Infrastructure and market access for MSMEs in Mozambique
Keywords:
infrastructure, MSMEs, markets, public policy, regional developmentAbstract
The micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) sector is the backbone of Mozambique’s economy, accounting for approximately 97% of all formal enterprises and contributing around 23.4% to national GDP. Despite this strategic role, MSMEs face severe structural constraints that limit their competitiveness and integration into regional and global value chains. While prior literature has focused on issues such as informality, access to finance, and tax burden, empirical analyses addressing infrastructure — particularly physical (roads, energy, transport) and digital (internet, mobile banking) dimensions — as a key variable in market access remain scarce. This study seeks to bridge this gap by employing a mixed-methods approach that combines statistical data and qualitative evidence grounded in the Theory of Regional Economic Development (Porter; Perroux) to map infrastructure gaps, quantify their effects on operational costs, and propose viable public and institutional solutions. Findings reveal that low road paving rates, limited rural electrification, and insufficient digital connectivity significantly hinder productive inclusion. The study advocates for integrated policy responses, emphasizing public-private partnerships, renewable energy, and digital inclusion as strategic levers to enhance Mozambique’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
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References
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