Absa Mauritius celebrated a major milestone in its commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs with the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of the Absa Women Forward programme. Launched in May 2025, the programme supported nine outstanding entrepreneurs through an intensive journey of training, coaching and mentoring, designed to accelerate the growth of their businesses and amplify their economic and social impact.
Over several months, participants received personalised support covering financial management, digital marketing, leadership, human resources, and sustainability. They were also introduced to innovative tools such as artificial intelligence. The programme concluded with a business pitch, where each entrepreneur presented her strategy, marketing plan, and financial forecasts, while demonstrating the positive change she aims to create through her business.
The graduates of this year’s cohort represent a wide range of sectors:
- Dorine Lo Hun (Clido) – Production of artisanal pickles
- Anousha Mohon (Anousha Mohon Coaching) – Relationship coaching, emotional well-being
- Deepta Soodaye (Deecraft) – Sustainable handcrafted jute bags
- Patricia Mallet (Flymates Limited) – Aviation training
- Virginie Saramandif (Odyvir Consulting) – Mental health and well-being through coaching
- Natacha Mudhoo (Enchanted) – Luxury artisanal gift baskets
- Sabine Lamusse-Affouye (Sabine Lamuse Aromatologue) – Natural cosmetics and aromatherapy care
- Kalvay (Pamela) Sobran (Villa Alizé) – Eco-friendly guesthouse
- Coraline Serret (Peizan) – Aquaponic farming and sustainable food production
This initiative reflects Absa Mauritius’ strong commitment to supporting women entrepreneurs and aligns with its purpose: Empowering Africa’s tomorrow… together, one story at a time. “We are proud to have accompanied these nine extraordinary women throughout their journey with Absa Women Forward. This programme was more than a training: it enabled each of them to write a new chapter for their business, strengthen their resilience and look ahead to a sustainable future. At Absa, we believe every story matters, and when women are supported and empowered, they have the power to transform not only their businesses, but also their communities and our economy,” said Jennifer Johnson, Head of Marketing and Corporate Relations at Absa Mauritius.
Jean-Jacques André, EdTech consultant and lead mentor of the programme, added: “As a mentor, I witnessed a remarkable transformation in these entrepreneurs. They shifted from a traditional vision of business to an integrated approach that embraces both technological innovation and sustainability. Through the training modules and the use of artificial intelligence tools, they gained confidence, sharpened their strategies, and nurtured their creativity. This programme demonstrates the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs in Mauritius: to foster innovation, reduce inequalities and create lasting impact for their businesses and communities.”
The participants also shared how the programme reshaped their entrepreneurial journeys. For Virginie Saramandif, founder of Odyvir Consulting, the journey was about finding structure and confidence. She explained how it helped her clarify her business model, measure her impact more effectively, and build the resilience needed to innovate: “I now feel ready to embrace new tools like artificial intelligence to take my company to the next level.”
Echoing this sense of growth, Anousha Mohon, founder of Anousha Mohon Coaching, described the programme as a turning point in her journey: “It gave me the courage to think bigger and approach my business with a clear, strategic vision. Today, I see myself not just as an entrepreneur, but as a leader ready to build solid foundations and grow with purpose.”
That clarity also resonated with Natacha Mudhoo, founder of Enchanted, who highlighted the practical impact of the training: “The sessions on finance and planning gave me the confidence to refine my vision and anticipate growth. I now feel equipped to adapt my strategy and lead my business forward with assurance.”
Through initiatives like Absa Women Forward, Absa Mauritius reaffirms its commitment to being an active force for good. By supporting these entrepreneurs, the bank contributes directly to their empowerment and their impact on economic and social development. Beyond entrepreneurship, Absa Mauritius also works to improve community well-being through initiatives such as the Stories of Hope programme, which raises awareness of cancer screening, and the renovation of the Ladies Ward at Jawaharlal Nehru Hospital. These actions reflect Absa’s determination to help build a more inclusive, prosperous and sustainable future for all.
