Examining the Effects of Loadsheding on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) Performance: A Case Study of Chilenje Market, Lusaka Zambia

This paper examines the significant effects of electricity Load shedding on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Chilenje market in Lusaka by using traditional literature review as the methodology. The main objectives of this research is to investigate effects of load shedding on the daily operations and productivity, access the financial implementations and analyse the copying mechanisms adopted by small medium enterprises during load shedding periods. This research used a descriptive cross sectional design using both qualitative and quantitative approaches with data collected from 30 SMEs respondents through structured questionnaires and interviews. Electricity is one of the major factors that are critical for economic growth of Zambia. Without adequate of electricity supply, a number of sectors are affected especially small medium enterprises. This study focuses on the various ways in which frequent power outages disrupts small scale enterprises, hinder economic growth and impede the productivity of these enterprises. Based on the results from the study, it showed that most SMEs experienced power outages exceeding six hours. Financially all SMEs reported revenue loses, but its severity was drastically reduced with access to government generator, therefore highlighting the program’s effectiveness. In conclusion the study showed that load shedding possesses existential threat making target support as a vital copying mechanism and a recommendation for SME sustainability.