The Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, as the host institution of SheTrades Hub Mauritius led a delegation of 8 Women-led Businesses at the Business Networking Event organized in Nairobi, Kenya, from October 17th to 19th, 2023.
The three-day event was organized in collaboration with the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, which is funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Absa Bank Kenya, the host institution of SheTrades Hub Kenya.
Over 100 Women-led businesses from various sectors in Kenya attended the event. The presence of such a wide range of businesses reflects the growing interest of doing business with Mauritius.
The business forum, which marked the beginning of the mission, started with a speech by Mrs Kheeran Bahadoor, Manager at EDB. Her address underscored the importance of strengthening economic ties between Mauritius and Kenya through gender-inclusive trade. The following session provided valuable insights into the Kenyan and Mauritian markets, with representatives from the Kenya Export Promotion and Branding Agency, the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Economic Development Board.
The panel discussions shed light on the business environment of both nations. Participants shared their experiences in regional trade facilitated by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and global export. The session also featured firsthand experiences in exporting. During the networking session, potential buyers, and Kenyan corporations, including Safaricom, had the opportunity to connect with Mauritian companies. There was also the tasting of Mauritian snacks. Additionally, a training session focusing on export-related soft skills and business planning was organized.
Absa Bank Kenya Business Club hosted a customer feedback event aimed at improving access to finance on Day 2. Over 200 members of the Kenyan Business Community, representing diverse sectors, participated in the event. This platform allowed participants to showcase their products and network with potential buyers.
In addition to the engaging business forums and networking sessions, the Mauritian delegation engaged in one-on-one meetings and visited various Kenyan businesses. These interactions provided a deeper understanding of the Kenyan market requirements and fostered collaboration among women-led businesses from Mauritius.
Joanna Curpanen, the owner of Furniture Elegancy & Interior Design Ltd in Mauritius, expressed her enthusiasm for the interactive sessions, saying, “I attended this event to gain new perspectives for my business. I met potential partners with whom I could collaborate to connect with potential buyers. Partnering with someone in the target country makes the process easier. I return to Mauritius empowered and energized and plan to return soon to Kenya to finalize some business deals. Thanks to SheTrades for this wonderful initiative.”
Sanjana Jhumun, CEO & Digital Marketing Strategist at Oxyzenn Digital said, “Being part of this event was like going on a journey. It was more than just about business; it was about connecting with amazing people, building relationships and truly immersing myself in Kenyan culture. I had the chance to meet some amazing individuals with their own stories and dreams. These conversations left me inspired and showed me the huge potential for collaboration partnerships in the African business landscape. And I got to immerse myself in Kenyan culture, from the food to the art and the must-try Safari adventure —it was all so fascinating. What truly struck me was the opportunity to dive headfirst into African culture, from savouring the delicious cuisine to appreciating the rich art and, of course, going on a must-try Safari adventure. It was all so enthralling and added a whole new dimension to the experience. The discussions about communication, branding and digital marketing were eye-opening. It became evident that technology holds the key to transforming and scaling businesses in Africa and the potential is limitless. In a nutshell, this event reminded me that by making connections, embracing culture and using technology, we can shape a thriving and interconnected Africa. It’s not just business; it’s about creating a better future, one connection at a time.”
SOURCE: EDB MAURITIUS
