Title: Promoting informal businesses in Africa: insights from an entrepreneurial journey in Mafalala: Mozambique

Authors: Wilfred Isak April

Addresses: University of Namibia, Private Bag 13301, Southern Africa, Windhoek, Namibia

Abstract: Under the colonial rule the Portuguese with little education and relative small income colonised Mozambique. Even at independence the country was unable to witnessed significant growth due to the Marxist dictatorship. This is evident in a very popular neighbourhood called Mafalala in Maputo: Mozambique where changes appear to be minimal after independence. This chapter will give an exploratory account of entrepreneurial initiatives of the people in the neighbourhood of Mafalala. In addition, the chapter will highlight some of the major milestones which the communities achieved in this 21st century. The chapter utilises primary data mainly from participant observation, life stories and interviews with the communities of Mafalala. It is clear from this study that the people of Mafalala have the strong desire for self-sustenance and desire to rebuild their community and improve their livelihoods. Without a doubt a lot needs to happen, but the people of Mafalala are willing to take that first step in the right direction.

Keywords: entrepreneurial journey; informal businesses; Africa; Mafalala and Mozambique.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2020.109025

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2020 Vol.25 No.3, pp.349 - 360

Received: 20 Jul 2018
Accepted: 25 Jul 2018
Published online: 17 Aug 2020 *

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