SheTrades Mission 2026 to Strengthen Rwanda-Mauritius Business Partnerships Under AfCFTA
The “SheTrades Mission 2026,” organized by the SheTrades Mauritius Hub under the Economic Development Board (EDB) Mauritius in partnership with the SheTrades Rwanda Hub hosted by the Private Sector Federation (PSF), will take place from May 18 to 20, 2026.
The initiative is expected to bring together around 18 women-led enterprises from Mauritius operating in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, ICT and digital services, education and training, healthcare and life sciences, cosmetics and personal care, textiles, tourism, handicrafts, and agro-processing.
According to the organizers, the mission is designed to facilitate market access, strengthen regional value chains, promote business-to-business collaboration, and support the international expansion of women-owned enterprises through practical engagement opportunities.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for Monday, May 18, at Park Inn by Radisson Hotel in Kigali. The event will convene senior government officials, business leaders, and representatives from regional trade and investment institutions.
Over the three-day programme, participants will engage in high-level business forums, networking sessions, capacity-building workshops, market intelligence exchanges, curated B2B matchmaking meetings, exhibition activities for women-led businesses, as well as site visits to selected institutions and companies in Rwanda.
Speaking ahead of the event, Thérèse Sekamana, Chairperson of the PSF Specialized Cluster, said the initiative represents an important opportunity for African women entrepreneurs to strengthen regional trade cooperation.
“African women entrepreneurs possess immense potential to transform regional trade. This collaboration creates a valuable platform for women-led businesses from Rwanda and Mauritius to build partnerships, exchange knowledge, and access new markets under AfCFTA,” she said.
Organizers noted that Rwanda was selected to host the mission due to its growing economy, investor-friendly business environment, commitment to women’s economic empowerment, and expanding opportunities in sectors aligned with the priorities of Mauritian entrepreneurs.
The mission is also expected to reinforce collaboration among African SheTrades Hubs while fostering sustainable commercial partnerships that can contribute to a more interconnected ecosystem supporting women in trade across the continent.
Nirmala Jeetah, Director of Healthcare & Life Sciences and SheTrades Mauritius Hub at the Economic Development Board Mauritius, said the mission reflects a broader commitment to helping Mauritian women entrepreneurs expand into African markets.
“This mission reflects our strong commitment to supporting Mauritian women entrepreneurs in expanding beyond traditional markets and building sustainable business relationships across Africa. Rwanda presents strategic opportunities for innovation, investment, and trade,” she noted.
