Key internal factors and challenges of SME internationalization: Case of Moroccan companies in sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Research on the internationalization of SMEs is a new discipline that has developed and enriched over the last four decades. Indeed, several studies, notably in the Anglo-Saxon environment and mainly on the perimeter of developed countries, have focused on the internationalization process of SMEs. However, few studies have applied internationalization theories to African geography. Thus, the objective of this quantitative research is to study the international entrepreneurship of Moroccan SMEs in Sub-Saharan African countries in order to better understand the factors and barriers that influence their internationalization.

First, the authors build their conceptual framework based on the literature and on the operationalization of different variables according to specific items.  Then, they conduct a quantitative study on a sample of 107 Moroccan SMEs in order to evaluate this model and to consolidate different recommendations.

The internal factors related to the company have an impact on the performance of internationalization and shape the major challenges faced by the manager. In this sense, the SME's possession of certain competitive advantages such as: size, financial means, commitment and experience on the national and international market can influence the perception of decision makers and their involvement in the internationalization of their companies.