Factors affecting entrepreneurial growth for petroleum wholesalers in South Africa

Abstract

The petroleum wholesale sector plays a significant role in the value chain of South Africa. Although there has been strides by the South African government to provide an inclusive and enabling entrepreneurial ecosystem for emerging businesses, some industries have been affected and therefore lagging behind. The petroleum industry is a case in point and has been moving slowly toward achieving its ambitious transformation goals as committed in the Liquid Fuels Charter. This article seeks to analyse the factors affecting SMEs’ entrepreneurial growth. A qualitative approach followed, and the findings suggest that the power of the oil majors in the value chain and the apparent government support hinder SMEs’ ability to grow in the sector. The paper recommends that small businesses in an interdisciplinary programme gain skills from different industries, and therefore able to service various industries which will broaden their service and competencies.