TITLE:
Determinants of SMEs’ Access to Microfinance Credit in Lubumbashi: An Analysis Based on Multinomial Logistic Regression
AUTHORS:
Maguy Nzuzi Bangika, Djuma Bwana Mwana Mbuyu, Aaron Lwimba Wa Lwimba
KEYWORDS:
MFIs, Financial Exclusion, SMEs, Microfinance, Multinomial Logistic Regression
JOURNAL NAME:
American Journal of Industrial and Business Management,
Vol.16 No.2,
February
14,
2026
ABSTRACT: This quantitative study investigates the factors contributing to the limited access of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to credit from Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo. Using a multinomial logistic regression model on a sample of 69 SMEs, the authors analyze variables such as self-exclusion, interest rates, credit history, collateral, and solvency. The findings indicate that the lack of solid collateral and low solvency are the primary statistically significant determinants hindering credit access.