The Economic Development Board of Mauritius (EDB), host agency of the ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub, in collaboration with the Indian Business Council, held the first session of a four-week training programme on Financial Literacy at its Head Office on Thursday, 30th April 2026. The session covered two fundamental topics namely “Introduction to financial literacy” and “Cash flow management and forecasting”.
In her opening remarks, Mrs Nirmala Jeetah, Director of the Healthcare & Life Sciences, ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub at the Economic Development Board, highlighted the importance of financial literacy in achieving inclusive and sustainable economic growth, emphasising that equipping women entrepreneurs with sound financial knowledge enables them to make informed decisions, strengthen their businesses, and contribute more effectively to the economy.
She emphasised that it extends beyond numbers, encompassing confidence, control and informed decision-making. She further outlined the themes of the forthcoming sessions which will progressively explore critical areas of financial management, strengthening the capacity of women entrepreneurs in building resilient businesses. The upcoming session will be on “Financial Statements”.
In her remarks, Mrs Meenakshi Saxena, Executive Director at the AMG Group and Assistant Treasurer at the Indian Business Council, expressed her appreciation for the continued impact of the Financial Literacy programmes, previously delivered in 2024 at the EDB in collaboration with the Indian Business Council. She encouraged women entrepreneurs to actively apply the key learnings and strengthen their financial management practices to support sustainable growth.
Mrs Babitha Koyipilly Sivanandan, Vice President in Retail Banking at the State Bank of India, delivered a very engaging and practical session aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs to take charge of their financial future. She gave a clear understanding of cash inflows and outflows which are fundamental in building both wealth and sustainable businesses. Key concepts such as assets, liabilities and equity were demystified while participants were encouraged to separate their personal and business finances to enhance financial discipline. Through relatable case studies, she showed that lasting businesses’ success lies not merely in sales but in the strategic planning, disciplined management and confident growth of their finances.
Mrs Anubha Bhargava, Vice President in Corporate Banking at the State Bank of India, highlighted how mastering cash flow management and forecasting can transform uncertainty into confidence. By understanding when money comes in and goes out, planning ahead and applying practical strategies, entrepreneurs are better equipped to sustain operations, seize growth opportunities and make informed decisions. With the right tools and mindset, every woman entrepreneur can build a resilient and thriving business that is ready to grow and compete.
Through this first session in Financial Literacy, the SheTrades Mauritius Hub maintained its commitment in addressing financial barriers, often faced by women entrepreneurs, which can hinder their path towards sustainable economic success. The workshop was highly beneficial and enhanced participants’ understanding of financial literacy.
To continue benefiting from opportunities, events and resources of the hub, women entrepreneurs are encouraged to register on the SheTrades Mauritius Platform via the following link.
