Strategic Network and Alliances of African Agribusiness SME Internationalization. : The Case of Agribusiness SMEs in Douala, Cameroon.

Abstract

The purpose of this research is based on the main ideas of networks and alliances as strategic approaches to internationalization of agribusiness small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) in Douala, Cameroon. In order to accomplish this objective, qualitative research was carried out through a survey on directors and trade managers of nine (9) agribusiness SMEs in Douala, Cameroon. Respondents were mainly from upstream and downstream sectors. Previous studies on network and alliance approaches to internationalization were taken into consideration. Questionnaires from respondents were used to perform thematic analysis to help identify agribusiness SMEs with similar attributes.

The findings suggest that agribusiness SMEs in Douala, Cameroon have inadequate knowledge of target market dynamics that can readily be developed through strategic networks and alliances. This will allow agribusiness SMEs enhance their sustainable competitive advantages and overcome the burden associated with foreignness and outsidership. The survey equally allows concluding that numerous processes involved to internationalize, finding partners and information on international markets are among key constraints emphasized by these enterprises. All these points to mismatch incentives by the government of Cameroon (GoC) to take reactive measures to promote internationalization efforts of agribusiness SMEs through support and bridge programs that will foster a more realistic strategic networks and alliances for agribusiness SMEs in Douala, Cameroon to be competitive and robust.