Inclusive Growth Mauritius: 5 Powerful Ways Co-Ops Are Driving Change

The pursuit of inclusive growth Mauritius has taken a bold new direction with the renewed focus on cooperatives as key drivers of economic equity. On 5 July 2025, the nation marked the International Day of Cooperatives at the Paul Octave Wiéhé Auditorium in Réduit, under the theme: “Cooperatives: Driving Inclusive and Sustainable Solutions for a Better World.”

Organized by the Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperative, the event highlighted how cooperatives are transforming livelihoods across urban and rural communities. From agriculture to fisheries and retail, these member-owned enterprises are proving that economic growth doesn’t have to come at the expense of fairness.

For more on cooperative development in Africa, visit International Co-operative Alliance.

Why Inclusive Growth Matters for Mauritius

A Nation Committed to Equity

The concept of inclusive growth Mauritius goes beyond GDP numbers. It’s about ensuring that every citizen — regardless of background or location — has access to opportunities, resources, and dignity in work.

While Mauritius has achieved remarkable economic progress since independence, disparities remain. Rural areas, small island dependencies like Rodrigues, and low-income urban neighborhoods often see limited benefits from national growth.

Cooperatives offer a proven model to bridge this gap. Unlike traditional corporations, they are owned and governed by their members, who share profits and decision-making power equally. This democratic structure makes them natural allies in the fight for inclusive development.

The Role of Government and Policy Support

The Ministry of Industry, SME and Cooperative has launched several initiatives to strengthen the cooperative sector, including:

• Low-interest loans and grants for new co-ops
• Training programs in financial literacy and governance
• Tax incentives for cooperatives in underserved regions
• Digital integration support for market access

On our sustainable economy hub, we explore how policy innovation is reshaping economic participation across the island.

Five Powerful Ways Cooperatives Drive Inclusive Growth

1. Empowering Small-Scale Farmers and Fishers

One of the most impactful applications of inclusive growth Mauritius is in agriculture and fisheries. Thousands of small producers struggle with market access, price volatility, and exploitation by middlemen.

Cooperatives like the **Mauritius Sugar Cooperative Federation** and **Fishermen’s Co-op of Grand Baie** have changed the game. By pooling resources, they can negotiate better prices, invest in processing facilities, and export directly.

According to a 2024 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (*source here*), cooperative members earn up to 40% more than their non-cooperative peers due to reduced costs and fairer distribution of profits.

2. Creating Jobs in Underserved Communities

Unemployment and underemployment remain challenges in certain parts of Mauritius. The inclusive growth Mauritius strategy leverages cooperatives to create dignified, community-based jobs.

For example, the **Phoenix Women’s Recycling Cooperative** employs over 120 women in waste sorting and upcycling. Not only does this generate income, but it also contributes to environmental sustainability.

These jobs are resilient because they are rooted in local needs and owned by the workers themselves — reducing dependency on external employers or foreign investment.

3. Promoting Financial Inclusion Through Credit Unions

Access to credit is a major barrier to entrepreneurship. Traditional banks often exclude low-income individuals due to lack of collateral.

Credit unions — a form of financial cooperative — are helping to close this gap. Under the inclusive growth Mauritius framework, credit unions like **Caisse Coopérative de Beau Bassin** offer microloans, savings accounts, and insurance with flexible terms.

These institutions are built on trust and mutual responsibility, making them more accessible and accountable than conventional financial services.

4. Supporting Youth and Women Entrepreneurs

The cooperative model is particularly effective in empowering marginalized groups. Young people and women, who often face systemic barriers to business ownership, find a supportive ecosystem within co-ops.

Programs like the **National Youth Cooperative Scheme** provide training, seed funding, and mentorship for young entrepreneurs launching co-op ventures in tech, tourism, and creative industries.

In 2025 alone, over 80 youth-led cooperatives were registered, many focusing on digital platforms and green businesses — signaling a new wave of innovation driven by inclusion.

5. Strengthening Local Economies and Reducing Leakage

Tourism brings billions to Mauritius, but much of the revenue leaks out through foreign-owned hotels and imported goods. The inclusive growth Mauritius vision seeks to keep wealth circulating locally.

Local food cooperatives now supply fresh produce to hotels and restaurants, while craft cooperatives sell authentic souvenirs directly to tourists. This keeps money within the community and supports circular economies.

As Minister of Industry stated: “When a fisherman sells his catch to a co-op that reinvests in the village, that’s real inclusive growth.”

Public and International Recognition

Local Enthusiasm and Community Engagement

The celebration of the International Day of Cooperatives 2025 was met with widespread enthusiasm. Over 500 delegates attended, including cooperative leaders, government officials, and international observers.

Testimonials from co-op members highlighted personal transformations — from escaping poverty to gaining leadership skills and confidence.

Social media buzzed with hashtags like #CoopMaurice and #InclusiveGrowth, showcasing stories of resilience and collective success.

A Model for Africa and Beyond

The success of the inclusive growth Mauritius approach has drawn attention from across Africa. Countries like Kenya, Senegal, and Madagascar are studying the Mauritian model for cooperative development.

At the recent BRICS+ summit, African leaders highlighted cooperatives as a key tool for achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals.

“Mauritius shows that small economies can lead in inclusive innovation,” said Dr. Amina Jallow, an economic advisor at the UN Economic Commission for Africa.

Images and Alt Text Optimized

Image 1: Cooperative members at a farmers’ market in Curepipe

Keywords for image: inclusive growth Mauritius, cooperative farmers, local market, sustainable agriculture

Image 2: Women working in a recycling cooperative in Phoenix

Keywords for image: inclusive growth Mauritius, women cooperatives, recycling project, community empowerment

Source of the article: https://allafrica.com