The impact of mobile technology on micro and small enterprises in Zimbabwe in the post-hyperinflation economic era

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.