Celebrating 1,410 Cooperatives Driving Mauritius Forward

In an acknowledgment of the power of cooperation, the United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Cooperatives, under the stirring theme, “Cooperatives Build a Better World.” On 6th March, Aadil Ameer Meea, the Minister of Industry, SMEs, and Cooperatives, took to the podium during a press conference at the ministry’s headquarters in Port-Louis to unveil forthcoming initiatives aimed at fortifying the cooperative sector while recognising the hurdles that lie ahead.

Cooperatives have deep roots in Mauritius, having been established over 112 years ago when the first cooperative was registered in 1913 by a group of small sugarcane planters.

Today, they have morphed into a vital part of the economy, with 1,410 active cooperatives uniting 87,000 members and generating an impressive annual turnover of nearly Rs 5 billion across more than 25 economic sectors.

On a global scale, more than 3 million cooperatives connect a staggering billion members—one in eight people—and provide livelihoods for around 280 million individuals.

Minister Meea passionately articulated the significance of cooperatives in tackling a myriad of global challenges.

“The theme of the International Year of Cooperatives underscores the vital role these institutions play in social, environmental, and economic development, as well as in food security, poverty alleviation, job creation, social integration, and women’s empowerment,” he remarked.

He emphasised that this year is aiming to champion cooperatives as a promising business alternative, support their growth, and foster improvements in legislation to build a more conducive legal framework for their flourishing.

To commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives, the ministry has teamed up with key stakeholders to organise a series of activities.

A calendar of 14 events, running from 17th March to 11th December, has been established, featuring notable gatherings such as the Independence Fair at Quatre Bornes Market, a mini-exhibition of local products, and a culinary showcase.

Members of cooperatives are encouraged to participate and showcase their contributions to the socio-economic landscape of Mauritius.

However, amidst this celebration, the challenges faced by the sector were laid bare.

The Minister highlighted critical issues including an ageing membership base, skill shortages, lack of resources, deviations from cooperative ideals, restricted access to financing, limited market opportunities, inadequate visibility, low member participation, and the far-reaching impacts of climate change.

In light of these challenges, the minister reiterated the government’s commitment to promoting cooperatives as vital partners in fostering economic growth and ensuring environmental sustainability.

He announced several measures aimed for the period 2025-2029 that are designed to enhance the cooperative framework, introduce innovative incentives for competitiveness, and assist cooperatives in leveraging export opportunities.

The government is planning to align cooperatives with sustainable development goals while reorganising the sector to consolidate cooperatives and maximise existing benefits.

Furthermore, the Cooperatives Division is currently consulting with cooperative societies in preparation for the upcoming budget, aiming to integrate these insights into fiscal proposals.

A strategic action plan will also be developed that encompasses these initiatives.

Revamping Industry through an Inclusive Dialogue

The recent Industry Forum on 16th February provided a pivotal platform for dialogue, aimed at rejuvenating and diversifying Mauritius’s industrial base.

The recommendations that emerged from this event are poised to play a crucial role in shaping actionable measures to be presented to the Ministry of Finance for the next budgetary cycle, with a final report to be submitted to the cabinet for approval.

The Forum sought to carve out a unified vision for the future of the manufacturing sector, enabling Mauritius to solidify its status as a premier source of quality products while identifying the obstacles that impede industrial advancement.

With 120 participants from both the public and private sectors, this collaborative effort underscored the need for a strategic five-year plan to revitalise the industry, especially in light of recent contractions evidenced by declining exports and investments.

Empowering SMEs for Economic Resilience

Recognising that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the heartbeat of the economy, the ministry, alongside SME Mauritius, has launched an entrepreneurial awareness programme that commenced on 27th January in Port-Louis, attracting around 350 participants.

The aim is to inspire individuals to unleash their entrepreneurial potential and foster partnerships.

Following its initial success, this programme will be rolled out across other regions of the island in the coming months.

In addition, the SME Act of 2017 will undergo revisions to address current challenges within the sector.

The Minister has engaged with stakeholders and assembled a committee to propose legislative amendments that will enhance the SME landscape.

Efforts are also underway to improve access to financing, while the ministry collaborates with the Labour Ministry to streamline work permits for foreign nationals.

An inter-ministerial committee is expected to soon present recommendations to the cabinet to bolster economic development.

In this moment of both challenge and opportunity, the government stands firm in its commitment to support the cooperative and SME sectors, steering them towards a brighter, more sustainable future for all Mauritians.

Source: l’Express