Workshop to shape strategic roadmap for cooperative sector

The formulation of a Strategic Plan for the Cooperative Sector will be the focus of a workshop scheduled for tomorrow at the Caudan Arts Centre in Port Louis. The event is being organised by the Cooperatives Division of the Ministry of Industry, SMEs and Cooperatives in the context of celebrations marking the International Day of Cooperatives 2026.

The workshop will bring together representatives of cooperative societies, apex cooperative organisations, development partners, sector experts and officers of the Cooperatives Division. It will serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and strategic planning, enabling stakeholders to collectively identify priorities and propose measures to guide the development of the cooperative sector over the next three to five years.

Against the backdrop of an increasingly challenging global economic environment marked by digital transformation, climate change, shifting consumer preferences and geopolitical uncertainties, the workshop seeks to identify practical solutions that will bolster the resilience, competitiveness and sustainability of cooperative societies. It also aims to align cooperative development with national economic and social priorities while better preparing the sector to seize emerging opportunities.

Discussions will focus on six strategic themes considered critical to the future of the cooperative movement, namely food security, financial services, handicrafts, export development for cooperative products, digitalisation and renewable energy.

The food security theme will examine opportunities to increase agricultural productivity through modern farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, hydroponics and value-added agro-processing. Participants will get the opportunity to explore strategies to strengthen fisheries cooperatives by promoting sustainable fisheries management, aquaculture, improved processing and storage facilities, and greater access to domestic and export markets.

With regard to the financial services, discussions will focus on modernising cooperative credit unions through digital transformation, innovative financial products and stronger governance frameworks. Issues such as financial inclusion, cybersecurity, risk management and measures to improve access to financial services, particularly for young people and cooperative entrepreneurs will also be considered.

In the handicraft sector, participants will explore ways to enhance the competitiveness of cooperative enterprises through product innovation, improved design, branding and quality enhancement. Emphasis will also be placed on leveraging Mauritius' tourism industry by positioning locally made handicrafts as authentic Mauritian products, while expanding sales through digital platforms and export markets.

Another key area of discussion will be export development, with participants identifying export-ready cooperative products and strategies in compliance with international quality standards, packaging and branding norms. The workshop will also examine opportunities to maximise the benefits of Fairtrade certification and strengthen partnerships with international buyers to increase market access.

Digitalisation will feature prominently on the agenda, with discussions centred on the adoption of e-commerce platforms, digital marketing, management information systems, artificial intelligence and data analytics for better operational efficiency and decision-making within cooperative societies. Participants will also consider capacity-building initiatives to enhance digital literacy and cybersecurity.

The renewable energy session will focus on the role of cooperatives in supporting Mauritius' energy transition through community-based solar, biomass and other clean energy projects. Stakeholders will examine opportunities to reduce energy costs through collective investment, access to green financing and contribute to national climate change mitigation objectives.

Experts from several institutions, namely the National Productivity and Competitiveness Council; the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry; the University of Mauritius; the Mauritius Renewable Energy Agency; the Mauritius Chamber of Agriculture and the Academy for Design and Innovation will make presentations to provide participants with insights into emerging trends, challenges and opportunities in each thematic area.

In the wake of the presentations, participants will break into thematic working groups to identify sector-specific challenges, strategic objectives, priority interventions and policy recommendations. The recommendations formulated by each group will be presented during a plenary session, where stakeholders will validate proposals, identify cross-cutting priorities and consolidate strategic directions.

The overall aim of the workshop is to chalk out a comprehensive set of recommendations that will constitute the basis of both a medium-term (three-year) and a long-term (five-year) Strategic Plan for the Cooperative Sector. In light of this event, the Cooperatives Division will compile and analyse the recommendations, develop a consolidated strategic framework and establish an implementation and monitoring mechanism.

The initiative underscores Government's commitment to strengthening the cooperative movement as a key driver of job creation, food security, financial inclusion, community empowerment and sustainable socio-economic development, while ensuring that cooperatives remain resilient, innovative and competitive in an evolving economic landscape.

08 July 2026

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Topics: Cooperatives