Reza Uteem: "Mauritians Must Engage in Continuous Training to Remain Employable"

The significance of training, skill enhancement, and retraining, alongside the promotion of entrepreneurship as the cornerstone of Mauritius's future workforce, was emphasized by the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Reza Uteem, during an awards ceremony held by EXU Business School on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Hennessy Park Hotel in Ebène.

Addressing the recipients of certificates and the teaching staff, the minister praised EXU for its practical and hands-on approach to education. "EXU is not just about obtaining a diploma; it also provides training that prepares you for the real world—how to write a CV, prepare for interviews, and communicate effectively. These are the skills that instill confidence in people," he said.

Regarding the impact of technological advancements on the job market, Reza Uteem stated that Mauritius is at a crucial turning point. "Artificial intelligence is transforming industries, performing tasks with greater speed and accuracy. To remain competitive, businesses must evolve—and our workforce must evolve too," he added.

He pointed out that lifelong learning is no longer optional. "With over 50,000 foreign workers and 35,000 unemployed Mauritians, including 17% of young job seekers, it is clear that the challenge is not a lack of jobs but a skills mismatch. 'Mauritians must engage in continuous training pathways to stay employable,'" he added.

He then spoke about EXU Business School's flexible learning model that allows professionals to study part-time, access online courses, and catch up on missed content.

The Minister of Labour also described government initiatives that support entrepreneurship, ranging from loans for SMEs to training programs, mentoring, and provision of equipment and resources. "Many people have the talent to start a business, but they need help in areas like management, marketing, and expansion. Government initiatives are in place to help them succeed," he reminded.

In conclusion, he urged young people to think beyond traditional career paths and prepare to navigate a rapidly evolving job market. "It’s time to change your mindset. Whether you want to be employed or become an employer, you must keep learning. The future belongs to those who are ready to adapt," said Reza Uteem.