NWEC Awards 2026 celebrate women entrepreneurs and innovation

Government’s strong commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs was reaffirmed by the Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Minister of Gender Equality and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie Arianne Navarre-Marie, who highlighted the continued provision of support, guidance and opportunities to help them grow and succeed in their business endeavours.

She was speaking today at the National Women Entrepreneur Council (NWEC) Award 2026, organised at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Public Service and Innovation in Cote D'or Technopole, Réduit (Minissy).

Certificates and cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the NWEC Award 2026 during the ceremony. A total of 76 women entrepreneurs submitted projects, from which 12 finalists were shortlisted across four categories, namely Agri-Business, Textiles, Handicraft and Services. The award for the Most Promising Woman Entrepreneur was presented to Mrs Biguette Julien, owner of Africana Shop.

In her address, the DPM commended the determination, perseverance and sacrifices of women entrepreneurs, highlighting their vital contribution to society and the national economy.

Mrs Navarre-Marie noted that women account for more than half of the population and represent around 40% of the labour force, particularly in sectors such as services, finance, education and health. However, she deplored the continued underrepresentation of women in technical fields and leadership positions, stressing that sustained efforts are still needed to ensure equal opportunities and greater recognition for women.

The Deputy Prime Minister also highlighted the role of the NWEC in providing a safe and supportive platform that empowers women through access to tools, resources, guidance and skills development. She underlined that the Council has evolved into a true platform for transformation, enabling women to move forward with confidence and purpose. Referring to the award, she noted that the initiative seeks to inspire more women to venture into entrepreneurship while promoting excellence and innovation.

The Deputy Prime Minister further underlined that Government is fostering a conducive ecosystem to support women in starting and expanding successful businesses through tailored training programmes, strategic partnerships, and capacity-building initiatives implemented in collaboration with institutions such as the Development Bank of Mauritius and SME Mauritius.

Mrs Navarre-Marie moreover urged women entrepreneurs to think beyond borders and adopt a global outlook in order to remain competitive on international markets. She emphasised that their innovation, perseverance and determination are key drivers in building a stronger and more resilient economy for the future.

Also present at the event, the Chairperson of the NWEC, Mrs Rehema Fatuma Koylash, highlighted the important role of women entrepreneurs as drivers of growth and innovation. She called on Government to further support women-led enterprises through greater integration into supply chains, improved market access, and simplified financial assistance schemes. Financial independence, she added, remains essential for enhancing women’s economic participation and contribution to national development.

07 May 2026

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Topics: Gender