Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are critical drivers of economic development, particularly in low-income economies. However, high failure rates persist across African contexts, often linked to challenges in quality management, employee engagement, and customer relations. This conceptual paper proposes a framework integrating Total Quality Management (TQM), employee satisfaction, and social interactions as strategic enablers of SME performance. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV), the paper synthesizes existing literature to highlight how internal capabilities such as quality-driven processes and satisfied, socially connected employees may contribute to performance outcomes. By addressing gaps in existing studies and focusing on the Nigerian SME sector, this paper offers theoretical insights and practical implications for SME managers and policymakers. Future empirical validation of this framework is recommended to strengthen its relevance and applicability.