Financial situation of SMEs and access to supplier credit in the context of the COVID-19 crisis in Cameroon

This study aims to analyze the impact of SMEs' financial situation on their access to supplier credit during times of crisis, using the COVID-19 pandemic as an example. Using financial theories (transaction cost theory, liquidity theory, and pecking order theory) and a survey conducted at the end of the third quarter of 2020 among 245 SME promoters in Cameroon, significant results emerge. These results show that the financial situation of an SME significantly explains its access to supplier credit in times of crisis. More specifically, these results suggest that in times of crisis, the probability of an SME obtaining credit from its suppliers is higher when it has good debt capacity, adequate liquidity, sound solvency, and a positive history of profitability. Based on these results, recommendations have been made to SME managers and their suppliers, as well as to the government, on how to address SME financing in a similar crisis context.