Business updates

The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), celebrated a double milestone on Thursday 30 October 2025 at the Caudan Arts Centre.

The programme convened 2024 participants to recognise their journey while launching the 20 SMEs of the 2025 edition into the next step.

The event was held in the presence of Hon. Hambyrajen Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr. Patrice Marie, Vice-President of the MCCI, Ms. Sujitha Sekharan, Officer-in-Charge of UNDP as well as members of the diplomatic corps, private sector and ministerial representatives and other senior government officials.

The 2025 edition will accompany 20 SMEs, including five participants from the 2024 cohort continuing under enhanced support.

Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of the MCCI, underlined the programme’s broader ambition: “Xport Accelerator embodies our strategic vision to make Mauritius a launchpad towards Africa. In just one year, we have shown that with the right support, our SMEs can not only access but thrive sustainably in regional markets. The fact that 28% of the 2024 cohort has chosen to continue with us demonstrates that Africa’s growth journey is not a sprint, but a strategic marathon.”   

“After one year, Xport Accelerator has become much more than a capacity-building initiative,” said Mr. Patrice Marie, Vice-President of the MCCI, in his speech. “Through focused mentoring, specialised workshops and international exposure, participating SMEs have significantly strengthened their export knowledge and strategic vision. Several have already secured new contracts, built regional networks and explored trade partnerships— positioning themselves for sustainable growth on regional markets.” 

Ms. Sujitha Sekharan, Officer-in-Charge of UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles, reiterated UNDP’s continued engagement in her address. She added that the UNDP remains firmly committed to empowering Mauritian SMEs, particularly women-led enterprises. “Supporting these businesses means fostering inclusive growth and driving meaningful, sustainable change. Through targeted initiatives, strengthened technical assistance and continuous advocacy, we aim to create an enabling environment where every entrepreneur — man or woman — can thrive,” she said.

Hon. Hambyrajen Narsinghen reaffirmed the government’s commitment in support SMEs' sustainable development. He stated that the Xport Accelerator Programme aligns fully with Mauritius’ Africa Strategy, our national roadmap for industrialisation and the implementation of the AfCFTA. “It is in perfect coherence with government policy, which places emphasis on inclusion, the empowerment of women and youth entrepreneurs, and the strengthening of their capacity and confidence to export,” he said.

The event also featured the screening of short videos showcasing the journey of the 2024 cohort, and the presentation of award certificates to members of last year’s cohort, followed by a networking session.

Caption