Economic complexity and structural transformation: the case of Mozambique

Arbeitspapier

Mozambique is among the world's least complex economies. By systematically accounting for both supply- and demand-side factors, we identify new products and sectors that can help to diversify and upgrade its economy. In a supply-side analysis, we use network methods from the literature on economic complexity to identify a set of target products that are complex, require productive capabilities useful in the export of other products, and are close to Mozambique's existing productive structure. In a demand-side analysis, we use gravity models to predict the export potential of target products and markets given product-specific trade resistance and geographically dispersed demand. The broad sectoral focus of Mozambique's industrial policy is largely consistent with structural transformation and export promotion. The current prioritization of agriculture, agro-industry, and metals is especially important, while there are unexploited opportunities in machinery, vehicles, and transport equipment. We find some potential for Mozambique to export target products to neighbouring countries.

Object Details

• ISBN: 978-92-9256-898-6
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Series: WIDER Working Paper ; No. 2020/141

Classification and Topics

• Classification: Wirtschaft ; Forecasting Models; Simulation Methods ; Empirical Studies of Trade ; Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology ; Industrial Policy
• Subject: economic complexity ; trade ; export upgrading ; structural transformation ; Mozambique

Contributors, Places and Time

• Event: Geistige Schöpfung
• (who): Sørensen, Bjørn Bo ; Estmann, Christian ; Sarmento, Enilde Francisco ; Rand, John
• Event: Veröffentlichung
• (who): The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER)
• (where): Helsinki
• (when): 2020

Further information

• DOI: doi:10.35188/UNU-WIDER/2020/898-6
• Handle: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/229365
• Last update: 10.03.2025, 11:42 AM CET