Business updates

The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the United Nations (UN) convened a Round Table on sustainable development on 29 October 2025 at the MCCI Business School, Ébène. The event brought together some 100 attendees including UN representatives, business leaders, students, and media to examine how Mauritian companies are integrating sustainability principles into their operations.

Held as part of the UN's 80th anniversary celebrations and the MCCI's 175th anniversary programme, the Round Table marked a strategic collaboration between international institutions and the private sector.

Welcoming the attendees, Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General, who also moderated the discussions, emphasised the intergenerational dimension.  He added: " Sustainable development is not only about technologies or financing. It is above all about mindsets and skills. By connecting young Mauritians with companies implementing sustainable practices, we are creating a generation of leaders who will intuitively understand that economic growth and environmental responsibility go hand in hand. This 2026 company visits initiative will be a bridge between theoretical education and field reality".

Charles Harel, MCCI President, connected the sustainability agenda to the institution’s legacy. "For 175 years, MCCI has been the voice of economic progress in Mauritius. Today, this progress cannot be separated from sustainability. Mauritian companies understand that ESG integration is a strategic necessity that strengthens competitiveness and resilience. This Round Table demonstrates that the Mauritian private sector is ready to assume a leadership role in the transition to a sustainable economy," he said in his opening speech.

Her Excellency (HE), Ms. Lisa Simrique Singh, UN Resident Coordinator for Mauritius & Seychelles, emphasised that progress by the Mauritian private sector can serve as inspiration for Small Island States. "The progress made by the Mauritian private sector in terms of sustainability can be a source of inspiration for many Small Island States. Through this cooperation between MCCI and the United Nations, we want to make these examples shine beyond borders. We are aware, however, of the need to accelerate these transformations. We hope this partnership will provide a framework conducive to implementing concrete initiatives, such as the one we are announcing today, bringing together the private sector, youth, and academia. Together, we can go much further," she stated.

The panel comprised:

•   Ms. Harsheenee Aujayeb, General Manager, ESG Intellis Solutions
•   Ms. Anielle Carver, Sustainability Lead, ER Property
•   Mr. Saurav Chatterjee, CareEdge Group
•   Mr. Sean Andre, Head of Sales and Marketing, Kolos Cement Ltd
•   Mr. Joshua Desjardins, Business Development Manager and Head of Waste to Value Business Unit, IBL Energy
•   Mr. Yashvin Neehaul, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Eclosia Group
•   Ms. Divya Servansingh, Head of Sustainability, CIEL Group
  
  

Panelists presented operational projects demonstrating that sustainability is an economic reality in Mauritius, with each sector developing solutions adapted to its operational context.

One of the key findings of the discussions was about the Mauritian private sector’s shift beyond declarations to operational projects with measurable results. Access to green financing remains crucial, with financial instruments requiring better awareness among companies, particularly SMEs. Mauritius' size can serve as an advantage, enabling the island to function as a laboratory for testing sustainability solutions for Small Island States.

Furthermore, the Round Table announced a youth engagement initiative for early 2026 that will include site visits to sustainability-focused businesses for university students and youth groups.

Caption

From Left to Right: Ms. Harsheenee Aujayeb, General Manager, ESG Intellis Solutions, Ms. Anielle Carver, Sustainability Lead, ER Property, Mr. Saurav Chatterjee, CEO, CareEdge Group, Mr. Sean Andre, Head of Sales and Marketing, Kolos Cement Ltd, Mr. Joshua Desjardins, Business Development Manager and Head of Waste to Value Business Unit, IBL Energy, Mr. Yashvin Neehaul, Environmental Sustainability Manager, Eclosia Group, Ms. Divya Servansingh, Head of Sustainability, CIEL Group and Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General, MCCI.