Regional Trade: National Workshop to boost Women and Youth Participation in Trade-in-Services

A national workshop on “Unlocking Trade-in Services Opportunities for Youth and Women-led Businesses in SADC Countries” was launched this morning at the Labourdonnais Hotel in Port Louis. The two-day initiative, running from 08 to 09 April 2026, brings together key stakeholders to explore opportunities in regional trade in services.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Mr Dhananjay Ramful; Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mahen Abhimanu Kundasamy and Director, Industrial Development and Trade at the SADC Secretariat, Mr Dhuraj Kassee.

In his keynote address, Minister Ramful underpinned that the workshop aims to enhance access for women and youth to opportunities in trade in services within the SADC region. He acknowledged the challenges often faced by these entrepreneurs, such as limited access to finance, difficulties in reaching markets, and inadequate information on regional trade systems. The workshop, he explained, would equip participants with practical tools to navigate these systems and seize business opportunities effectively.

The Minister further highlighted the growing importance of trade in services as a driver of economic growth, underlining its significant contribution to Mauritius’ GDP and employment. He noted that digitalisation and e-commerce are transforming service delivery, enabling businesses to expand into international markets more efficiently. “This workshop provides a timely platform to empower women and youth, strengthen their participation in regional trade and support inclusive and sustainable economic development,” he added.

For his part, Mr Kassee emphasised that trade in services has become a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and regional integration within the SADC region. He pointed out that while women and youth-led enterprises are increasingly contributing to this sector, they continue to face challenges such as limited access to finance, market information and regulatory constraints.

Organised by EDB Mauritius in collaboration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, the workshop aims to equip youth and women entrepreneurs with practical skills to access and grow within SADC regional markets.

The programme features sessions on the SADC Protocol on Trade in Services, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, digital payments and branding, while also providing a platform for experience-sharing by successful women-led businesses.

08 April 2026

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Topics: Trade