Development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) contributes to inclusive job creation, income generation and poverty reduction (Adenutsi, 2023; Mugano & Dorasamy, 2024; Nor, 2024). SMEs contribute to 34% of Kenyan GDP and 31.4% are female owned, 61% operating as unlicensed SMEs (Oxfam, 2021). In Egypy, SMEs employ 33% of the female workforce with the hotel and restaurant sector contributing immensely (ESCWA, 2024). However, informality limits growth and sustainability of SMEs (Mutisya, 2024) and affects achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9 on decent work and sustainable economic growth respectively (Amuda, 2024).
