Assisting Small Businesses to Earn Local Industry Recognition

On January 31, 2024, the Mauritian government launched the program « Towards Made in Moris » which consists of several training sessions. The first one included 40 SMEs out of a total of 100 selected.

This initiative, outlined in the 2023-2024 budget, aims to aid SMEs in meeting the criteria for the « Made in Moris » label, thereby boosting their chances of acquiring it. According to Sunil Bholah, Minister of Industrial Development, « this label signifies adherence to health and environmental standards, quality, and innovation, offering a competitive edge. »

To back this program, the Ministry of Finance has allocated 18 million MUR (approximately 400,000 USD) to support 120 SMEs over three years. The initial training phase, scheduled from March to June 2024, will involve 40 SMEs from various sectors, including 16 women-led companies, highlighting gender equality.

Participants will access diverse training sessions, workshops, and masterclasses covering areas such as standards, quality, productivity, human resources, branding, communication, sustainable development, and export preparation. The program aims to enhance SMEs’ skills, bolster their competitiveness, and amplify their contribution to the national economy.

Julien Audibert, Vice President of the Association of Mauritian Manufacturers and the Made in Moris label, emphasized the strategic significance of this initiative in addressing complex challenges like food security and climate change, underscoring its pivotal role in shaping the nation’s production and trade landscape.