According to Inocêncio Paulino, President of the General Assembly of APME, partnerships with business associations, chambers of commerce, federations, CTA, professional organizations, civil society, and future governments aim to implement a Sustainable National Agenda. This agenda seeks to:
- Increase employment opportunities;
- Value and promote national talents;
- Encourage industrialization and exports;
- Protect human capital and national products;
- Promote peace, social justice, and national and international competitiveness.
Paulino emphasizes that the success of this agenda requires structured coordination and complementary efforts, without compromising business competitiveness.
Priorities to Strengthen MSMEs
APME has outlined priority areas for the coming years with the aim of boosting Mozambican micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. Key actions include:
- National Content Policy: Adoption of policies that protect local businesses and promote the participation of MSMEs in the market.
- Inclusive Financial System: Facilitation of access to credit with less bureaucracy, interest rates below 10%, and encouragement of the creation of financial institutions with Mozambican capital.
- Combatting Corruption and Unethical Practices: Fighting clientelism, nepotism, influence peddling, and persecution of entrepreneurs.
- Priority Local Supply: Ensuring that 70% of suppliers of goods and services to large companies and multinationals are Mozambican.
- Fighting Unfair Competition: Reporting irregular practices by procurement agents, UGEAs, and purchasing departments.
- Review of Financial Penalties: Limiting penalties for late payments or non-payment to 20% of the amount involved, within a year, with a focus on the INSS.
“Only by working together will we overcome the challenges”
During his speech, Osvaldo Maute, President of the Board of Directors, thanked for the trust placed in him and committed to inclusive management. Maute emphasized that the solution to the challenges faced by MSMEs lies in joint efforts among all economic actors.
Strategic Plan and Accountability: A Call from CTA
The President of CTA, Agostinho Vuma, congratulated the new leadership and encouraged the development of a clear strategic plan to guide APME’s activities. Vuma also highlighted the importance of respecting the association’s regulatory instruments and appealed for a commitment to inclusion and accountability.
Final Considerations
The swearing-in of the new APME leadership marks the beginning of a promising cycle based on partnerships, inclusive policies, and coordinated strategies. The focus on the Sustainable National Agenda and the commitment to addressing the structural challenges of MSMEs could transform the Mozambican business landscape, promoting economic growth and social justice.
