A Study on How Development Finance Institutions Support SMEs: A Case Study of International Finance Corporation

Abstract

This study sought, inter alia, to establish the role DFIs play in SMEs development and the challenges they face in so doing. The study employed a case study approach with the IFC in focus. The study revealed that DFIs contribute significantly to SMEs growth in various economies through provision of funds, advisory services and raising of capital on international markets even though they are confronted with systemic and non-systemic challenges in so doing. The study feeds into future research on DFIs and SMEs growth while informing policy analysts and policy makers of the way forward in SMEs development.