The Association of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (APME) has pointed out that the lack of certification and financial capacity are barriers to the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in energy and mining projects.
‘One of the challenges has to do with certification, which is why we’re trying to work in partnership with various organisations so that we can meet the demands of major projects,’ said APME President Osvaldo Maúte, quoted by Carta de Moçambique.
Speaking during the signing of a strategic partnership agreement with AME Mozambique – a consultancy organisation and promoter of the International Mining and Energy Conference (MMEC) – he added that the lack of funding is another obstacle, since most projects require large investments.
For his part, Calisto Baquete, representing AME, defended the need to support SMEs in order to allow this business segment to increase its contribution to job creation, revenue generation and the country’s socio-economic development.
Last year, Parliament approved, in general terms, the draft law establishing the legal regime applicable to Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. This landmark legislation was considered a significant step towards strengthening the industrial and commercial sector.
At the time, the former Minister of Industry and Commerce, Silvino Moreno, said that the main aim of this law was to create objective conditions that would enhance the role of MSMEs in the national economy, given that they represent 97.1 per cent of operating companies in Mozambique.
‘The proposal also aims to encourage economic agents who operate informally to adopt formality, thus promoting the creation of a solid legal basis for the active participation of MSMEs in economic growth. With its approval, we expect an increase in job creation, wealth production, tax collection and greater economic sustainability,’ he emphasised.
The legal provision was moulded on the basis of contributions from consultations throughout the country, guaranteeing the involvement of the primary beneficiaries in the legislative process.
