Abstract: This study investigates the effect of financial knowledge on the investment decisions-making among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMES) Managers in Kayonza District, Rwanda. A descriptive research design was employed, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods to collect data. The target population consisted of 289 individuals, and a sample size of 289 respondents was surveyed, including participants from various backgrounds, such as professionals, small business owners, and local investors. A total of 289 completed questionnaires were returned, along with interviews from 10 key informants. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS software version 25, incorporating Pearson correlation and regression analysis techniques. The results revealed a strong positive correlation between financial knowledge and investment decisions (r = 0.789), indicating that higher financial knowledge is linked to more informed and effective investment choices. Furthermore, regression analysis demonstrated that financial knowledge significantly predicts investment decisions, with a standardized beta coefficient of 0.403 and a p-value of 0.000. Despite the positive impact of financial literacy, challenges such as gaps in understanding more technical financial concepts, like interest rates and financial statements, were highlighted. The study recommends enhancing financial literacy programs focused on advanced financial topics, providing ongoing training for individuals, and strengthening support systems for improving investment decision-making among the population of Kayonza District.

Abstract: Financial literacy has been highlighted as a key driver for the growth of small and medium enterprises. However, there is a dearth of empirical research on this study in Rwanda, and specifically in Kigali city. The study examined the effect of financial literacy on the growth of SMEs in Nyarugenge District. The study is underpinned by the hypotheses that budgeting literacy, book keeping literacy and financial access literacy have no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs. The target population was 2,489 SMEs from which a sample size of 345 managers were randomly selected. However, data was collected from 269 managers using the questionnaire. Data was analyzed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The finding for H01 shows that Budgeting literacy has no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs in Kigali city, Nyarugenge District (β=.507; p<.05). Therefore, the first hypothesis is rejected. However, for H02, findings show that Book-keeping literacy has no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs in Kigali city, Nyarugenge District (β=.058; p>.05). Therefore, the second hypothesis is accepted. For H03, Financial access literacy has no significant effect on the growth of selected SMEs in Kigali city, Nyarugenge District (β=.495; p<.05). Therefore, the third hypothesis is rejected. These findings hold relevance for policymakers, financial institutions, and business support organizations striving to enhance SME success. The recommendations include enhancing financial resource allocation skills, prioritizing effective financial reconciliation with bank records, improving banking literacy among business owners, seeking training for better financial decision-making, and staying updated on available funding opportunities.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to examine the gendered differential barriers facing male and female handicraft entrepreneurs. In order to gather the data, the study used a cross-sectional research design whereby structured questionnaires were distributed to male and female entrepreneurs in handicraft industry in Dar es Salaam and Arusha regions, involving a total of 135 respondents. Convenience sampling was used. With this method, the researcher used respondents that were available to reach. The data were analysed using inferential statics and T-test. The findings revealed that there is significant difference between male and female respondents in product knowledge development, market accessibility and gender roles whereby female respondents seem to be the most affected gender more than male. The study concluded that handicraft industry is one of the sectors which is recently growing, therefore the gendered barriers between male and female need to be resolved. Finally, the study recommends that both NGOs and the government institutions should work out on how best they can support both male and female entrepreneurs in the handicraft industry in Tanzania so as to enable it to contribute to the economic growth of the country.