Government to chart strategic roadmap for a modern and resilient cooperative sector, says Minister Ameer Meea

The formulation of a Strategic Plan for the Cooperative Sector marks the beginning of a shared journey towards building stronger, more innovative and resilient cooperatives capable of responding to emerging economic challenges, said the Minister of Industry, SMEs and Cooperatives, Mr Aadil Ameer Meea, today at the opening of a workshop held at the Caudan Arts Centre, as part of celebrations marking the International Day of Cooperatives 2026.

On the occasion, Minister Ameer Meea also officially launched the Boost to Local Production Scheme for the 2026–2027 financial year. Under the scheme, eligible cooperative societies will be able to benefit from grants of up to Rs 300,000 to acquire equipment and machinery for agricultural production, agro-processing, manufacturing and other value-added activities. He encouraged all eligible cooperative societies to take advantage of the initiative, describing it as an important step towards strengthening local production, enhancing food security and creating greater economic opportunities within communities.

In his keynote address, Minister Ameer Meea recalled that cooperatives have long played a pivotal role in Mauritius by enabling thousands of people to pool resources, create economic opportunities and improve their livelihoods through values of solidarity, democratic participation, mutual support and shared prosperity.

The Minister observed that global economic uncertainty, climate change, technological disruption and evolving consumer expectations are reshaping the business landscape, making it imperative for cooperatives to adapt in order to remain competitive and continue serving their members effectively.

He highlighted that the Strategic Plan will serve as a practical roadmap to guide the sector in the years ahead while preparing cooperatives to seize future opportunities.

Minister Ameer Meea underlined that discussions would focus on strategic areas including food security, financial services, handicrafts, export development, digitalisation and energy. These priority sectors, he stated, offer significant opportunities for cooperatives to diversify their activities, embrace innovation, create added value and strengthen their contribution to the national economy.

Reaffirming Government's commitment to revitalising the cooperative sector, the Minister recalled that the Government Programme 2025–2029 provides for a modernised legal framework, enhanced support mechanisms, greater access to export markets, stronger governance and closer alignment with sustainable development and the circular economy.

He added that Budget 2026–2027 translates these commitments into concrete measures, including amendments to the Cooperatives Act, the introduction of the Le Terroir Mauricien Cooperative Label, renewable energy support for agricultural cooperatives, the transformation of agri-food waste into value-added products and the accelerated digitalisation of cooperative societies through modern accounting and financial management systems.

The workshop brought together representatives of cooperative societies, stakeholders, development partners, sector experts and will serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and strategic planning. The workshop will culminate with the formulation of practical recommendations and strategic proposals for inclusion in a Strategic Plan for the Cooperative Sector.

Presentations were also delivered by several resource persons who highlighted the role of sustainable agriculture in driving growth within the cooperative sector, the potential of cooperatives to transform the fisheries industry, and the importance of better structuring the handicraft sector while strengthening the marketing of its products.

They also underscored the need for a unified QR code system to enhance Environmental, Social, and Governance compliance and quality standards across the cooperative sector, as well as the role of technology in helping cooperatives streamline operations, strengthen democratic decision-making, and improve services to their members.

09 July 2026

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Topics: Cooperatives