Digital trade and financial inclusion for MSMEs in Mauritius: Bridging the gender gap

The chapter investigates the link between access to finance and the adoption of e-commerce among micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Mauritius. Though digital trade is viewed as a significant tool in enhancing enterprises’ productivity, efficiency, and performance, significant hurdles to adopting digital trade still exist. Using a survey of 380 MSMEs, the chapter examines the association between access to finance and the use of digital trade across entrepreneurs in Mauritius. The study adopts a gender-sensitive approach to the use of digital trade among MSMEs. Results indicate that the difficult access to finance and limited information technology resources have cascading effects on the participation of MSMEs in the digital economy. The legal framework is an important element in the adoption of e-commerce among MSMEs surveyed. A robust legal framework is crucial in fostering a secure and trustworthy environment for digital transactions, thereby encouraging wider adoption of e-commerce among businesses.

Link: https://www.elgaronline.com/edcollchap/book/9781035325962/chapter24.xml