Entrepreneurship and SMEs’ Competitiveness in Cameroon: A Comprehensive Empirical Analysis

This study explores the impact of entrepreneurship on the competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cameroon. SMEs play a crucial role in driving economic growth, employment, and innovation, yet they face significant institutional barriers that hinder their competitive potential. Using secondary data from the World Bank, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), and the World Economic Forum (WEF), this research evaluates entrepreneurial activity through the Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) index and SMEs competitiveness through business sophistication metrics. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression is employed to analyse the relationship between entrepreneurship and SMEs competitiveness while accounting for institutional constraints. The results indicate a strong positive effect of entrepreneurship on competitiveness of SMEs, particularly through innovation and market expansion. However, financial restrictions, regulatory inefficiencies, and infrastructural deficits hinder sustained entrepreneurial success. Policy recommendations include improved financial access, simplified regulatory frameworks, enhanced institutional quality, and strengthened entrepreneurial education.