📄 Abstract
Objective: This study examines the effect of digital transformation on supply chain efficiency in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cameroon. Methodology: A quantitative cross-sectional survey design was employed, collecting primary data from 35 SMEs operating in the Douala and Yaoundé metropolitan areas across retail, manufacturing, and service sectors. Ordinary least squares regression was used to analyse the relationship between digital transformation index (DTI) and supply chain efficiency (SCE), controlling for firm size, firm age, educational level of manager, and industry sector. Findings: The regression model explained only 5.5% of variance in supply chain efficiency (R² = 0.055, F(5,29) = 0.337, p = 0.887), and the overall model was not statistically significant. Digital transformation showed a positive but non-significant effect (ß = 0.215, p > 0.05). None of the control variablesfirm size (ß = 0.145, p > 0.05), firm age (ß = -0.120, p > 0.05), educational level (ß = 0.060, p > 0.05), or industry sector (ß = -0.076, p > 0.05)achieved statistical significance. Recommendations: Digital transformation, in its current form, does not significantly enhance supply chain efficiency among Cameroonian SMEs. Practitioners should address foundational barriers to digital adoptionincluding infrastructure limitations, digital skills gaps, and technology affordabilitybefore expecting efficiency gains. Policymakers should prioritise investments in digital infrastructure and SME technology support programmes. Conclusion: The non-significant findings challenge the Resource-Based View's prediction that digital technologies function as strategic resources automatically enhancing performance. Digital transformation's efficiency effects depend on complementary organisational capabilities and enabling infrastructure conditions not yet fully established in the Cameroonian SME sector.
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📚 How to Cite:
Ayankeng Godlove Nkemkiafu , THE EFFECT OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION ON SUPPLY CHAIN EFFICIENCY IN CAMEROONIAN SMEs , Volume 12 , Issue 5, May 2026, EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR) , DOI: https://doi.org/10.36713/epra27250