Doing Business in Indonesia VS Mozambique – A Comparison
Entrepreneurs and investors looking to establish or expand their businesses in Asia and Africa often face the dilemma of choosing between Indonesia and Mozambique. Both countries offer unique advantages, making the decision a challenging one. While Indonesia is renowned for its competitive business landscape, high quality of life, and lower costs for setting up smaller businesses, Mozambique boasts untapped potential in emerging markets, particularly in natural resources and agriculture. This article will dive into the key factors to help investors make an informed choice between these two promising destinations.
Key Comparison Points
Business Environment
- Indonesia: Indonesia enjoys political stability and a growing economy, supported by government initiatives to attract foreign investment through reforms and incentives.
- Mozambique: Mozambique offers opportunities for growth but faces challenges with political instability and a less developed legal framework, which can pose risks for investors.
Taxation
- Indonesia: Indonesia has a corporate tax rate of 22%, with various tax incentives available for foreign investors in priority sectors, such as manufacturing and technology.
- Mozambique: Mozambique’s corporate tax rate is also 32%, but the country provides tax exemptions for specific industries like mining and agriculture to attract investment.
Ease of Company Incorporation
- Indonesia: Indonesia has streamlined its incorporation process through digital platforms, making it easier to register a business, although regulatory compliance can still be complex for some sectors.
- Mozambique: Mozambique’s incorporation process is less digitized and can be time-consuming, with bureaucratic hurdles that may delay business setup.
Cost of Living and Business Operations
- Indonesia: Indonesia offers affordable operational costs, including office space and labor, alongside a relatively low cost of living, making it ideal for small and medium-sized businesses.
- Mozambique: Mozambique’s operational costs are higher due to limited infrastructure and resources, and the cost of living varies depending on access to urban centers.
Access to Markets
- Indonesia: Indonesia benefits from its strategic location in Southeast Asia, with strong global connectivity and participation in multiple trade agreements, such as ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA).
- Mozambique: Mozambique provides access to Southern African markets and is a member of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), but its global connectivity is less developed compared to Indonesia.
Quick Comparison Overview
Here’s a quick overview of the key differences for easy reference.
Factor |
Indonesia |
Mozambique |
Business Environment |
Stable political environment with strong government support for foreign investment. |
Opportunities in emerging markets but faces political instability and weaker legal frameworks. |
Corporate Tax Rate |
22% |
32% |
Capital Gains Tax |
Tax incentives available for priority sectors. |
Exemptions for specific industries like mining and agriculture. |
Ease of Incorporation |
Streamlined digital process with some regulatory challenges. |
Time-consuming process with bureaucratic hurdles. |
Business Costs |
Lower operational and living costs, ideal for SMEs. |
Higher operational costs due to limited infrastructure. |
Market Access |
Strong global connectivity and access to ASEAN markets. |
Access to Southern African markets but weaker global connectivity. |

Benefits of Choosing 3E Accounting
Whether you’re looking to register a company in Indonesia or start a business in Indonesia, 3E Accounting offers unparalleled expertise and support. From seamless incorporation to comprehensive business solutions, our team ensures a hassle-free experience for entrepreneurs and investors.
Explore our Indonesia company incorporation services package to understand how we can assist you. For more guidance, check out our guide on registering a company in Indonesia. Ready to take the next step? 3E Accounting is here to help. Contact us today to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Indonesia offers political stability, strong trade access via ASEAN, and lower operational costs, which provide a more supportive environment for entrepreneurs compared to Mozambique’s infrastructure and legal challenges.
Indonesia has a corporate tax rate of 22% with available incentives, while Mozambique applies a higher rate of 32% but includes exemptions for key industries like agriculture and mining.
Abigail Yu oversees executive leadership at 3E Accounting Group, leading operations, IT solutions, public relations, and digital marketing to drive business success. She holds an honors degree in Communication and New Media from the National University of Singapore and is highly skilled in crisis management, financial communication, and corporate communications.