositing User:	Victoria Hankinson
Date Deposited:	05 Mar 2025 10:23
Last Modified:	05 Mar 2025 10:25
URI:	https://repository.uwtsd.ac.uk/id/eprint/3491

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