Africa-Press – Mauritius. Through a roundtable discussion themed “Scaling Up for Sustainable Growth,” MauBank has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as they enter their next phase of expansion. The event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and experts around a shared objective: identifying the conditions needed to foster sustainable scaling in an evolving economic landscape.
The session featured representatives from MauBank, including Koomaravel Sumooreeah, Senior Manager of Cards & Electronic Payments; Mehdi Aukbarally, Head of Credit Risk within the Risk Management Division; and Eric Carver, Head of Asset Financing. They were joined by Uma Devi Kowlesser and Vimalah Patten Pillay from G-SUM Ventures, whose decades of hands-on expertise shed light on the practical challenges SMEs face when pursuing growth and expansion. The roundtable was moderated by Georgina Ragaven, Director of G-SUM Ventures. Bharati Rughoonauth, Head of SME and Area Leader at MauBank, emphasized: “SMEs are engines of employment and innovation. Their development is not measured by speed, but by the solidity of the path they travel. We support these journeys and provide, at every stage, the financial expertise needed to structure their growth.”
Setting the tone for the discussions, MauBank CEO Vishuene Vydelingum stated: “The growth momentum of SMEs is now evident. This calls for deeper reflection on its sustainability, as businesses mature and operate in an environment increasingly exposed to risks. Priorities are shifting—from accessing finance to accelerating operations, from seizing opportunities to executing effectively. At this pivotal stage, MauBank positions itself through proximity and dedicated support, working alongside enterprises to provide the banking expertise required for structured, sustainable growth.”
Beyond financing, the discussions highlighted three essential levers to help SMEs reach the next level of development. First is financial preparedness: rigorous accounting, disciplined cash flow management, and a solid credit history form the foundation of trust-based relationships with financial institutions. From a banking perspective, a company is ready to scale when its growth becomes consistent, demand begins to exceed capacity, and it operates with formalized processes, clear governance, and a structured business plan.
Second, the conversation focused on digitalization as an operational enabler. Digital payments, QR solutions, and mobile and online banking represent key tools to automate transactions, improve cash flow visibility, reduce costs, and expand market access—while simultaneously strengthening transparency and corporate credibility.
Finally, the topic of resilience and sustainability was addressed, underscoring that long-term growth depends on financial discipline, more efficient management of energy and water resources, continuous innovation, and robust governance. In an open, interconnected economy, these factors determine a company’s ability to maintain financial equilibrium, navigate uncertainty, and secure lasting access to financing.
MauBank Deputy CEO Issa Soormally concluded: “The discussions demonstrated that growth cannot be decreed. It rests on a combination of mindset, practical tools, and well-structured financing. As companies scale, the challenges become primarily operational. MauBank’s role is precisely to support this transition by delivering the solutions and financial structuring needed for controlled, sustainable growth.” The event concluded with a networking session, giving participants the opportunity to deepen conversations with MauBank teams and fellow entrepreneurs.
