Regulation, SMEs' Growth and Performance in Cameroon's Central and Littoral Provinces' Manufacturing and Retail Sectors

Abstract

The paper discusses results from a survey on regulation, growth and performance of SMEs in Central and Littoral provinces of Cameroon's manufacturing and retail sectors. Trade regulation and company law have a negative impact on small and medium-size businesses, being more pronounced on the trading volumes of younger enterprises. Corruption in general, paying bribes to tax regulators, age of business owner and business location in the Littoral province impact negatively on trading volumes. Total registration cost impacts negatively on business trading volumes which then impacts on business performance and growth.