LocationsThis initiative aims to equip Mauritian women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and networks needed to access opportunities under AfCFTA, foster strategic partnerships and enhance export readiness of SMEs.
Unlocking AfCFTA Opportunities for Women-Led Businesses in African Markets
July 9, 2026
The two-day workshop featured a series of practical sessions designed to help women entrepreneurs better understand and leverage opportunities under the AfCFTA.
UNDP Mauritius / Sharon Sunassee
To strengthen the participation of Mauritian women entrepreneurs in intra-African trade, the Economic Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), organised a two-day capacity-building workshop on 08 and 09 July. The initiative aims to equip Mauritian women entrepreneurs with the knowledge, tools and networks needed to access opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), foster strategic partnerships and enhance export readiness of SMEs.
The opening ceremony was attended by Honourable Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade; Ms Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles; Mr Sanjay Bhunjun, Chairman of the EDB; representatives of the diplomatic corps; and more than 80 women entrepreneurs.
Creating Pathways for Women Entrepreneurs in African Markets
The Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is the world’s largest free trade area, bringing together 54 African countries into a single market of more than 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP exceeding US$3.4 trillion. For Mauritius, a small island economy with a strong entrepreneurial base, this offers a valuable platform to connect Mauritian entrepreneurs to a continental market, build new value chains and position women-led enterprises at the centre of inclusive growth.
However, unlocking these opportunities requires an enabling ecosystem that supports women entrepreneurs at every stage of their export journey. This includes stronger business networks, greater use of digital trade tools, improved access to tailored financing, more efficient trade facilitation mechanisms and partnerships that connect businesses directly to regional markets.
While addressing the participants, Mr. Sanjay Bhunjun, Chairman of EDB, called on Mauritian entrepreneurs to position themselves at the forefront of Africa's growth: “Africa is the next chapter for Mauritius, because it is young, determined and growing. When I look at this room, I see entrepreneurs sitting on a gold mine of ideas, skills and strong determination that Africa is waiting for.”
In her speech, Ms. Alka Bhatia, UNDP Resident Representative for Mauritius and Seychelles emphasized the importance of translating AfCFTA opportunities into tangible business outcomes for women-led businesses: “AfCFTA should not be viewed as a distant continental framework, but as a practical pathway to more buyers, better finance, stronger logistics, smarter digital tools and deeper partnerships for women entrepreneurs.”
During his keynote address, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, underscored the importance of creating an enabling environment for women-led SMEs: “At the national level, the Government is investing massively to boost up the role played by SMEs, including women entrepreneurs, in our economy. To fully unlock the benefits of the AfCFTA, it is crucial to address the barriers that women face, including limited access to finance and market information.”
Turning Opportunities into Action
The two-day workshop featured a series of practical sessions designed to help women entrepreneurs better understand and leverage opportunities under the AfCFTA. Participants explored key topics including market access and growth opportunities for women-led businesses, identifying high-potential African markets for Mauritian products and services.
The workshop also aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of rules of origin, tariff preferences and customs procedures, while providing practical guidance on financing solutions, payment mechanisms, logistics, shipping connectivity and trade facilitation. Drawing on success stories from businesses already exporting to Africa, the workshop provided valuable insights on overcoming market entry challenges and developing effective export strategies.
This initiative is part of UNDP’s continued efforts to support women entrepreneurs agreed under the UNDP Country Programme 2024-2028, including initiatives such as national consultations on the AfCFTA Women in Trade Protocol, Contributions to the National Strategy for Women Entrepreneurship Development and export readiness training for women entrepreneurs under the Xport Accelerator Programme.