BRIDGING THE ADVISORY GAP: A DESIGN SCIENCE RESEARCH APPROACH TO DIGITAL ADVISORY MATCHING FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMEs) IN ZAMBIA

This study addresses the advisory gap faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Zambia, where limited access to timely, affordable, and locally relevant professional guidance can constrain enterprise development. Using a Design Science Research (DSR) methodology, the study developed and evaluated Lumikiza, a web-based digital advisory matching platform designed to connect SME founders with suitable advisors. The platform incorporates a Weighted Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) engine that ranks advisors using transparent and explainable criteria. Evaluation employed Task–Technology Fit (TTF), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success Model. A sequential exploratory mixed-methods approach was used, involving semi-structured interviews with 10 sectoral experts followed by a questionnaire administered to 200 SME founders. Results indicated high Effort Expectancy (M=4.36) and strong Task–Technology Fit. OLS regression showed that Information Quality was the only significant predictor of Net Benefits (β=.167, p=.038), while System Quality and Effort Expectancy were not significant. The findings suggest that, within the study context, SME founders place greater importance on accurate, transparent, and trustworthy advisory information than on interface sophistication. The study contributes a context-specific digital advisory matching artifact and provides preliminary evidence on factors influencing its perceived benefits among Zambian SMEs.