How small businesses in developing countries can develop

The nature of business growth in developing countries is of particular interest to me. First small businesses are limited in many ways, yet they strive. Although most of them may not be as big as businesses of equal size (in terms of capital) in developed countries, the survive harsh business environments others in developed countries would not dare. Secondly, the governments of some of these developing countries, in particular Nigeria, don't seem to take deliberate actions towards small business growth. No investment in research, infrastructure or even in policy formulation. They are more concerned about quick fixes than strategic action plans to stimulate business development.

In the face of this, I have often asked, "What indigenous strategies can be developed to sustain business development in developing countries?" "How can the local strategies of these businesses be developed into global strategies?" "Why are small businesses cooperating to form a common front against regulators and other industry threats but they don't cooperate to compete?" These questions may hold the answers on how small businesses in developing countries can develop, and also influence the development of their local or host communities.

I believe that interviews and in-depth discussions with the key players regarding these questions will provide answers and help in changing the perspective of the role of small businesses in developing countries. These change in perception can galvanize efforts towards growing small businesses. We need more answers!

The major challenge will be getting stakeholders to make out time to talk, and when they do, what will be the best way to frame the questions so as to get the desired response.

Africa and other developing nations cannot continue to rely on western technology and strategies for their business development. It is time to re-evaluate indigenous strategies and recreate them into global phenomenon.