Graduated SMEs, 20 new ones in the running: Xport Accelerator continues its momentum

The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) today celebrate a significant milestone: the awarding of certificates to the 2024 cohort of the Xport Accelerator program and the official launch of the 2025 edition, which will support 20 new businesses in their quest for African markets. The event took place at the Caudan Arts Centre, attended by Rajen Narsinghen, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, Patrice Marie, Vice President of the MCCI, and Sujitha Sekharan, Officer-in-Charge of UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles.

The figures speak for themselves. Among the 18 companies graduating today, 5 will continue their journey in the 2025 edition for enhanced support. They will be joined by 15 new SMEs, bringing the 2025 cohort to 20 participants.

More than 10 sectors are represented in these two cohorts: agribusiness, textiles, digital technologies, professional services, renewable energy, digital marketing, digital financial services, and even stuffed toys. This diversity reflects the potential of Mauritian exports to the continent.

The stakes are high. SMEs currently employ over 275,000 Mauritians, nearly half of the national workforce, and contribute Rs 195 billion to the country's Gross Value Added, representing a 23% growth since 2018. Every measure taken to support SMEs is a direct investment in the prosperity and resilience of the country.

Launched in 2024, the Xport Accelerator program aims to position Mauritius as a regional commercial hub by capitalizing on the opportunities offered by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through personalized support, specialized training, and access to a network of strategic partners, it transforms export ambitions into concrete successes.

"After a year, the Xport Accelerator has become much more than just an export capacity-building program," says Patrice Marie, Vice President of the MCCI. "With targeted support, capacity-building workshops, and international exposure, participating SMEs have significantly enhanced their export knowledge, maturity, and strategic vision. The program has helped several SMEs secure new contracts, expand their regional networks, and explore potential business partnerships, positioning them for sustainable growth in the regional market. With the continent's market of over 1.2 billion consumers across 54 countries, opportunities abound for those who are prepared, strategic, and confident in their value proposition."

With the momentum generated by the AfCFTA, enormous opportunities for trade and investment are opening up across the continent. By reducing tariffs, facilitating investments, and eliminating trade barriers, the AfCFTA paves the way for African businesses to integrate more deeply into regional and global value chains. The World Bank estimates that intra-African trade could double by 2035.

Mauritius is already positioning itself as an active player in this regional transformation. Over the past decade, exports of goods to Africa have experienced significant growth, with the main export markets in the region being South Africa, Madagascar, Kenya, Seychelles, and Mozambique. At the same time, the trade in services is emerging as a major driver of regional integration. Many Mauritian companies are already expanding into African markets in sectors such as distribution, healthcare, banking and insurance, logistics, and consulting.

"Xport Accelerator embodies our strategic vision: to make Mauritius a launchpad to Africa," emphasizes Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of the MCCI. "In just one year, we have demonstrated that with the right support, our SMEs can not only access regional markets but thrive sustainably within them. The fact that 28% of the 2024 cohort chooses to continue this journey with us proves that conquering Africa is not a sprint, but a strategic marathon."

"What sets this program apart is its holistic approach. Beyond training entrepreneurs in export techniques, we assist them in profoundly transforming their business models, strategic positioning, and ability to navigate the complex ecosystems of African markets. The tangible results – new contracts, partnerships, regional expansion – speak for themselves," explains Rooma Pillay Narrainen, Head of Advocacy at the MCCI and project leader.

Rajen Narsinghen, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration, and International Trade, stated: "The Xport Accelerator program fully aligns with Mauritius's African strategy, our roadmap for industrialization, and the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It is in perfect harmony with government policy, which emphasizes inclusion, support for women and youth-led businesses, and strengthening their capacities and confidence to export."

Sujitha Sekharan, Officer-in-Charge of UNDP Mauritius & Seychelles, also emphasized: "The UNDP remains firmly committed to its mission to support and strengthen the capacities of Mauritian SMEs, with particular attention to women-led businesses. We believe that supporting these enterprises fosters inclusive growth and stimulates sustainable and meaningful change. Through targeted initiatives, enhanced technical assistance, and consistent advocacy, the UNDP works to create an environment where every entrepreneur, man or woman, can thrive and succeed."

The program included official speeches, the screening of three videos tracing the journey of the 2024 cohort (program introduction, kick-off, and entrepreneur testimonials), certificate awards, and a networking event.