An investigation of factors that cause SMEs to default on their loan repayments.This research study looks into the issue of loan repayment challenges faced by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Chipata Business Area, Eastern Province of Zambia. Despite their important role, as stepping stones to economic growth in Chipata and nationwide, in job creation and innovation, livelihood income and wealth creation for their owners, and contributing to government revenues through taxes, SMEs often struggle to meet their financing obligations.