The IOC and the European Union have reiterated their multifaceted support, ranging from training, coaching, and assisting operators in participating in international trade fairs as part of the regional program “Entrepreneurship and Business Facilitation” (ENFA-OI). This program promotes female and youth entrepreneurship.
The Indian Ocean Commission and the European Union held a joint conference on Wednesday, June 19, in Port Louis to discuss the regional program “Entrepreneurship and Business Facilitation” (ENFA-OI). This program aims to increase economic opportunities for entrepreneurs in the Southwest Indian Ocean and support entrepreneurs from micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, as well as national organizations that foster the entrepreneurial ecosystem in key sectors such as tourism, cosmetic and medicinal plants, and seafood products.
It was an opportunity to showcase the various forms of support provided, from training and coaching to assisting operators in participating in international trade fairs. Promoting green, blue, and circular solutions, the program encourages female and youth entrepreneurship. The participation of 17 operators (including 8 female business owners) from the fisheries sector at Africa’s Big 7, held from June 11 to 13 in South Africa, highlights the interest of both entrepreneurs and international investors in exchanging, discovering, and, most importantly, identifying potential markets.
In his speech, the EU representative in Mauritius and Seychelles, Oskar Benedikt, emphasized that this is the first cooperation project between the two entities dedicated to entrepreneurship. He noted that, along with the economic partnership agreement and the Global Gateway investment initiatives, this project is an integral part of their economic diplomacy to benefit regional entrepreneurs and economic development. “Our support is targeted. We focus on businesses led by women and young people because these new entrepreneurs face more challenges in their daily operations,” he stressed.
For his part, the Secretary-General of the IOC, Prof. Vêlayoudom Marimoutou, explained that through this program, the IOC-EU partnership promotes the competitiveness of key sectors that are deeply embedded in the economic fabric of the islands and contribute to regional identity. “MSMEs operating in the sectors of cosmetic and medicinal plants, sustainable tourism, and seafood products are closely linked to the territories—one might even say to the terroirs of our islands. Therefore, we encourage responsible and sustainable practices, support the training of entrepreneurs, and foster entrepreneurship among women and young people, who are true drivers of growth and contributors to employment,” he stated.
It should be noted that the program aims to support the participation of regional economic operators in two other international trade fairs: Cosmetic360 in Paris in October for professionals in the regional medicinal and cosmetic plant sector, and the Philoxenia tourism fair in Greece. Additionally, the COPISTE 2024 competition, a pitch contest for regional start-ups, will soon be launched to promote innovation in the three priority sectors.
Andjouza Abouheir
The content published on this site is the exclusive property of LGDC/HZK Presse. Please do not copy or publish our content without prior authorization.
