Five years into the Nouvelle Économie programme, Réunion Region reports a positive track record — 12,000 businesses supported, €115 million committed — and is now pivoting toward artificial intelligence and local production for 2026-2030.
A successful first cycle (2021-2026)
Since 2021, the Regional Council has deployed €115 million through 14 dedicated schemes targeting micro-enterprises and SMEs, ranging from grants of €5,000–10,000 for small projects to deeper support for high-potential businesses. More than 12,000 companies have benefited from the programme across sectors including low-carbon construction, organic food production and sustainable hospitality. Results were showcased on 12 August 2026 through three representative businesses: a low-carbon concrete SME, an organic market garden, and an eco-friendly hotel.
Act II: three strategic pillars
For the 2026-2030 phase, the Region is mobilising up to €319 million through the ERDF 2021-2027 programme. The three strategic priorities are: boosting local production (reducing import dependency), developing the image industries (cinema, audiovisual, gaming), and guiding businesses through the artificial intelligence transition. A regional economic convention is planned for September 2026 to bring all private and institutional stakeholders on board.
Why it matters
In an island where unemployment exceeds 18% and the trade balance remains structurally negative, strengthening local production and upgrading into creative and technology industries is a pivotal lever. The ERDF window is time-limited: funds not committed before 2027 are funds lost. Act II is a real test of Réunion's ability to turn public grants into durable economic anchors.
Sources: Imazpress, Journal.re, Outremers360 (August 2026).