Impacts of Digital Entrepreneurship on the Sales Volume of MSEs in Maputo: An Analysis from 2020 to 2023

Digital entrepreneurship has been consolidated as a promising strategy to boost the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in developing countries, especially in the face of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a quantitative approach, this study investigated the impact of using digital platforms on the business performance of MSEs in Maputo city between 2020 and 2023. Questionnaires were administered to 25 companies that incorporated digital tools into their operational processes. The results revealed the predominant use of social networks, especially WhatsApp (60%), followed by Facebook (28%) and Instagram (12%), being fundamental for the continuity of operations during the pandemic. These platforms were mainly used to communicate with clients, promote products and carry out business transactions. It was also observed that 48% of the companies started their digital activity before 2020, while the rest intensified this use during the period of restrictions imposed by the pandemic. The frequency of digital publications and interactions was also relevant, with 40% of companies posting weekly and 32% daily. Despite the observed benefits, the study did not reveal a significant impact of social networks on sales volume, particularly when analyzing the frequency of publication. Significant challenges remain related to content management and the digital training of teams. It can be concluded that digitalization has helped to increase the visibility and competitiveness of MSEs, but it is essential to invest in public policies and training programs aimed at digital inclusion and the technical strengthening of these companies, and the creation of a more favorable environment to ensure their sustainability and effective insertion into the digital environment.