Business updates

Xport Accelerator, a joint initiative of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), began its operational phase on Tuesday, 1 October 2024, convening the 15 selected SMEs for an inaugural session at the MCCI premises.

The meeting kicked off a two-month journey following the call for applications on September 2 2024, offering participants personalised company diagnosis, tailored business coaching, and a three-day technical workshop.

The objective of Xport Accelerator is to enhance the export capacity of Mauritian SMEs to succeed in African markets within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

The MCCI team, led by Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of MCCI and Mrs. Rooma Narrainen, Head of Advocacy alongside Mr. Fabiani Appavou, Assistant Resident Representative of the UNDP, met with the participants.

EY-Parthenon partner, Mrs. Min Lee also attended the meeting with Mr. Julien Warlouzé, consultant for the Xport Accelerator programme.

In his welcome address, Dr. Ramdenee highlighted the vision of Xport Accelerator : “At the end of this programme, we aim to ensure that the SMEs will have all the cutting edge tools to export and extend their outreach to African markets.”

Mr. Fabiani Appavou followed by outlining the importance of building networks throughout this project, stating: “This programme is not only about the business coaching sessions and the support that will be provided to the SMEs but the importance of building people-to-people connections and building partnerships locally and internationally.”

Additionally, Mrs. Narrainen made a presentation on the numerous opportunities available to SMEs in African markets and through the AfCFTA. 

Discover the 15 SMEs selected for Xport Accelerator here.

Caption

The MCCI leadership team, together with representatives from the UNDP and EY-Parthenon, at the Xport Accelerator kick-off meeting