By Alvyn Savrimuthu
In an increasingly digital world, businesses must evolve or risk being left behind. At the recently held Mauritius Business Network (MBN) meetup, Caleb Samy, Product & Marketing Manager at blink by Emtel, took centre stage as the event’s main guest, sharing his expertise on digital transformation for small businesses. His presentation provided a compelling insight into how companies can leverage technology to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and remain competitive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
“Digital transformation is not just about moving from paper to digital. It’s about changing the way we think, operate, and engage with customers. It’s a complete reimagining of business processes, not just an upgrade in technology,” Caleb said. He explained that many businesses mistakenly assume digital transformation is merely about digitisation—the act of converting analogue data into digital formats—or digitalisation, using technology to automate tasks. However, true transformation requires a fundamental shift in business strategy. It is not just about introducing new software, streamlining processes, or migrating to the cloud, but about rethinking how businesses interact with customers, manage operations, and drive long-term value. He emphasised that businesses failing to adapt risk being left behind, adding, “In today’s world, businesses have two choices: transform or risk extinction. Digital transformation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for survival.”
Many small businesses hesitate to embark on digital transformation due to concerns over cost or complexity. However, Caleb reassured them that the real challenge is mindset, not budget. He noted that with 75.5% of Mauritians online and 63.1% actively using social media, the playing field is more level than ever, giving businesses—big or small—the same digital visibility and market reach. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that digital transformation is expensive. But the real question is: can you afford not to do it? Small businesses actually have the most to gain because they can implement change faster and more efficiently than large corporations,” he said, urging entrepreneurs to start small and scale their digital initiatives over time.
The key to successful transformation, he stressed, is understanding customer behaviour and ensuring a seamless transition. “You can’t just introduce a digital tool and expect customers to figure it out on their own. Whether it’s QR payments, online booking, or AI-powered customer support, businesses need to educate and engage their customers at every step,” Caleb explained. He pointed out that digital transformation is not just about technology but also about change management—helping customers and employees adapt to new ways of doing business.
While digital tools are critical, Caleb acknowledged that a physical presence still plays a vital role in Mauritius, as many consumers prefer face-to-face interactions. He cited local companies, which initially launched as online-only businesses but later established physical locations to enhance customer trust and engagement. He advised businesses to balance digital and physical interactions to meet customer expectations effectively. “Even businesses that start online often realise the need for a physical presence. It’s not about replacing one with the other—it’s about integrating both for maximum impact,” he noted.
As the event’s main guest speaker, Caleb also outlined how Emtel is actively helping businesses transition to digital. “At Emtel, we don’t just talk about digital transformation—we provide the tools to make it happen. Whether it’s cloud solutions, cybersecurity, managed Wi-Fi, or digital payments, we help businesses streamline their operations and embrace the future,” he said. From QR code payment solutions to enterprise cloud services, Emtel continues to drive digital adoption across Mauritius, ensuring that businesses of all sizes have access to secure, scalable, and cost-effective digital tools.
Caleb closed his presentation with a strong message, encouraging businesses to take action now rather than waiting for the perfect moment. “Digital transformation is not a destination—it’s a journey. If you wait for the ‘right time,’ you’ll always be playing catch-up. The key is to start, learn, and adapt along the way,” he said. With Emtel leading the charge, businesses across Mauritius now have the opportunity to embrace digital transformation with confidence and clarity.
