Author(s): Khaled Tamzini
In this paper, the author analyses the role of several determinants in the internationalization process of Tunisian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Africa, and consequently their performance. A quantitative study was carried out on 46 companies, operating in the information and communication technologies (ICT). SPSS and Smart PLS analysed the obtained data. The results demonstrate the importance of the total mediating role of international entrepreneurial orientation (IEO) in the relationship between competitiveness and international performance. However, networking generates a direct effect on international performance. Tunisian SMEs in the ICT industry are called upon to review their African market methods of management and inspection to guarantee optimal use of resources on the one hand and to avoid the loss of business opportunities on the other. Besides, according to this research, the weight of the competitive advantage of Tunisian SMEs allows them to adopt an entrepreneurial behaviour characterized by innovation, proactivity, and risk-taking in Africa. This pushes them to adopt a permanent design and adaptation of valuable methods of value creation, innovation, and localization of opportunities. This entrepreneurial behaviour also compels companies to better structure their management, develop skills of intuition and anticipation in the market, take risks as well as initiatives, and consequently achieve greater performance and sustainability.