Case 6: Setting Up Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises by Chinese Entrepreneurial Immigrants in Maputo, Mozambique

This chapter examines the experiences of Chinese entrepreneurial immigrants who start up and operate Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) in Maputo’s retail sector. The push and pull factors that lead Chinese entrepreneur immigrants to operate such SMMEs are explored, and the chapter demonstrates the impact of the language barrier between these Chinese entrepreneurs and the Mozambican locals. It is suggested that Chinese entrepreneurs need to be able to communicate in the host country’s language before they start an SMME. Chinese culture and ethnicity differ from the Mozambican culture; Chinese entrepreneur immigrants are influenced by Confucian values. It is concluded that the operation of SMMEs differs according to which culture’s values hold sway.