LocationsBy equipping participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to access regional and continental opportunities, the initiative aims to lay the groundwork for a more dynamic and resilient export sector.
UNDP supports capacity building efforts to strengthen the export readiness of Mauritian SMEs.
October 30, 2025
The Xport Accelerator Programme has been launched to strengthen the export readiness of Mauritian SMEs and promote their integration into regional and continental value chains.
UNDP Mauritius / Jean - Yan Norbert
A three-day export capacity-building workshop was organised by the United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP) and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), from 28 to 30 October 2025. The event, which is part of the second phase of the Xport Accelerator Programme, brought together 15 newly selected SMEs and 5 returning high-performing enterprises from the 2024 cohort. It aimed at helping participants gain a deeper understanding of the African market, identify new and available opportunities, and explore the practical aspects of exporting.
Connecting Mauritian SMEs to Africa’s Growing Markets
Africa is emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic regions for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth. Across the continent, entrepreneurs are driving transformation, developing homegrown solutions, and strengthening Africa’s expanding role on the global stage. This momentum is creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and regional collaboration—particularly for countries that seek to deepen their economic engagement with the continent.
In Mauritius, SMEs remain a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing significantly to GDP, employment, and overall development. However, many face persistent barriers when exporting their products and services, including complex regulations, limited access to finance, and the rapid evolution of technology. Overcoming these challenges requires collective effort, innovative thinking, and a supportive institutional ecosystem.
To help address these constraints and unlock new avenues for growth, the second edition of the Xport Accelerator Programme has been launched in collaboration with the MCCI, to strengthen the export readiness of Mauritian SMEs and promote their integration into regional and continental value chains. Through comprehensive training sessions, mentorship, and expert guidance, participating entrepreneurs will acquire the skills, knowledge, and resources needed to expand their operations, enhance competitiveness, and engage more effectively in international markets.
Paving the way for a more dynamic and resilient export sector.
Over the three-day workshop, participants had the opportunity to learn from experts on a range of topics, including trade agreements, branding and marketing, and the use of online tools for market intelligence. Sessions also covered market entry strategies, logistics, trade finance, and the various schemes available to support SMEs. In addition, participants were actively involvedin group exercises facilitated by UNDP Consultant from Ernst & Young, which helped them gain a deeper understanding of the African market, identify new opportunities, and explore the practical aspects of exporting.
During the closing ceremony held on 30 October, participants were joined by SMEs from the first cohort, who received certificates marking the successful completion of the 2024 programme. The event was also attended by Hon. Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs; Mr. Charles Harel, President of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry; and Ms. Sujitha Sekharan, Officer-in-Charge, UNDP Mauritius.
During his address, Mr. Patrice Marie, Vice President of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the central role of SMEs in driving Mauritius’s economic growth and resilience: “SMEs today employ over 275,000 Mauritians and contribute close to 47% of GDP. As such, every measure taken to support SMEs is a direct investment in our country’s prosperity and resilience.”
Ms. Sujitha Sekharan, Officer in Charge at UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles, reaffirmed UNDP’s commitment to empowering Mauritian SMEs, with a special focus on women-led enterprises: “We believe that by supporting these businesses, we foster inclusive growth and drive meaningful change. Through targeted initiatives such as the Xport Accelerator, technical assistance, and advocacy, UNDP is dedicated to creating an enabling environment where all entrepreneurs can flourish.”
Hon. Narsinghen, Junior Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and Foreign Affairs, underscored the immense potential of African markets and the need for Mauritius to seize emerging opportunities: “Mauritius is a small market of just 1.3 million people, while Africa represents 1.4 billion. The continent also offers a range of free and regional trade agreements that we can capitalise on.” He also underscored the need to embrace digital transformation and build capacity in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.”
The Way Forward
Building on the momentum of the Xport Accelerator Programme, a two-day B2B event will be jointly organised by the UNDP and the MCCI in Johannesburg, with facilitation by Ernst & Young. The event, which will be held in November, will bring together 30 SMEs - 20 from Mauritius and 10 from Seychelles - and a curated network of South African buyers. Designed to foster meaningful business linkages, the event will facilitate targeted meetings and potential partnership agreements, further enhancing the international visibility, competitiveness, and export readiness of participating SMEs.