Public Procurement and SME Inclusion: An Empirical Analysis of the Stationery Supply Sector

Mutale Chanda
Additional contact information
Mutale Chanda: Graduate School of Business, University of Zambia

African Journal of Commercial Studies, 2026, vol. 7, issue 3

Abstract: Public procurement is increasingly recognized as a strategic policy instrument for promoting the growth and inclusion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in developing economies. However, despite supportive policy frameworks in Zambia, SME participation in public procurement remains limited. This study examines the role of public procurement in enhancing SME participation, focusing on the office stationery sector in Lusaka. The study aims to assess the level of SME participation, identify key barriers and enablers, and propose strategies to improve engagement. Guided by a pragmatic philosophical approach, a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was adopted. Quantitative data were collected from 90 SME respondents using structured questionnaires, while qualitative data were obtained from 11 key informants through semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, including regression analysis, and qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings reveal that SME participation remains low due to financial constraints, limited access to procurement information, and procedural complexities. However, procurement policy frameworks and financial support mechanisms significantly enhance SME participation. The study concludes that while public procurement has strong potential to promote SME inclusion, its effectiveness is constrained by institutional inefficiencies and firm-level capacity limitations. It recommends integrated policy reforms and targeted capacity-building initiatives to improve SME engagement in public procurement systems.

Keywords: Public Procurement; SMEs Participation; Capacity Building; Procurement Policy; Stationery Sector; Zambia (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: H57 L26 O17 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://ijcsacademia.com/index.php/journal/article/view/559

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cwk:ajocsk:2026-86

DOI: 10.59413/ajocs/v7.i3.16

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in African Journal of Commercial Studies from African Journal of Commercial Studies
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Dr. Charles G. Kamau ().