The Economic Development Board (EDB), host agency for the SheTrades Mauritius Hub, successfully hosted the fourth session of the SheInvests: Financial Literacy Training Series for Women Entrepreneurs on 22 July 2026 at the EDB Headquarters in Ebene. The session, entitled “Financial Risk Management and Insurance for Women-Led Businesses,” was organised in collaboration with the Indian Business Council (IBC) and brought together women entrepreneurs seeking to strengthen the financial resilience and sustainability of their businesses.
In her welcome remarks, Mrs Nirmala Jeetah, Director of Healthcare & Life Sciences and the ITC SheTrades Mauritius Hub at the EDB, reaffirmed the Hub’s commitment to equipping women-led businesses with the knowledge, skills and tools required to thrive in an increasingly competitive and uncertain business environment. She also acknowledged the valuable partnership of the Indian Business Council (IBC) in supporting initiatives that enhance the capabilities and resilience of women entrepreneurs.
Mrs Jeetah highlighted that effective financial risk management is a key pillar of business sustainability and growth, enabling entrepreneurs to anticipate challenges, protect their businesses and make informed decisions. She noted that the session would provide participants with practical insights from industry experts on managing financial risks, strengthening business resilience and leveraging appropriate strategies to support long-term success.
A special highlight of the programme was the presentation by Ms Padminee Chundunsing, President and Founder of the Canada–Mauritius Trade and Investment Venture, who has travelled from Canada and is participating in the session. Ms Chundunsing emphasised the importance of further strengthening the trade and investment relationship between Mauritius and Canada, highlighting the significant potential for collaboration between the two markets.
Impressed by the talent, creativity and innovative spirit demonstrated by Mauritian entrepreneurs, she encouraged women-led businesses to actively explore opportunities to connect with Canadian partners through avenues such as financing, mentorship, knowledge exchange and business networking. She stated that stronger collaboration between entrepreneurs, institutions and business networks can create new pathways for market access, expand commercial opportunities and contribute to increased trade flows between Mauritius and Canada.
The technical session was delivered by Ms Ruchi Pal, Credit Head, and Mr Siddharth Mahanty, Risk Head, from Bank of Baroda (Mauritius) Ltd. Drawing on their extensive experience in banking, credit and enterprise risk management, the speakers provided practical guidance on identifying, assessing and mitigating financial risks that businesses commonly face.
The presentation covered key aspects of financial risk management, including effective cash flow management, credit risk, operational and market risks, business continuity planning, and the strategic role of insurance in safeguarding business assets. Participants also gained a better understanding of enterprise risk management, cyber and climate-related risks, and the importance of adopting proactive risk management practices to support sustainable business growth.
During the interactive question-and-answer session participants engaged directly with the speakers, raising practical questions on business financing, risk mitigation strategies, insurance coverage and financial planning. The discussions reflected the growing interest among women entrepreneurs in strengthening their financial decision-making capabilities and building resilient enterprises.
Among the key messages highlighted was the importance of embracing digitalisation, particularly by digitalising business transactions as much as possible. The adoption of digital payment solutions and financial management tools can help improve operational efficiency, enhance transparency, reduce risks and enable entrepreneurs to maintain accurate financial records for better decision-making.
The session further highlighted the strategic role of insurance solutions in safeguarding businesses against operational disruptions, liabilities and unexpected events. Entrepreneurs were encouraged to strengthen financial discipline through proper record-keeping, budgeting and informed financial planning, which can also contribute to improving their access to financing opportunities.
The fourth session of SheInvests Financial Literacy Training Series, the workshop reaffirmed the commitment of the EDB to empowering women entrepreneurs through targeted capacity-building initiatives that strengthen financial literacy, enhance business resilience and support sustainable growth. The series will conclude with its fifth and final session, continuing its mission of equipping women-led businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed locally and internationally.
