Survival strategies and failure of SMMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa: secondary data

Esabel Phiri, Ntsieni Fitzgerald Ramasimu and Godfrey Maake
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Esabel Phiri: Department of Business Management, University of South Africa, South Africa
Ntsieni Fitzgerald Ramasimu: UNISA
Godfrey Maake: Tshwane University of Technology

International Journal of Business Ecosystem & Strategy (2687-2293), 2025, vol. 7, issue 2, 01-13

Abstract: Pandemics result in significant devastation, leaving considerable destruction in their wake. Numerous researchers contend that the coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic exceeded prior pandemics in various aspects. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global economies, businesses, and societies, resulting in substantial damage and lasting effects. The aviation industry experienced a significant near-collapse for the first time since the advent of aeroplanes, attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic. This research was initiated to synthesise existing studies on the strategies utilised by Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) to sustain operations during disasters such as COVID-19 in South Africa. This systematic literature review analyses the survival strategies and failures of SMMEs in Africa in response to the economic disruptions induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen accredited journals were incorporated into the data analysis. The thematic analysis identified several themes from the original data: Networking and Accessing Financial Support, Response to Crisis Conditions, Digital Technology, Disruption of Supply Chains, and Inadequate and Insufficient Government Support. This study synthesises existing research to identify factors that supported SMMEs in sustaining operations and recovering from challenges induced by the pandemic. This study offers significant insights into the survival strategies and challenges faced by SMMEs during the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa. African leaders should supervise the execution of digital transformation initiatives, focused financial assistance, and strategies for long-term business continuity. Key Words:COVID-19 Pandemic; SMMEs; Survival Strategies; Failure; South Africa

Date: 2025
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