“It was important to bring our local corporate closer to our SMEs”

Last week, Business Mauritius (BM), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), unveiled the Business Link platform. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between large corporations and SMEs, enabling a smoother exchange of business opportunities. The platform encourages large corporations to diversify their procurement processes by integrating a wider range of suppliers, thereby promoting a more inclusive business environment. Key features include automated notifications, customisable profiles, and a comprehensive directory of active procurement notices, complete with detailed contact information.

Jennifer Webb de Comarmond, Chair of the SME Committee at Business Mauritius, underscored the critical role SMEs play in the Mauritian economy and the broader community. “SMEs are crucial for employment in Mauritius, for innovation, resilience, and economic stability, as well as community development,” she stated. She highlighted the fact that Mauritius boasts around 125,000 registered SMEs, a figure that translates into significant economic impact. In 2022, SMEs accounted for approximately 257,000 jobs, which represented 47% of total employment in the country. Additionally, SMEs contributed 34% to Mauritius’ GDP in 2020.

The SME Procurement Platform is designed to connect large enterprises and SMEs based on procurement needs. SMEs can have access to broader market opportunities

The emphasis on SMEs as drivers of innovation and economic stability is not just rhetoric. “SMEs also contribute to our economic diversification,” she noted, pointing out the nation’s heavy reliance on a few key sectors such as tourism, manufacturing, textile, ICT, and financial services. The flexibility and agility of SMEs allow them to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the economy remains resilient in the face of challenges.

“About 50% of registered SMEs are moved by women”

“Our SME landscape is evolving, with SMEs increasingly focused on the services industry and startups, diversifying and welcoming a new generation in our new SME landscape,” the Chair of the SME Committee remarked.

She also emphasised the growing role of women in the SME sector, citing a key figure from the Economic Development Board (EDB) budget newsletter: “About 50% of registered SMEs are moved by women.“ This statistic not only highlights the vital contribution of women to the economy, but also serves as a testament to the inclusive nature of the SME sector in Mauritius.

The COVID-19 pandemic was a significant turning point for SMEs in Mauritius. The SME subcommittee of Business Mauritius, which emerged in response to the crisis, conducted three surveys in collaboration with Statistics Mauritius to understand the pandemic’s impact on SMEs. The findings, as Jennifer Webb de Comarmond explained, revealed three main challenges: difficulty in recruiting local staff, lack of cash flow, and foreign exchange rates affecting import prices.

In response to these challenges, the idea of the Business Link platform was conceived. “We identified that it was important to bring together, through an aligned platform, our local corporate closer to our SMEs, thus creating more business opportunities for both parties,” she underscored. The platform thus aims to provide work opportunities and visibility to SMEs, while enabling large companies to have first-hand access to a network of SMEs. This initiative is a significant step toward making corporates and larger businesses more SME-inclusive in their procurement decisions.

“SMEs thriving in Mauritius today are inspiring entrepreneurs of expertise, resilience, determination, and energy,” the Chair of the SME Committee said, praising their deep-rooted knowledge of local culture and their understanding of client needs. 

Kevin Ramkaloan, CEO of Business Mauritius, highlighted that the Business Link platform aligns perfectly with BM’s vision of fostering a more inclusive, dynamic, and prosperous business community. He emphasized that the platform is more than just a procurement tool, describing it as a catalyst for unlocking opportunities for businesses of all sizes through strengthened connections. Mr. Ramkaloan also expressed gratitude for the invaluable support from UNDP and the members of the Economic Commission and SME working group in the development of the platform.

Zaahira Ebramjee, Head of National Economic Collaboration at Business Mauritius, stated that the Launch of the SME Procurement Platform marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with centralised access to business opportunities and prospects for growth. She added that the aim of this project was to effectively address the limited access to markets, which is one of the main challenges faced by SMEs. 

“The SME Procurement Platform is designed to connect large enterprises and SMEs based on procurement needs. This initiative embodies our commitment to facilitating connections and encouraging a level playing field where SMEs can have access to broader market opportunities. We are very grateful for the support and financing from UNDP, which have been instrumental in bringing this project to life. This collaboration further highlights the power of partnership in driving forward innovative solutions for our business community. We endeavour to create a more inclusive, competitive, and efficient procurement environment. As we embark on this new journey, I encourage all SMEs to actively engage with the platform, explore the opportunities it offers, and leverage it to expand your business horizons. I am confident that the SME Procurement Platform will become an invaluable resource, fostering growth, innovation, and resilience within our SME community,” she highlighted.