Examining the Impact of Cloud Computing Adoption on SMEs in Sierra Leone: Using Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) Framework

Minkailu Bangura, Abu Bakarr Koroma, Christiana S. Holist, Ibrahim Samura and Mohamed Alusine Sesay
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Minkailu Bangura: School of Computer Science and Engineering, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Sichuan, China.
Abu Bakarr Koroma: University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), Sichuan, China.
Christiana S. Holist: School of Business Management, University of Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (UCASS), Beijing, China
Ibrahim Samura: School of Software, Dalian University of Technology, China
Mohamed Alusine Sesay: School of Information Science and Technology, Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU), Sichuan, China

International Journal of Science and Business, 2026, vol. 49, issue 1, 1-22

Abstract: Cloud computing provides critical opportunities for scalable operations and cost-efficiency, positioning it as a fundamental catalyst for digital transformation and economic resilience among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those operating in rapidly evolving developing economies. Despite this recognized potential, the adoption of cloud technologies remains inconsistent and suboptimal across many emerging markets. Key inhibiting challenges include pervasive concerns over data security and privacy, resource constraints necessitating a strong financial justification, and the fundamental unreliability of external infrastructure (power and internet quality). This study aimed to empirically examine the determinants influencing cloud computing adoption intention and actual use among SMEs in Sierra Leone. Our investigation utilized the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), extended to incorporate five context-specific external variables: Perceived Security Risk, Trust in Cloud Provider, Cost Advantage, Technological Readiness, and External Infrastructure Quality. A quantitative research approach was employed, involving survey data collected from 360 SMEs decision-makers. Hypotheses were rigorously tested using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and Multiple Regression Analysis to assess the proposed causal pathways. The key findings strongly affirm the TAM core, demonstrating that Perceived Usefulness is the most significant predictor of Behavioral Intention to adopt. Critically, the study found that External Infrastructure Quality is the dominant factor shaping Perceived Ease of Use, and Cost Advantage is the chief incentive driving Perceived Usefulness. Furthermore, Perceived Security Risk significantly and negatively impacts the technology's perceived value, though it was found not to be a significant determinant of Perceived Ease of Use, indicating that perceived security concerns do not necessarily reduce ease-of-use perceptions. These findings highlight the importance of capacity building, infrastructure support, and awareness programs in enhancing SMEs adoption of cloud computing. Theoretically, this research validates a context-specific extension of TAM by integrating macro-infrastructural constraints into the model’s cognitive pathways. Practically, the findings offer actionable insights for policymakers and service providers, underscoring the necessity of prioritizing infrastructural stabilization and establishing clear regulatory and security guarantees to unlock the economic benefits of cloud adoption in similar resource-constrained environments.

Keywords: Cloud Computing; small and medium enterprises (SMEs); Technology Acceptance Model (TAM); Perceived Security Risk; Cost Advantage; External Infrastructure Quality; Adoption Intention (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:aif:journl:v:49:y:2026:i:1:p:1-22

DOI: 10.58970/IJSB.2631

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