The general objective of this paper is to examine the effect of social capital and human capital on access to financial capital for SMEs. The primary area of focus is the manufacturing sector in both Botswana and Tanzania. Crosssectional in design with quantitative approach. Descriptive statistics and ANOVA were used as tools of analysis. Comparative analysis of the two countries reveals some areas of divergence and some of overlap on the variables examined. Social and human capital have a statistically significant effect on access to financial capital for SMEs in Botswana. For Tanzania, contribution awaits completion of data collection which is currently ongoing. This study contributes knowledge on the effect of social capital and human capital on access to financial capital for SMEs in Botswana and Tanzania.