Business updates

On Wednesday 15 October 2025, the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), kicked off the second edition of Xport Accelerator at the MCCI head office in Port Louis.

Xport Accelerator is a business development programme designed to strengthen the export readiness of selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), helping them seize opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This edition comprises 20 SMEs, selected following a call for application and operating in sectors such as manufacturing, ICT, Hospitality and Travel and Agro-industry.

The MCCI leadership team, led by Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General, and the UNDP team, headed by Ms. Sujitha Sekharan, Officer in Charge at the UNDP, exchanged with the participants.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Ramdenee reiterated the programme’s vision for the sustainable development of SMEs, “our goal is not only to guide SMEs, but to support them in understanding export challenges and exploring new opportunities. Building on last years’ experience, we aim to help them shape their own growth models with support from our experts.”

In her address, Ms. Sekharan echoed the UNDP’s mission to foster innovation and resilience in local economies. noting “the empowerment of youth and women is a key strategic pillar of UNDP’s mandate, and one that aligns closely with MCCI’s vision. Moreover, the launch of the AfCFTA in 2021 has created many growth opportunities across Africa. This has encouraged us to support local SMEs in expanding to the continent, especially those led by young and women entrepreneurs, in line with our shared commitment.”

Present at the meeting, Mrs. Rooma Narrainen, Head of Advocacy at the MCCI, delivered a presentation on the programme and highlighted the strategic prospects African markets offer to Mauritian exporters through the AfCFTA.

Mr. Julien Warlouzé, representing EY-Parthenon and consultant for the programme, gave the participants an overview of the upcoming workshop and one-to-one business coaching and mentoring sessions.

As part of the Xport Accelerator programme, participating SMEs will benefit from:
• One-on-one business mentoring and coaching sessions
• A three-day capacity-building workshop
• Support to build export readiness
• Assistance to participate in selected trade fairs

The Xport Accelerator Programme 2025 reflects the MCCI’s ongoing commitment to empowering Mauritian SMEs, enhancing their export capabilities, and driving inclusive growth through trade and innovation.

Caption

The MCCI leadership team and the UNDP team with the 20 SMEs selected for 2025.