Digitalization: Key to growth for Mexican MSMEs

In today's economy, digital transformation is no longer an option, but a necessity. For micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Mexico, digitalization represents a historic opportunity to improve their competitiveness, access new markets, and overcome structural barriers. In a context where only 4.4% of MSMEs have access to formal credit , digitalization also appears as a way to facilitate their financial inclusion, professionalization, and sustained growth.

Despite their fundamental role in the economy—representing 99% of all businesses and 70% of formal employment —many Mexican MSMEs still operate with manual processes, a limited online presence, and limited technology adoption.

Recent studies indicate that:

• More than 60% of MSMEs do not have a website or social media presence.
• Less than 15% use management systems (ERP, CRM) .
• Only a fraction makes sales through digital channels or e-commerce.

This lag limits their ability to compete, access financing, and adapt to new market demands.

One of the most important links between digitalization and the development of MSMEs is its impact on access to credit . The adoption of digital tools allows companies to generate data on sales, customers, and operations, which facilitates credit assessment by banks and fintechs.

Additionally, Mexican digital financial platforms and fintech companies are using artificial intelligence and big data to offer faster, more personalized, and more affordable loans , especially to businesses without a formal credit history.

With government support, institutions such as Nafin and Banco del Bienestar are beginning to integrate these digital models to expand financing coverage to historically excluded sectors.

Within the framework of Plan Mexico , Claudia Sheinbaum 's administration has defined the digitalization of MSMEs as a priority public policy. Through partnerships with development banks , technological universities , and innovation centers , the government seeks to:

• Training small business owners in digital tools.
• Facilitate access to e-commerce platforms.
• Promote the use of electronic invoicing and automated accounting systems.
• Create an open innovation ecosystem where MSMEs can integrate into value chains with large companies.

According to the Secretary of the Treasury , Edgar Amador Zamora , these actions will not only modernize the productive apparatus, but will also allow the GDP to be increasingly made in Mexico , with an economy that takes advantage of its own talent and technology.

E-commerce has established itself as one of the most effective channels for MSMEs to access regional and international markets. Platforms such as Mercado Libre , Amazon , Tiendanube , and others allow businesses of any size to sell without intermediaries and without the need for physical infrastructure.

During the pandemic, e-commerce experienced unprecedented growth, and many MSMEs that managed to digitalize increased their sales by up to 50% . This trend continues, and the government has begun integrating these channels as part of the national business development plan.

Despite progress, obstacles persist. Among the most significant are:

• Connectivity gaps , especially in rural areas.
• Lack of digital culture in certain business sectors.
• Low investment in technological training .
• Difficulties in integrating digital tools with traditional processes.

Addressing these limitations requires a coordinated strategy between the government, the private sector, universities, and entrepreneurs themselves. Only then will it be possible to democratize digitalization and prevent it from becoming a new factor of exclusion.

The digitalization of MSMEs is one of the keys to transforming the Mexican economy from its foundations. Beyond modernizing processes, it means opening the door to new opportunities, efficiency, financial inclusion, and growth. If the digital divide can be closed with effective public policies, accessible financing, and technical training, millions of companies will be able to enter the 21st century and become an active part of a more competitive, fair, and resilient Mexico . The transformation has already begun; now, the challenge is to ensure no one is left behind.

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