Mozambique Consumer Goods and Strong Trademarks See Growing Demand

Consumer Goods 

Mozambique’s fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector is largely made up of street vendors, kiosks, outdoor markets, and warehouses. Fitch Solutions forecasted that “real household spending to [grew] by 3.7% y-o-y over 2021, from the estimated 1.2% y-o-y contraction in 2020” (Fitchsolutions.com, 2021), thus presenting more opportunities for investment into Mozambique’s FMCG sector.

In 2021, the major trading partners for Mozambique in consumer goods were South Africa, Switzerland, Zimbabwe, United Arab Emirates and Eswatini for exports and U.S., South Africa, United Arab Emirates, India, China and Portugal for imports. Mozambique is dependent on imports of finished goods as the country does not have a robust manufacturing industry. 
 

Trademarks

Mozambique has a specific public institute to control counterfeit activity – the National Inspectorate of Economic Activities (Inspeção Nacional das Atividades Económicas (INAE)). Under the supervision of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, it inspects all locations where industrial, commercial, or service activity is carried out in the country, with the help of brand specialists. Further, it is particularly active in the capital city, Maputo.

The U.S. owns approximately 5,850 national trademarks in Mozambique, with South African in second with approximately 5,500. Top U.S. trademark owners are Walmart Stores, Inc, present in Mozambique through its South African company Massmart Holdings Ltd, and Exxon Mobil Corporation, while other brands include Coca-Cola, KFC, and more. 

Opportunities for U.S. companies

• Catering Services 
• Fast Moving Consumer Goods (foods, beverages, etc.) 
• Apparel and sporting wears 
• Cosmetics and Skincare products 
• Electronic appliances  
• Repair, gardening and construction products  
   

For more information, contact us at Office.Maputo@trade.gov