Is Maputo a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Maputo has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Maputo gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Maputo

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Maputo offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

The early-stage funding environment for startups in Maputo is still developing but shows potential. While the ecosystem is considered nascent, there's increasing interest in innovation, particularly in sectors like fintech, agritech, and energy. Notable support comes from initiatives like the Orange Corners Innovation Fund (OCIF), which provides grants and training, and organizations such as Renew Capital, an early-stage investor active in Mozambique. BFS Sociedade Gestora also offers venture capital funds targeting high-growth and startup companies. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including limited access to finance for early-stage companies and an underdeveloped infrastructure. Securing later-stage funding after initial seed rounds can also be difficult, a challenge seen across the African continent where a significant gap exists between seed and Series A funding.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Maputo has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Maputo's startup ecosystem is emerging, marked by growing entrepreneurial activity and a developing support network. Coworking spaces are present, with options like 16Neto, Regus, and CoWork Lab providing flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. The city hosts various tech and innovation events, including conferences and workshops aimed at fostering the community and showcasing local startups. Support for entrepreneurs is available through incubators and accelerators such as INOVIMOZ and the Mozambique Innovation Hub. Programs like Orange Corners Innovation Fund and World Bank-supported initiatives offer training, mentorship, and funding, often through competitive programs or focusing on specific tracks like incubation and acceleration. While there are efforts to provide tailored support, the ecosystem appears to feature a mix of both personalised assistance and more standardised, competitive programmes, supporting both early-stage and more mature startups. Access to finance and infrastructure remain challenges.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Maputo can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Maputo, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Maputo is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Maputo has a youthful population providing a vibrant talent pool for startups. The city is home to several educational institutions, including Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique University, and Polytechnic University, offering various programs. While there's a growing interest in technology and innovation, the education system faces quality and accessibility challenges. Government initiatives and partnerships aim to enhance vocational training and skills development, particularly in technology and agriculture. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a strong entrepreneurial spirit and increasing participation in the emerging startup ecosystem. Incubators and innovation hubs in Maputo also provide support networks. However, many workers may lack formal training, and access to mentorship and funding remains a challenge for startups.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Maputo can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Maputo boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Maputo's startup ecosystem is emerging, offering a blend of infrastructure and support. The city has a growing number of co-working spaces, incubators, and innovation hubs like the Innovation Hub and Standard Bank Business Incubator, which provide mentorship, training, and resources. Networking events are also hosted to foster community. While infrastructure is still developing, urban areas have better access to resources. The Mozambican government is increasingly supporting entrepreneurship through initiatives aimed at easing business registration and promoting technology-led development, though these programs are still in early stages. Access to funding is evolving, with some government and NGO grants available, alongside growing interest from local and international investors, particularly in sectors like fintech and renewable energy.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Maputo. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Maputo Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Maputo provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Maputo face several challenges. Competition exists across various sectors, though opportunities are emerging in areas like fintech and agri-tech. While Maputo is described as having a moderate cost of living, utilities and services can vary. Regulatory hurdles and bureaucracy remain significant obstacles, with complexities in areas like labor regulations and taxation, despite some government efforts to improve the business environment and simplify registration. Access to finance and a need for improved infrastructure also pose difficulties for new ventures.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Maputo or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Maputo offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash