An examination of the relationships between the transfer of information and communications technologies and capacity building towards sustainable development of small and medium enterprises : a focus on Rwanda and Tanzania

Abstract

In the modern era, it is widely acknowledged that information and communication technologies have become foundational to every aspect of human endeavor and well-being. The policies of private and public sector organizations, and more so of governments of sovereign states, emphasize the deployment and utilization of information and communication technologies in virtually all forms of business activities. Comparatively, there is consensus that economic and social development of countries can be highly dependent on small and medium enterprises. A broader question arises as to how information and communication technologies can be combined with small and medium enterprises to accelerate sustainable development, especially in nations classified as least developing countries. This research provides some empirical evidence on the extent of the triangular correlation between the transfer of information and communication technologies, capacity building of small and medium enterprises for sustainable development in the least developed country context. The study provides useful insights for policy making with regards to leveraging small and medium enterprises plus information and communication technologies towards stimulating and accelerating sustainable development of least developed countries.