The Mauritius Institute of Directors (MIoD) hosted the fifth edition of WE-CONNECT, its exclusive networking platform for members comprising business leaders, board directors, executives, and professionals, on Tuesday, 30 June 2026, at the Le Suffren Hotel & Marina in Port Louis. Held under the theme, “Leading Through Global Change: How AI, Talent and Geopolitics are Reshaping Business in Mauritius,” this edition featured two experts from Boston Consulting Group (BCG): Trudi Makhaya, Partner, BCG Johannesburg, and Toivo Hensgens, Partner, BCG Nairobi.
Since its launch in August 2024, WE-CONNECT has established itself as a flagship event for the MIoD community, combining high-quality professional networking with thought-provoking discussions on corporate governance and economic transformation. For this fifth edition, the Institute partnered with BCG for the first time as its Knowledge Partner, focusing on the key forces that are reshaping Mauritius’ business landscape.
Sheila Ujoodha, CEO of the MIoD, said:
“The fifth edition of WE-CONNECT reflects the MIoD’s ongoing commitment to providing our members and the Mauritian business community with access to world-class strategic expertise. Today, board directors and business leaders need the right insights to navigate the profound changes driven by geopolitics, artificial intelligence, and evolving talent challenges. Our first partnership with BCG marks an important milestone in this journey, and we extend our sincere thanks to Trudi, Toivo, and the entire BCG team for their commitment, intellectual generosity, and the outstanding quality of this collaboration.”
Trudi Makhaya, Partner at BCG Johannesburg, commented:
“This evening’s discussions with the Mauritian business community highlighted the extent to which geopolitics has become a central factor in corporate strategy. It is reshaping the rules of international trade, capital flows, and regional competitiveness. For Mauritius, positioned at the crossroads of several major global forces, the challenge for boards of directors is to translate this uncertainty into clear strategic decisions on capital allocation, market positioning, and organisational resilience. We thank the MIoD for bringing these important discussions directly to Mauritian boards, where they can genuinely influence strategic decision-making.”
Toivo Hensgens, Partner at BCG Nairobi, added:
“This evening demonstrated that artificial intelligence and talent are now inseparable from effective corporate governance. AI is redefining work, skills, and career pathways at an unprecedented pace, making it a strategic priority for boards of directors. For Mauritius, where the talent market faces unique dynamics, the priority is to design new ways of working and talent development pathways that are fit for an AI-enabled environment. We commend the MIoD for placing these issues firmly on the agenda of its members with the depth and rigour they deserve.”
As a trusted partner in corporate governance, the MIoD continues to develop platforms and programmes that not only address the current needs of its members but also equip them to excel in an ever-evolving business environment shaped by economic transformation, strategic agility, and the growing imperative for responsible leadership.
