Abstract:
This paper investigates the impact of mobile technology on Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the
developing world in the post-hyperinflation era. Data was collected from a multi-staged sample of 114
MSE owners within the capital province of Zimbabwe, Harare. The data was collected and analyzed
using descriptive quantitative survey methods, which comprised of hard-copy questionnaires, structured
interviews and online questionnaires. The findings suggest that mobile technology has incremental,
transformational and production influence on MSEs in Zimbabwe. The findings show that mobile
technology amplifies communication and relations with customers, MSE’s productivity and MSE’s
revenues. Mobile technology is also spurring new and innovative offerings such as mobile money,
mobile banking and mobile advertising for the MSEs. This paper also provides the evidence that mobile
technology is contributing to the creation of jobs in the indirect mobile industry sector, such as mobile
money service and mobile application development. The paper generates insights that inform and
compel creation of policies that enable and support the creation and growth of business in the mobile
money, mobile retail services and mobile application development sectors.
