Outlook · Volume 18 · 2020

Impact of Coronavirus Pandemic on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Libya

Emhamad Elmansori
Omar Al-Mukhtar University
Emhamad Elmansori
Omar Al-Mukhtar University
Purpose

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Libya.

Design/Methodology/Approach

This is an exploratory study that adopted a snowball sampling method through a questionnaire designed on Google forms and electronically distributed. A total of 5,900 responses were obtained.

Findings

The findings of the paper show that the lockdown has significantly affected SMEs in the execution of their usual activities. It is recommended that governments aid SMEs at this time to avoid their collapse and job losses, which would in turn affect society and the economy generally.

Original/Value of the Paper

The study provides a critical discussion about the challenges faced by SMEs in Libya during the lockdown period. Again, the study provides key guidelines and recommendations for adoption by policy makers.

Keywords
CoronavirusCOVID-19PandemicSMEsLibya