The Impact of Small Entrepreneurship Development on Poverty Alleviation: Empirical Study from Mogadishu, Somalia

This paper examined and analysed the impacts of small-scale
entrepreneurship development on poverty alleviation in Somalia. Survey data collection was conducted using an online questionnaire. The respondents in this study were 92 business entrepreneurs in Mogadishu, Somalia, who had a direct and responsible role in the daily operations of
the entrepreneurial ventures. The method of data analysis used was descriptive statistics and correlation analysis using SPSS 24. Against common beliefs, the result of this study shows an insignificant impact of small-scale business enterprises on poverty alleviation in Somalia. This suggests that small-scale business enterprises cannot play a significant role in the economic growth, job creation and poverty alleviation in the case of Somalia. While small business ventures in Somalia were expected to be an
essential tool to fight poverty, due to several challenges, the objective has not been materialised. By outlining these challenges, the paper also provided suggestions for establishment of a robust small-scale business sector in Somalia.