Factors Influencing the Growth Potential of SMEs in Sierra Leone: A Case Study of Sierra Leone Agro-processing Competitiveness Project SMEs
Isata Kamanda, Mohamed Alkhali Sesay, Hamid Gbawuru Marah, Olubumi Thomas, Mohamed Adama Jalloh, Keiwoma Mark Yila

Abstract
This research project sought to evaluate the factors that influence the growth potential of the Sierra Leone Agro-processing Competitiveness Project SMEs supported by CORDAID Sierra Leone by assessing their capacity and competitiveness and the determinants of their growth potential. The research design adopted for this study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey. Purposive sampling was used to select SMEs and respondents. The research utilized both secondary data from other sources and primary data collected using questionnaires to carry out the study. Descriptive statistical tools and logistic regression analysis were used to analyse the data using Ms Excel and Statistical Packages for Social Scientists (SPSS) respectively. The results were presented in frequencies, mean, standard deviations, tables and percentages. The results of the study showed the diverse capacity and competitiveness of SMEs. However, 65 % of the SMEs were above the average growth potential. Holding all other factors constant, marketing, sales and branding may significantly influence the growth potential of the capacity and competitiveness of the Sierra Leone Agro-processing Competitiveness Project SMEs. The study, therefore, recommends that SMEs should invest more in marketing, sales and branding as this was found to greatly enhance their growth.

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