For micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), economic viability is a core issue. There is currently little clarity on market opportunities for green products or on the standards, inputs and expertise required for such products; however, the 10-year Master Plan for the SME Sector in Mauritius, currently being implemented, presents an opportunity to identify potential green products and value chains. A lack of innovation, including supply chain innovation, has also been identified as a key weakness across sectors in Mauritius. In addition, the capacity of support institutions and local eco-innovation experts is weak, and targeted support is needed to help enterprises adopt more up-to-date, appropriate technologies.
The Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), which is the association representing small and medium-sized enterprises in the country, also has capacity gaps. There is a need to streamline and rationalize business support services, such as by grouping experts under a single roof, which would enable SMEDA to provide services more efficiently.
The micro-, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) involved in SWITCH Africa Green projects in Mauritius benefit from technical advice on eco-innovation and aspects of sustainable consumption and production, such as resource efficiency, integrated waste management, energy efficiency and industrial symbiosis, as well as general business advice on management, including financial management.