Research Article
Bridging Gender Gaps in Entrepreneurship: A Conceptual Model for Tailored Digital Support Mechanisms
Rachid Samkane*,
Loubna Chag
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
22-35
Received:
23 March 2026
Accepted:
1 April 2026
Published:
16 April 2026
Abstract: Women’s entrepreneurship represents a significant driver of economic, social, and technological development. However, female entrepreneurs often face structural, social, and contextual barriers that limit their access to resources, professional networks, and entrepreneurial opportunities. To address these challenges, this study adopts an integrative literature review and conceptual synthesis to examine how digital support mechanisms can be designed to better meet the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. Based on the analysis of prior research, the study develops an integrative conceptual framework linking women entrepreneurs’ individual and contextual characteristics with four key digital support mechanisms: modular digital training, personalized mentoring, specialized digital platforms, and inclusive virtual communities. The framework highlights the role of moderating factors such as personalization, accessibility, continuous support, and participatory feedback in shaping the effectiveness of these mechanisms. By emphasizing a user-centered socioconstructivist perspective, the model explains how digital mechanisms can foster skill development, entrepreneurial empowerment, and the expansion of digital social capital. The study provides a theoretical contribution by integrating fragmented research streams on women’s entrepreneurship and digital support mechanisms, while also offering practical implications for policymakers and entrepreneurial support organizations seeking to design more inclusive and effective digital support programs.
Abstract: Women’s entrepreneurship represents a significant driver of economic, social, and technological development. However, female entrepreneurs often face structural, social, and contextual barriers that limit their access to resources, professional networks, and entrepreneurial opportunities. To address these challenges, this study adopts an integrativ...
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Research Article
Assessment on the Impact of Trade Tariff on Procurement and Supply in Sierra Leone
Albert Caulker*,
Sharka Satto Makieu
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 2, June 2026
Pages:
36-51
Received:
11 May 2026
Accepted:
25 May 2026
Published:
10 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijebo.20261402.12
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Abstract: Trade tariffs are a crucial policy tool in Sierra Leone for raising money, controlling imports, and safeguarding homegrown businesses. Tariffs, however, provide difficulties for supply chain and procurement operations even though they might promote economic expansion. Improving supply chain operations and guaranteeing efficient public service delivery depends on an understanding of how tariffs affect procurement. Targeting various levels of authorities, including procurement officers, suppliers, and logistics specialists within the MTI, a cross-sectional design was used. Out of 57 employees, 50 responders were chosen by stratified random sampling. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the data, and SPSS version 26 was used for descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation analysis. The results indicated that for the majority of respondents, tariffs—especially Value-Added Tax (38%) and excise charges (30%)—significantly raised procurement costs by 20–30%. Tariffs "always" cause delays in procurement timeframes, according to 58% of respondents. Additionally, 40% of respondents said that budget planning was frequently disrupted, and 52% said that tariffs significantly restricted access to overseas suppliers. In Sierra Leone, trade tariffs seriously impede supply chain and procurement activities, especially in the MTI. In the end, they undermine efficiency by raising prices, delaying deadlines, and limiting supplier possibilities. Building supplier and procurement officer capability, standardising tariff laws, investing in digital tariff-tracking systems, and establishing exclusions for necessities are all necessary to address these issues. These changes could improve the effectiveness of procurement and promote more general economic growth.
Abstract: Trade tariffs are a crucial policy tool in Sierra Leone for raising money, controlling imports, and safeguarding homegrown businesses. Tariffs, however, provide difficulties for supply chain and procurement operations even though they might promote economic expansion. Improving supply chain operations and guaranteeing efficient public service deliv...
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