MOL Charitable Trust Announces Selected Projects for Fifth Call for Proposals

On Tuesday, January 27, 2026, the MOL Charitable Trust (MCT) announced the selected projects for its fifth Call for Proposals (CFP5) during an award ceremony held at the Preskil Island Resort.

The event was attended by His Excellency Masahiro Kan, the Japanese Ambassador to Mauritius, Ritesh Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, along with Honorable National Assembly members Tony Apollon and Kevin Lukeeram, and representatives from civil society organizations and institutional partners.

The ceremony featured speeches from Yasuo Suzuki, President of the MOL Charitable Trust and Managing Director of MOL (Mauritius) Ltd, as well as Keita Akazawa, General Manager of the Corporate Sustainability Division at Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. (MOL Tokyo).

Launched in September 2025, the fifth Call for Proposals by the MOL Charitable Trust garnered significant interest, with over 70 applications received from across Mauritius. Following a rigorous and transparent evaluation process, 13 projects were selected for implementation under CFP5.

Ritesh Ramful highlighted that "the initiatives supported by the MOL Charitable Trust demonstrate how effective partnerships between the government, civil society, and international partners can yield tangible benefits for communities and the environment. The collaboration between Mauritius and Japan, especially through MOL’s contributions, continues to play a vital role in enhancing our resilience and promoting sustainable development."

The selected projects under CFP5 will be implemented in the South-East region of Mauritius, encompassing a wide range of social, educational, and environmental initiatives. These include marine and coastal conservation, plastic waste management, early childhood development, educational infrastructure, skills development and livelihoods, community empowerment, and applied research related to sustainable coastal ecosystems.

Emphasizing the broader relationship between Japan and Mauritius, His Excellency Masahiro Kan stated, "The initiatives of the MOL Charitable Trust have further strengthened the bonds of friendship between Japan and Mauritius. Although the number of Japanese companies operating in Mauritius is limited, the ongoing presence and commitment of MOL make this partnership very tangible, significantly contributing to environmental protection and community development."

Reflecting on the Trust's evolution since its establishment in 2021, Yasuo Suzuki explained, "Many initiatives start as isolated projects, but with a bit of ingenuity and collaboration, there is real potential to elevate them to a level of impact that is even more significant. Through the MOL Charitable Trust, we are committed to bridging these gaps, identifying opportunities for cooperation, and working together to deliver a stronger collective contribution."

As in previous editions, the selection process was conducted rigorously and transparently. Proposals were first evaluated by an independent body before being reviewed by the MOL Charitable Trust’s Enforcers Committee, ensuring fairness, accountability, and responsible resource allocation.

"For the MOL Group, long-term business growth goes hand in hand with significant contributions to the environment and local communities. Equally important is how these initiatives are governed: without independent evaluation, transparency, and robust local oversight, trust cannot be established and real impact cannot be achieved," emphasized Keita Akazawa.

Each selected project will receive funding of up to Rs 1 million for a maximum duration of twelve months, along with a monitoring and support system aimed at ensuring effective implementation.

This fifth Call for Proposals continues the actions undertaken by the MOL Charitable Trust since its inception in 2021 and marks an important milestone in consolidating its experience and impact in Mauritius.