The United Nations Development Programme in Seychelles convened an event with small and medium-sized enterprises on 23 January at UNDP House in Bel Eau to celebrate entrepreneurship, gender equality, and regional trade integration. The gathering brought together senior government officials, diplomatic representatives, development partners, and participants of the Xport Accelerator Programme, reflecting strong national and regional support for SME development and inclusive economic growth.
The Xport Accelerator Programme is designed to strengthen export readiness among innovative and growth-oriented businesses, with a particular focus on women- and youth-led enterprises. Through its second cohort, launched last year, the programme selected 10 women-led Seychellois SMEs to receive tailored training, mentorship, and expert guidance. Each participating enterprise will also benefit from a USD 5,000 start-up grant aimed at supporting business expansion, improving competitiveness, and enabling effective participation in regional and international markets, especially within Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The initiative highlights UNDP’s broader commitment to positioning local entrepreneurs as key drivers of inclusive and sustainable economic development while advancing gender equality and women’s leadership in business. Speakers at the event underscored the role of SMEs in strengthening Seychelles’ economy and emphasized that targeted support can help local businesses move beyond domestic markets and successfully engage at the regional level.
Participants also shared insights on how the programme will contribute to business growth, increased production capacity, and long-term resilience. The support provided through the Xport Accelerator Programme is expected to enhance the contribution of Seychellois SMEs to key sectors, including food security and the blue economy, while reinforcing the country’s integration into regional trade networks.
