IMPLEMENTING LEAN SIX SIGMA IN MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES FOR COMPETITIVENESS AND RESILIENCE: AN ANALYSIS OF THE AFRICA MSME'S DURING AND AFTER COVID-19

This research aims at evaluating possible ways of implementing the lean six sigma tools and principles to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to develop Competitiveness and resilience during and after the pandemic. The emergence of COVID-19's economic repercussion on MSMEs is part of a global a crisis that has positioned SMEs under enormous strain to survive, requiring them to effectively adapt to changes in crisis situations. SMEs make a substantial contribution to various economies globally, as evidenced by the fact that they account for a large portion of the countries' GDP while also providing a source of income for millions of individuals. SMEs are the most susceptible during the pandemic because of their limited access to capital, technology among other causes. This study will provide MSMEs' recommendations and remain competitive through resilience by developing inherent operational excellence for continuous improvement in their business process.