Absa Mauritius marks a major milestone in its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs in Mauritius with the graduation ceremony of the participants of the Absa Women Forward programme. Launched in May 2025, this initiative supported nine exceptional women through a comprehensive journey of training, coaching, and mentoring aimed at accelerating the growth of their businesses and strengthening their economic and social impact.
Throughout the programme, the participants benefited from personalised and strategic support, with sessions covering financial management, digital marketing, leadership, human resource management, and sustainability. They were also introduced to the use of innovative tools such as artificial intelligence. The programme concluded with a business pitch session where each entrepreneur presented her strategy, marketing plan, and financial forecasts while highlighting the positive impact she aims to create through her business.
Graduates of the 2025 edition come from a variety of sectors:
- Dorine Lo Hun (Clido) – Achar production
- Anousha Mohon (Anousha Mohon Coaching) – Relationship coaching, emotional wellbeing
- Deepta Soodaye (Deecraft) – Sustainable handcrafted jute bags
- Patricia Mallet (Flymates Limited) – Aviation training
- Virginie Saramandif (Odyvir Consulting) – Mental health and wellbeing through coaching
- Natacha Mudhoo (Enchanted) – Luxury artisanal gift baskets
- Sabine Lamusse-Affouye (Sabine Lamusse Aromatologue) – Natural cosmetics and aromatherapy care
- Kalvay (Pamela) Sobran (Villa Alizé) – Eco-friendly local guesthouse
- Coraline Serret (Peizan) – Aquaponic farming and sustainable food
This initiative perfectly illustrates Absa Mauritius’ commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and aligns with its purpose: Empowering Africa’s tomorrow… together, one story at a time.
Jennifer Johnson, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Absa Mauritius, said:
“We are proud to have accompanied these nine extraordinary women throughout their journey with Absa Women Forward. This programme was much more than training – it allowed each of them to write a new chapter for their business, strengthen their resilience, and project themselves towards a sustainable future. At Absa, we believe that every story matters and that, when supported and empowered, women have the power to transform not only their businesses but also their communities and our economy.”
Jean-Jacques André, lead mentor of the programme, added:
“As a mentor, I witnessed a remarkable transformation among these entrepreneurs, moving from a traditional vision of business to an integrated perspective combining technological innovation and sustainability. Thanks to the training modules and the integration of artificial intelligence tools, they strengthened their confidence, refined their strategies, and developed their ingenuity. This programme shows how essential it is to support women entrepreneurs in Mauritius – fostering innovation, reducing inequalities, and generating a lasting impact for their businesses and their communities.”
The participants also shared the impact of this journey on their businesses and personal development.
Virginie Saramandif, founder of Odyvir Consulting, explained:
“Thanks to the Absa Women Forward programme, I learned to better structure my business and measure its impact more concretely. This journey gave me more confidence and resilience. My ambition now is to integrate artificial intelligence to take my business to a more innovative and sustainable level.”
Anousha Mohon, founder of Anousha Mohon Coaching, said:
“The programme enabled me to take a real step forward in my entrepreneurial journey. I not only gained confidence but also learned to adopt a more strategic vision of my business. Today, I see myself not just as a founder but also as a leader capable of building strong systems, structuring my financial forecasts, and better understanding my clients.”
Natacha Mudhoo, founder of Enchanted, added:
“The programme helped me clarify my vision as a businesswoman. I particularly appreciated the practical tools related to financial management and planning, which gave me more confidence to refine my model and anticipate growth. My ambition now is to continue applying these lessons to adapt my strategy and grow my business with confidence.”
Through this initiative, Absa Mauritius reaffirms its commitment to being a force for good. By supporting these entrepreneurs, the bank directly contributes to their empowerment and their impact on economic and social development.
Beyond entrepreneurship, Absa Mauritius also works for the wellbeing of the community through concrete initiatives such as the Stories of Hope programme, which raises awareness about cancer screening, and the renovation of the Ladies Ward at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital. These actions demonstrate its determination to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.
