“…Business networks are extensively viewed as an important ingredient to firms’ innovative capabilities, international enlargement, resources, learning, and recognition of emerging export opportunities (Lorenz et al, 2018; Pedersen et al, 2019). These networks occur based on ties like personal (like kinship and friendship), professional, religious, and business relationships (Ismail, 2022; Kazungu, 2020a; Olomi, 2009) and are also well-known for their role in integrating small firms’ supply chains in export markets and thus making them more effective and efficient in attracting more customers in foreign markets (Katsikeas et al, 2020). Likely, Business networks facilitate access to export information which contributes to strengthened business relationships and export market growth (Bianchi & Mathews, 2016).…”