The MSUIR digital repository system captures, stores, indexes, preserves, and distributes digital research material. http://cris.library.msu.ac.zw:80 2026-04-20T22:13:08Z 2026-04-20T22:13:08Z Dzawanda, Beauty Matsa, Mark Makomborero Gumbo, Elvis Batsirai Runokunda, Juliet Chidochashe Melanie D. Nicolau https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7012 2026-03-26T13:41:37Z 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: A systematic review of informal cross-border trade in African economies towards vision 2030 Authors: Dzawanda, Beauty; Matsa, Mark Makomborero; Gumbo, Elvis Batsirai; Runokunda, Juliet Chidochashe; Melanie D. Nicolau Abstract: Informal cross-border trade (ICBT) is spreading across Africa driven by high poverty levels and influenced by factors such as climate change, political instability and economic marginalisation among others. This desktop-based review synthesised the existing literature to explore the dynamics of ICBT in Africa. Findings reveal that while formal trade remains limited, ICBT thrives due to weak economic integration frameworks like SADC, ECOWAS and COMESA which often overlook informal trade. Biased policy reforms, retrenchments and exclusion from formal markets further exacerbate informality. ICBT significantly contributes to Africa’s GDP, particularly as women who represent over 70% of participants engage in this trade due to marginalisation from the formal economy. Although both men and women participate in ICBT, the later tend to face serious vulnerabilities, including health risks such as HIV/AIDS, sexual exploitation and harassment often as a means of evading taxes or gaining access to services. The trade includes a wide array of goods both legal and illicit facilitated by corruption and inadequate border infrastructure. Despite its challenges, ICBT remains a vital livelihood strategy for many Africans. Rather than seeking to eliminate it, the article advocates for the development of a framework to formalise, regulate and safeguard ICBT while aligning it with sustainable development goals. Enhancing border infrastructure, gender-sensitive policies and institutional support can help maximise ICBT’s benefits while mitigating associated risks, fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Africa.

2026-01-01T00:00:00Z Dzawanda, Beauty Matsa, Mark Makomborero Gumbo, Elvis Batsirai Runokunda, Juliet Chidochashe Melanie D. Nicolau Mhlanga, Nomizulu https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7011 2026-03-26T12:37:11Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: SMEs Funding & The Implications of An Unstable Economy Evidence from Zimbabwean SMEs Authors: Mhlanga, Nomizulu Abstract: The purpose of this dissertation was to research into the title; “SMEs Funding & the implications of an unstable economy. Evidence from Zimbabwean SMEs” The main objective of the study was to seek to understand how an unstable economy affects the accessing of funding by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The research made use of quantitative and qualitative research methodology, making use of questionnaires and interview questions. A sample of 120 participants was selected from a population of 210. Data was analysed and presented using graphs and charts. The main findings were that finance institutions are the major sources of finance for SMEs in Zimbabwe, while very few SMEs are funded from owners’ investments. The research established that SMEs face problems related to insufficient collateral and poor documentation when applying for funding. The research also established that the structure of the economy and the government policies affect funding of SMEs. Finally the research established that other funding available options to SMEs are venture capital, issue of equity shares to fund their businesses. The study concluded that the structure of the economy through policies promulgated by the government impacts funding of SMEs. The study recommended that, the government through the Ministry of Small to Medium Enterprises should craft a policy tailor-made for SMEs to access funding in financial institutions and through institutional investors such as the national pension’s entity NSSA. The research suggested that further studies can be conducted in order to improve policy inconsistencies related to SMEs in Zimbabwe.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Mhlanga, Nomizulu Warawara, Edmore https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7010 2026-03-26T12:36:03Z 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Effects of Cost Control Techniques on Profitability of Zimplow Ltd Authors: Warawara, Edmore Abstract: The study sought to investigate the effects of cost control techniques on profitability at Zimplow Ltd. The persistent rise in operational cost which reduces profitability of a company motivated the researcher to undertake the study. The objectives of the study were to; establish cost control techniques used in Zimplow, analyse the effects of cost controlling techniques on the profitability of Zimplow Ltd, examine the challenges of effective implementation of cost control techniques and recommend the best strategies of effective implementation of cost control techniques in Zimplow Ltd. The study adopted a descriptive research design, Data was obtained from primary sources and questionnaires were used as research instruments. Fifty staff members were used as research subjects. Purposive sampling technique and a sample size of 60 was used. The study findings on establishing cost control techniques used at Zimplow indicated that effective cost control techniques assist in controlling and regulating costs, assist management in decision making and improve company’s productivity. The study findings on effects of cost controlling techniques on the profitability concluded that cost control techniques have a positive impact on profitability through reduction of production and operational costs, provide avenues for a company to invest in profitable projects and increase sales volume. Data was analysed with chi-square the results reviewed a significant positive impact between the application of budgetary control, standard costing, variance analysis and profitability. The study findings on the challenges of effective implementation of cost control techniques showed that the problem of rise in costs was not in the techniques but was resulting from lack of; education and training in using cost control techniques, top management support and poor management of the techniques among others. The study recommends the involvement of staff in cost control initiatives, motivation, education and training programmes among others to ensure effective implementation of cost control techniques.

2021-01-01T00:00:00Z Warawara, Edmore Muzanenhamo, Kudzai https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/7009 2026-03-26T12:34:55Z 2020-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: The Impact Of Working Capital Management On Small To Medium Entrprises (Smes)’S Financial Performances: The Case Of Polar Plastics (2014-2019) Authors: Muzanenhamo, Kudzai Abstract: Working capital management has been a challenge in both the large Multinational National Companies (MNCs) and as well as the Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs). This challenge has been evidenced by the collapse of such company types over the last decades. This study aimed at establishing the effects of working capital on the performances of SMES in the plastic manufacturing sector and in particular Polar Plastics. Literature were reviewed based on the empirical aspects, the conceptual review and the theoretical review. The exploratory research design was followed as the researcher sought to have in-depth understanding of the relationship that exists between working capital management and firm performances. Given that the intention was to explore the underlining problem within the small to medium enterprises in the manufacturing sector. The study sample was 105 employees from which the questionnaires were used as the data collection instrument. Above that for Senior Management and owners of the Company were approached with interviews in order to obtain their perceptions, knowledge and understanding of the working capital management issues affecting the firm. Data were analysed using the SPSS version 20.1 and were presented in terms of the tables. The Cronbach alpha was determined by the pilot study of the instruments at 0.752 showing a high reliability. The study found out that the cash conversion cycle and all its components must be managed in a manner that reduced the receipts and conversion of inventory, which elongating the payable cycle. It was also found that government although it has provided support, that support in terms of legislation, policy and financial has not be adequate to quick start the working capital levels for SMEs. The recommendations proffered were that government should constantly review the legislative and policy framework for SMEs in order to provide adequate support. It was further recommended that the SMEs should try to adopted the more aggressive working capital management in order to boost liquidity and profitability in the short-term.

2020-01-01T00:00:00Z Muzanenhamo, Kudzai