Mozambique - Investment Climate Assessment - 2009 : Sustaining and Broadening Growth

Abstract

Mozambique's recent history is a rare example of a successful post-conflict recovery and economic takeoff. Emerging from decades of economic stagnation and decline, a consequence first of a failed socialist economic experience and then of a vicious civil war that only ended in 1992, the country has achieved a commendable degree of political stability. This has been accompanied by prudent and stable economic policy continuity, as well as coordinated and ever more efficient use of substantial international aid. These factors have contributed to sustained economic growth that averaged 7.8 percent between 1992 and 2006. Furthermore, this growth has been 'pro-poor': increasing output has been accompanied by real and significant decreases in poverty levels, with the poverty headcount index declining from 69 percent in 1997 to 54 percent in 2003. Based on the enterprise survey results for Mozambique, this report assesses the main obstacles to achieving an investment climate that supports private sector growth and provides policy options for improving the business environment and increasing competitiveness with the goal of achieving sustained and broad-based growth. The focus is on microeconomic constraints and reforms where, according to a recent World Bank report, most of the challenges for sustainable growth are concentrated. Therefore, the analysis presented in this report should be of interest to policy makers, academics, non-governmental organizations and representatives of the private sector involved in the policy dialogue in the country. Improvements to the business environment and increased access to finance are the most critical aspects to firm growth in Mozambique identified in this report. Despite recent progress, the business environment for the Mozambican enterprise sector is still in many ways problematic. Based on econometric evidence as well as on business perceptions and quantitative data, this study indicates that while all aspects of the investment climate are important, reform priorities should focus on increasing access to finance and improving the business environment.