For the first time in its history, the Women Entrepreneur Awards (WEA) competition has expanded to all Indian Ocean territories in 2026. On September 8th, Mahorais entrepreneurs feature prominently among the finalists of this historic edition, whose award ceremony is expected before end of 2026.
An unprecedented regional competition
Born three years ago in Mauritius, the Women Entrepreneur Awards had long shone around the island nation. For its 3rd edition, the organisation made a decisive move: opening the competition to the entire Indian Ocean arc, from Réunion to the Comoros, including Mayotte, Madagascar and the Seychelles. The first regional edition was officially launched in August 2026 at an exclusive opening night, attracting applications from several territories simultaneously.
"The idea is to build a network of women entrepreneurs across the whole region, not just one island," summarise the organisers. Applications poured in from multiple territories — a sign of female entrepreneurial appetite that transcends island borders.
Mayotte still in the race
Today's announcement confirms that Mahorais entrepreneurs are still in the adventure and feature among the finalists of this selection round. A meaningful result for a territory still recovering from the economic aftermath of Cyclone Chido, yet whose female business-creating vitality has not been extinguished.
The competition rewards women business leaders across several criteria: local economic impact, innovation, community anchoring, and regional development potential. Several categories cover both artisanal micro-businesses and high-growth startups.
An ecosystem taking shape
The WEA's rising profile coincides with a broader regional awakening: women entrepreneurs in the Indian Ocean represent a pool of innovation and growth that remains largely under-financed. Several regional institutions, including the IOC and local consular networks, have welcomed the initiative as a bottom-up economic integration tool, complementary to the major business summits.
Why it matters
In a region where women entrepreneurs remain systematically under-represented in financing circuits and decision-making bodies, the WEA constitute a rare visibility lever. For Mayotte — a department in economic reconstruction — securing regional recognition would send a strong signal to investors and institutional partners. The award ceremony, expected before end of 2026, is one to watch closely.
Sources: Le Journal de Mayotte (08/09/2026), Maurice Info, Platform Africa — Women Entrepreneur Awards 2026