Abstract:
The present study is on the effect of covid-19 on the performance of small and medium
enterprises (2019-2023). The general objective of this study was to investigate on the Effect of
Covid-19 on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Rwanda special in Gasabo
district. The three specific objective was to establish the effect of covid-19 on SMEs
sales/activities on its financial performance, to assess the financial performance of SMES before
and post the COVID-19 pandemic and the third one was to establish the relationship among
covid-19 and the performance of small and medium enterprises. Descriptive research design
was adopted for this study using quantitative methods of data collection. The study used a
sample of 35 SMEs selected using purposive and universal sampling techniques. The study used
primary and secondary data was collected by questionnaires. In order to achieve objectives, data
were collected from selected respondents to generalize the results of the study. After analysis
the study found that the pandemic presented significant hurdles for SMEs in Rwanda, including
disruptions in supply chains, reduced consumer spending, and restrictions on physical
operations. Many businesses faced financial strain and struggled to maintain their pre-pandemic
levels of revenue and employment. The study conclude that the COVID-19 pandemic had a
profound and multifaceted impact on the performance of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
(SMEs) in Rwanda. The main recommendation was made to strengthen digitalization, access to
finance, skill development, collaborative networks, government support, risk management,
market diversification, health and safety measures, data analytics, customer engagement, these
researcher recommendations aim to support SMEs in Rwanda in navigating the challenges posed
by the COVID-19 pandemic and building resilience for the future.
