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SADC Workshop 2026

Unlocking Trade-in Services Opportunities for Youth and Women led Businesses in SADC countries

08 to 09 April 2026 : Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel

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About the Workshop

About

The SheTrades Mauritius Hub, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and the SADC Secretariat, is organizing a 2-day capacity-building workshop for youth and women entrepreneurs in Mauritius. The workshop aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to leverage trade in services opportunities within the SADC region. Participants will gain insights into relevant frameworks, address gaps in digital capabilities, and enhance understanding of foreign market requirements, cross-border payments, contracts, and data protection standards.

Trade in services has become a key driver of economic growth globally and plays a particularly significant role in the Mauritian economy. Over recent years, services have accounted for over 70% of Mauritius’ total exports, reflecting the country’s structural shift toward a knowledge- and services-based economy.

Key service export sectors include tourism and travel, financial and business services, ICT, and professional services. Travel services alone constitute a substantial share of services exports, highlighting Mauritius’ competitiveness as a regional services hub. Meanwhile, the ICT sector continues to grow as a contributor to national output and exports, underscoring the increasing importance of digital trade in services.

Globally, services trade is expanding rapidly, supported by digital technologies that allow businesses to deliver services across borders without a physical presence. Digital platforms, cloud-based tools, remote collaboration systems, and fintech solutions have significantly lowered entry barriers for small and women-led enterprises.

This workshop seeks to empower Mauritian youth and women-led service businesses to access regional and international markets by enhancing their knowledge of trade in services and their use of digital tools to boost export competitiveness.

Why attend the workshop?

Why

Workshop Agenda

Agenda

Speakers

Speakers

Day 1 - Wednesday 08 April 2026

Mr Reinaldo Mendiate

Acting Senior Programme Officer for Trade
SADC Secretariat

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Mr Reinaldo Ernesto Joao Mendiate

Reinaldo Ernesto Joao Mendiate is from Mozambique and works as a Programme Officer for Multilateral Trade. He is currently the Acting Senior Programme Officer for Trade.

In his current role, he oversees activities related to trade in goods, trade in services, and trade-related issues, including competition policy. Additionally, he coordinates SADC Secretariat actions under the COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite framework and matters related to the AfCFTA.

He holds a BA in International Relations and Diplomacy, an MA in International Trade Law, and a PhD in International Development.

Ms Viola Sawere

Project Team Leader of the EU/German Joint Action on Trade in Services (TiS) 
SADC Secretariat

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Ms Viola Sawere

Ms Viola Sawere is a trade expert with extensive knowledge of Africa’s trade in services policy landscape. She is the Project Team Leader of the EU/German Joint Action on Trade in Services in the SADC Region, supporting services liberalisation, promoting services export opportunities and regulatory reforms in the region.

Over the last decade, Viola has advised the SADC, EAC and AfCFTA Secretariats and Member States on the regional trade in services negotiations and policy interventions. She has a good experience negotiating and developing trade agreements, and supporting capacity-building interventions, including pro-trade regulation and private sector development policies. Ms Viola has delivered consultancy services with various regional and international organisations, including regulatory reviews and evaluation of the implementation of trade agreements. She has also authored several research and policy papers on various trade topics published by international institutions such as the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development (ICTSD)and the Trade Law Centre (tralac).

Ms Rehema Nzallawahe

Regional Policy Advisor for the SADC Trade in Services (TiS) Project
SADC Secretariat

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Ms Rehema Nzallawahe

Ms. Rehema Nzallawahe is Regional Policy Advisor for the SADC Trade in Services (TiS) Project. She previously served as Trade Policy Advisor – AfCFTA at the East African Community and as a senior trade official in Tanzania’s Ministry of Industry and Trade. She has extensive experience in regional integration, policy development, and multilateral negotiations.

Ms Faith Mbakhwa

International Trade and Development Policy Analyst
SADC Secretariat

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Ms Faith Mbakhwa

Faith Mbakhwa is an international trade and development policy analyst with experience spanning multilateral, regional, and development cooperation contexts. She currently works as a technical advisor supporting the Trade in Services Project. Her expertise includes international economics, the theory and practice of trade facilitation and trade in services.

Mr Vrigesh Futta

Director, AI and Innovation,
BDO IT Consulting

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Mr Vrigesh Futta

Vrigesh Futta is Director of AI & Innovation at BDO IT Consulting, where he leads initiatives in artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and emerging technologies. He has 20 years of experience in the ICT industry, with professional exposure across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States.

He was previously the Executive Director of the Mauritius Emerging Technologies Council (METC), where he played a role in shaping national strategies, advising government, and coordinating initiatives to advance AI adoption and governance. Earlier in his career, he advised senior executives in large organisations and governments across multiple regions on IT strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, with a focus on aligning technology with business priorities and delivering measurable impactful value.

Vrigesh is a seasoned executive who has served on several national boards and committees, including the National ICT Advisory Council. His career spans projects across finance, telecommunications, mining, government, manufacturing, and retail.

He is also actively engaged in the ethics of artificial intelligence at a global level and is a member of UNESCO’s AI Ethics Experts Without Borders, contributing to the development of ethical frameworks for AI.

Mrs Farha Jhumka

Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer,
Bluefox SAS

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Mrs Farha Jhumka

Farha Jhumka is an AI × Human Transformation Architect with 22 years of experience leading complex change across financial services, technology, and regulated environments.

She works at the intersection of people, AI, and execution — helping organisations move from strategy to results by strengthening decision-making, governance and human readiness.

An International Certified New Code NLP Coach, she brings a neuro-strategic approach to support leaders in navigating AI-driven change with clarity, confidence and consistency.

Mr Neil Hare-Brown

Chief Executive Officer
Storm Guidance

Mr Vivek Mathur

Chief Executive Officer
The Cloud Factory

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Mr Vivek Mathur

Vivek Mathur is a technology entrepreneur and Founder of The Cloud Factory, operating across Mauritius and the UK. His journey runs from data centre platforms to cloud, cybersecurity, and now AI. Vivek speaks on how organisations can move beyond experimentation to responsible, secure, and value driven AI—turning rapid technological change into real productivity and competitive advantage.

Day 2 - Thursday 09 April 2026

Dr Sameera Chattun

Founder
Safe Sha Training Centre Ltd

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Dr Sameera Chattun Koyratty

Dr. Sameera is the Founder and CEO of Beach & Sportswear Ltd and Safe Sha Training Centre Ltd, and is widely recognised as a distinguished advocate for women’s leadership and entrepreneurship across Africa. With a dynamic professional background that spans business development, social advocacy, and capacity building, Dr. Sameera has been instrumental in promoting women’s economic empowerment through both her business ventures and her leadership roles in various international networks.

Since 2017, she has served as the Mauritius Chapter Lead for Women in Tech Africa, the largest women-in-tech group on the continent. She is also an international mentor with the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women guiding and empowering female entrepreneurs globally.

Dr. Sameera’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by a deep commitment to empowering others, championing gender equality, and contributing to socio-economic development. Her inspiring leadership continues to drive positive change, enabling women to take on greater roles in business, technology, and society.

Ms Varuna Bangaleea

Chief Executive Officer
nVision IT

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Ms Varuna Bangaleea

Varuna Bangaleea is the Founder and CEO of nVisionIT Ltd, a Mauritius-based software engineering and digital transformation company delivering national and enterprise platforms across Africa. She leads the strategy, architecture and delivery of several large-scale systems including the Mauritian MauPass/KOREK national digital services platform, the LESPWAR gender-based violence mobile application, the SEKIRITE emergency mobile application for vulnerable and elderly citizens, government case management and corporate governance solutions, as well as a banking solution operating in 10 African countries.

Under her leadership, nVisionIT received the Microsoft Global Partner of the Year Award 2023, along with multiple international innovation awards.
She is the Women in Tech® Africa Leadership Award 2024 winner and subsequently became the Global Winner – Women in Tech® Leadership Award 2024, becoming the first Mauritian and African to receive this distinction at a global level. Varuna regularly speaks at forums and events, sharing her experience and perspectives on digital transformation and technology service export opportunities for African companies.

Mrs Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul, SC

Senior Partner
Dentons

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Mrs Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul

Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul is a Senior Partner at Dentons Mauritius, with over 25 years’ experience advising on cross-border investment, trade and structuring across Africa and Asia. She supports financial institutions, funds and family offices on market entry, regulatory alignment and trade-linked investments. With strong board and governance expertise, she brings a practical perspective on enabling trade flows, managing risk and positioning Mauritius as a platform connecting international capital to regional opportunities.

Mrs Shabnam Ismael

Director & Partner
CQ Tech Ltd

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Mrs Shabnam Esmael

Raised in Paris and based in Mauritius for over 30 years, Shabnam is a globally minded, purpose-driven leader with more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience. As the co-founder of a pioneering security firm specialising in advanced technologies and AI integration, she has consistently operated at the forefront of innovation and strategic growth.

Ms Samantha Seewoosurrun

Director
Perpetual Motion Ltd

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Ms Samantha Seewoosurrun

Samantha Seewoosurrun is Managing Director of the PR and publishing agency Perpetual Motion Ltd. She is a Chartered PR Practitioner and communications strategist, adviser, editor and trainer, with a strong focus on emerging markets, including Mauritius and the African continent. She is deeply committed to promoting women entrepreneurship, as the Co-Chair of the Women Entrepreneur Awards in Mauritius, a former Women in Africa Ambassador for Mauritius and founder of Platform Africa, a pan-African news platform which provides opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Mauritius and Africa to showcase their businesses.

Ms Shahannah Abdoolakhan

Founder Abler Group
Chief Executive Officer
Abler Consulting

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Ms Shahannah Abdoolakhan

Shahannah Abdoolakhan is the Founder and CEO of Abler Group, a consulting company specialising in AML/CFT/CPF compliance solutions. With 22 years of experience, Shahannah offers deep expertise in navigating complex regulatory frameworks. As an Independent Director and advisor, she contributes to strengthening governance and compliance across sectors. At Abler, Shahannah leads the mission to simplify regulatory obligations, enabling businesses to operate efficiently and confidently with long term resilience.

Mrs Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin- Chabert

Founder and Director
In Situ

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Mrs. Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin Chabert

Elizabeth de Marcy Chelin Chabert is a Mauritian creative strategist, brand storyteller, and entrepreneur working across retail, design, and experiential marketing. She helps brands translate their identity into meaningful customer experiences through strategy, spatial design, and storytelling. Collaborating across fashion, beauty, hospitality, and wellness, she supports launches and brand positioning. A graduate of L’École des Beaux-Arts, she also advocates for women’s visibility and leadership in business through her writing and engagements.

Mr Aakash Mishra

Assistant Director, Supervision Directorate
Financial Services Commission of Mauritius

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Mr Aakash Mishra

Aakash holds the post of Assistant Director, Fintech Supervision at the FSC since 02 September 2024. He joined the Commission in October 2018 and was earlier heading Insurance and Pensions cluster for 6 years. Currently he is also overseeing the Supervision Directorate of the FSC which includes Funds, Global Business, Insurance and Pensions, Capital Markets besides Fintech.

Aakash Chairs the FSC Application Committee and AML Calibration Committee.

He reckons over 35 years of Financial Industry experience. He has been a past President of Insurers Association of Mauritius from 2014 to 2016.

He has worked in senior management positions in Mauritius, Tanzania and India in leading insurance companies.
Aakash currently sits as Vice Chair in the Governance Working Group (GWG) of International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS).

Ms Jessica Naga

Group Chief Executive Officer
MINDEX

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Ms Jessica Naga

The Group CEO of MINDEX, a regulated Virtual Assets investment ecosystem; A Qualified Barrister from England & Wales and Mauritius with over 22 years of practice The President of the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) of Mauritius.

In 2020, Jessica was the laureate of Women In Africa 54 (WIA 54) in the digital sphere, and in 2021 and 2022, formed part of the 100 International Women in FinTech Power list of Innovate Finance, UK.

She was also the winner of the Most Innovative FinTech CEO 2024 award, by APAC Insider Magazine. In January 2025, she won the Crypto Infrastructure CEO of 2024 award for Africa.

Ms Rubina Toorawa

Country Head, Mauritius & Regional Head of India
Apex

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Ms Rubina Toorawa

Rubina joined Sanne, now Apex Financial Services Mauritius, in 1999. As Country Head, Mauritius & Regional Head of India, she is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the business with oversight of business operations & development.

Prior to joining the company in March 1999, Rubina was a Senior Manager with PwC (Mauritius), with exposure in the financial, textile and tourism sectors, including management of overseas projects financed by international financial institutions.

She had previously worked for KPMG (Manchester) for six years, where she specialised in the banking and finance sector and value for money audits. She has over 35 years of experience in fund structuring and administration, accountancy, auditing, tax and consultancy.

Mrs Nirmala Jeetah

Director Healthcare and Lifesciences, ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub
EDB Mauritius

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Mrs. Nirmala Jeetah

Mrs. Nirmala Jeetah is the Director Healthcare and Lifesciences, ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub at the Economic Development Board (EDB) of Mauritius, overseeing the healthcare, life sciences, and pharmaceutical sectors since August 2021. As from January 2024, she also assumed responsibility for the International Trade Centre (ITC) SheTrades Initiative, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs and integrate them into global value chains.

Prior to her current role, Mrs. Jeetah served as Head of the CEO’s Office and previously led the Manufacturing – New Industries cluster at EDB. She has also held senior leadership roles in the Planning & Policy cluster, and the Manufacturing, Freeport, and Agro-Industry departments at the former Board of Investment.

Mrs. Jeetah is a graduate of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. She holds a Master’s in Investment Promotion and Economic Development from Edinburgh Napier University, a Master’s in Quality Management from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, and an MBA in Innovation and Leadership from Ducerre Business School, Australia.

With a career spanning nearly two decades, she brings extensive expertise in investment policy review, investment agreement negotiations, promotion strategies, and investment project facilitation. She has played a key role in Mauritius’ investment climate reform initiatives since 2006 and has represented the country on several international platforms to share Mauritius’ best practices in improving the ease of doing business.

From 2015 to 2017, she served as Chair of the SADC Investment Committee, contributing to regional investment policy harmonization and cooperation.

Ms Manisha Dookhony

Chief Executive Officer
Terramont Capital Partners

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Ms Manisha Dookhony

A globally recognized economist and board leader with dual Master’s degrees from Harvard University, Manisha Dookhony brings over 15 years of non-executive director experience across Africa. She serves as Country Chair of G100 and is the immediate past Chairperson of the Africa Legal Support Facility (AfDB) and Mindex Group. She currently sits on the boards of Telfair Education Group, the Financial Services Institute, and Women in Finance Rwanda. Her executive career includes leading multi-million-dollar EU and African initiatives, advising governments on investment reform, and serving as CEO of Terramont Capital Partners. With deep expertise in corporate governance, risk management, and financial services across more than 30 African countries, she is a trusted advisor on investment strategy and economic transformation. She was named one of the Top 10 Women in Investment and Finance by the Angaza Forum.

Mrs Tilotma Gobin-Jhurry,

Advisor on Payments System and Digital
Bank of Mauritius

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