Are differences in institutional support matters fishery industry performance: Evidence of Uganda and the Gambia

Much of the traditional theoretical and empirical literature concentrated mainly on developed and emerging economies neglecting the need for developing countries to build technological capabilities in enhancing export growth and global competitiveness. Using survey questionnaire on Uganda and The Gambia’s fish industry in December 2013 to conduct comparative analysis to assess the performance of fish SMEs, we employ Chi-Square t-test to examine statistical difference and levels of significance on fish SMEs’ financial access, exports and research and development (R&D). The findings show capabilities in institutional developments, developmental role of the state, network cohesion, linkages with large and foreign firms, R&D, technologies and access to financial services matter in fish SME performance. The statistical test shows strong significance between the two countries. Uganda growing out of the European Union fish import ban, the government mobilises local and international stakeholders to address shortcomings in the industry that propel the increased fish exports and developments in the industry. The Gambia is denied similar experience with the dominance of artisanal fisheries lacking basic capabilities to meet overseas export demands.