(71) The impact of the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Libya, Dr. Emhamad Elmansori

Dr. Emhamad Elmansori
Omar Al-Mukhtar University, Libya
e-mail: emhamad.elmansori@omu.edu.ly

DOI: 10.47556/J.IJIKMMENA.8.1.2020.4

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 significantly 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 in turn affect society and economy generally.
Originality/Value: 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: Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pandemic, SMEs and Libya.