With a view to catalysing the implementation of Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) at national level and enhancing the integration of SCP at the regional level, the European Union developed the SWITCH Africa Green (SAG) Programme. This programme is implemented by UNEP, UNOPS and UNDP in 6 pilot African countries including Mauritius. This Country Inception Report details the findings of the policy support component for the Republic of Mauritius, including Rodrigues, with regard to the identified priority sectors namely: Agriculture, Manufacturing, and Tourism, with Energy, Water, Eco-Innovation, Eco-Labelling and Sustainable Trade as cross-cutting issues.
The study shows that the three priority sectors for Mauritius and Rodrigues are all vulnerable and present serious challenges for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This situation will remain unchanged, unless a combination of policy, legal and regulatory changes creates the enabling conditions for entrepreneurs to compete sustainably. The main cross-cutting issues which require attention are eco-innovation, sustainable trade and eco-labelling followed by water and energy. The gaps result from support institution weaknesses, weak supply chain power of MSMEs, and deficiencies leading to an inability to tap emerging markets for sustainable products.