In a stunning celebration of female entrepreneurship, Odysseo Oceanarium (Mauritius) Ltd transformed into a dazzling venue for the Finals of the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) on Saturday, October 19, 2024. Lili Ip Kwok Sheung was crowned the 2024 Champion of the Women Entrepreneur Awards, also winning the Most Promising Start-Up and Most Impactful Award. Astrid Arlove was awarded both the Most Innovative and Most Sustainable Award 2024.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of marine wonders, the event showcased the brilliance of five exceptional finalists as they pitched their innovative businesses to a distinguished panel of judges. With the theme of ‘Celebrating power in Elegance’, the evening was not just a competition; it was a tribute to the resilience and creativity of Mauritian women entrepreneurs, shining brightly in their pursuit of excellence.
Women Entrepreneur Awards is a platform created to showcase, promote and celebrate the contribution of female entrepreneurs in the Mauritian Economy. In its second edition, the awards recognised the outstanding achievements of women entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact in their industries and communities.
Commenting on the finals, Kirti Sheonarain, Founder of the Awards, stated: “The Women Entrepreneur Awards are not just about recognising individual achievements; they celebrate the collective strength of women in business. Our winners exemplify resilience, creativity, and innovation, and their success stories serve as inspiration for others. By highlighting these remarkable entrepreneurs, we aim to empower even more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and contribute to the economy. We are truly honoured for the support of our remarkable partners and the organising team for this year’s edition. Our sponsors of WEA 2024 were more than just sponsors; they were partners, part of the team who supported and trusted us throughout the whole journey. Congratulations to our winners of this year’s edition. We are excited and look forward to next year’s edition, which will be open to the Indian Ocean islands.”
Stephane Robert, General Manager at Odysseo Oceanarium (Mauritius) Ltd, added: “Odysseo’s decision to host the Women Entrepreneur Award (WEA) finals this year was inspired by a commitment to celebrating female leadership and innovation. The event aims to showcase the incredible talent and achievements of women entrepreneurs, fostering a sense of community and empowerment. By providing a platform for these trailblazers to shine, Odysseo seeks to inspire future generations and promote diversity in entrepreneurship. This initiative reflects Odysseo’s dedication to supporting and elevating women in business on a global scale.”
The Women Entrepreneur Awards have also received support from Impact Production Group. Director Jean Luc Manneback shared his message for women entrepreneurs: “As CEO of Impact Production Group, it has been a privilege to support the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) from the start. When my wife and I met Kirti, whose vision and energy launched WEA, along with key team members like Marie Noelle, we knew we had to be part of it. WEA not only recognizes the remarkable work of female entrepreneurs in Mauritius but also addresses important gender inequalities. This year’s event offered new professional opportunities and featured inspiring women like Naila Hanoomanjee. We’re proud to support this initiative and look forward to its continued growth.”
Atul Bhatia, Chief FinTech Officer at Emtel and one of the sponsors of the awards, explained: “At Emtel, we always believe in enabling the entrepreneurs, SME’s for all their business requirements be it connectivity, digital payment. Looking ahead, I foresee an increase in digital adoption, be it payments or the use of AI tools among new entrepreneurs, with more of you embracing digital and online platforms. In business, staying curious and updated is essential in today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. Emtel is always a reliable partner to support your business requirements. WEA is a great platform to learn, Network & Winning on this podium is always a significant boost. This platform not only empowers women but also equips them with the skills needed to excel in the market.”
Sendy Thoplan, Head of SME and Business Banking at Bank One, as one of the sponsors, shared: “The Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) focus on the tangible contributions women are making in the business world. At Bank One, we are proud to support this initiative because we see firsthand the impact women entrepreneurs have every day. Through our workshops and events, we have been inspired by their talent, resilience, and dedication. Their efforts lead to successful businesses and foster innovation while creating valuable opportunities for future entrepreneurs. We are here to back them and look forward to celebrating their achievements.”
Naila Hanoomanjee, CEO of Landscope Mauritius and WEA 2024’s Guest of Honour said: “At Landscope Mauritius, it’s been an honour to associate with WEA this year. We saw it as an opportunity to recognise the immense contribution of women in the development of our country and to highlight the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs. Our message to all the participants: You are all pioneers, trailblazers, and visionaries, and your contributions to the business world are significant. You have pursued your dreams with passion and paved the way for others to follow. Your commitment to excellence and innovation will serve as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere. Keep dreaming big and pushing boundaries.”
Pitching Before the Jury
In the thrilling climax of the WEA competition, the five finalists took center stage to present their entrepreneurial visions to a distinguished panel of six judges, Renaud Azema, Johanne Hague, Julien Guillot Sestier, Ingrid Bell, Eric Grenouilleau and Lea Verbizier. With the atmosphere charged with excitement, the finalists delivered compelling presentations that showcased their businesses while emphasizing their commitment to sustainability, innovation, and social impact—key criteria that guided the judges in selecting the winners.
As each entrepreneur passionately articulated her unique business model, the audience could feel the energy of their dreams and aspirations. From eco-friendly practices to groundbreaking technologies, these inspiring women demonstrated how they are driving positive change within their communities and beyond. This pivotal moment was not just a competition; it was a celebration of visionary leaders who challenge the status quo and strive for a more sustainable future, leaving a lasting mark on the entrepreneurial landscape of Mauritius.
The Women Entrepreneur Awards is planning to hold its third edition in 2025, which will expand to cover the Indian Ocean islands, and invites interested parties to get in touch at contact@womenentrepreneurawards.com.
