LocationsThe initiative underscores UNDP’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs as drivers of inclusive economic growth
UNDP Awards Grants to 10 Seychellois SMEs Under Xport Accelerator Programme
January 26, 2026
As part of this initiative, each SME will receive a start-up grant of USD 5,000 to further support them in expanding their operations, enhancing competitiveness, and engaging more effectively in international markets.
UNDP Seychelles / Sharon Sunassee
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Seychelles hosted an event with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) on Friday, 23 January at 3.30 p.m. at UNDP House, Bel Eau, celebrating entrepreneurship, gender equality, and regional trade integration. The event was attended by H.E. Ms. Veronique Herminie, First Lady of the Republic of Seychelles; Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative; Ms. Dilys Cedras, CEO of the Enterprise Seychelles Agency; the Principal Secretary for Trade and Investment, Ms. Nathalie Edmond; H.E. Ms. Hlamalani Nelly Manzini, Ambassador of South Africa to Mauritius and Seychelles; and participants of the Xport Accelerator Programme.
The Xport Accelerator Programme aims to support innovative, growth-oriented businesses—many led by women and youth—to strengthen their export readiness and unlock new trade opportunities, particularly within Africa through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Under the second cohort, launched last year, 10 selected women-led Seychellois SMEs have benefited from comprehensive training sessions, mentorship, and expert guidance. As part of this initiative, each SME will receive a start-up grant of USD 5,000 to further support expansion, enhance competitiveness, and enable more effective engagement in international markets.
The initiative underscores UNDP’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs as drivers of inclusive economic growth, while advancing gender equality by supporting women-led businesses and women in leadership.
Strengthening Export Readiness of Seychellois SMEs
During her address, Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles, celebrated the role of SMEs as catalysts for Seychelles’ economic progress. “By empowering women entrepreneurs, we unlock the true potential of our economies and pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous nation and Africa”
Ms. Dilys Cedras, CEO of Enterprise Seychelles Agency, highlighted that this initiative ensures that SMEs have access to the right resources for them to grow and succeed: “I am very confident that all the 10 businesses that were selected have the potential to succeed not only locally, but also to tap into regional markets.”
During the keynote address, Ms. Veronique Herminie, First Lady of the Seychelles, emphasized the importance of making the most out of this initiative to expand production. She also stressed the importance of “providing microfinance schemes for Seychellois entrepreneurs, especially women-led businesses, to strengthen our local industry”
While sharing her experience as a woman-led SME in the artisanal fish processing sector, Ms. Betty Mondon expressed her gratitude for the Xport Accelerator Programme, which will support the continued growth of her business and its contribution to Seychelles' food security and blue economy,
