1. As a successful woman entrepreneur evolving in non-traditional feminine sectors, notably ‘waste management’ and ‘security technology, tell us about your journey in establishing CQ Tech Ltd in Mauritius and your aspirations?
It started in 1995, establishing a company in a foreign country such as Mauritius was indeed a challenge not only conquering an unknown market that too in a male dominated sector, for at that time societies were very traditional and based on a strong patriarchal model.
Needless to say that imposing ourselves as pioneers in Wireless Alarms at a time when even mobile phone were not even invented was a big one!
Luckily, we were confident in our technology and know how and that is what made the difference.
True that being a woman was not easily accepted, although unspoken until I could make a difference through my professionalism, tenacity and values.
It did help me grow a thicker skin and not take things at face value nor personally, yet not losing what is making me unique in my perspective as a only woman on our board of Directors or with Clients.
Very quickly being the only woman became a big advantage as people like my partners, peers, clients, and suppliers were very respectful and could see the value of a woman’s input in a “man’s world”.
So I can say that my experience was rather a good one, probably due to how I dealt with the situations but mostly thanks to the support of my male counter parts leading me to actually be privileged in this position.
In the end, in our relationships, over and beyond being male or female we are humans.
2. Women-led enterprises are on the rise in Africa which not only help in addressing gender equality but also paves the way for economic growth & development. However, they still face enormous challenges. What would be your message to women entrepreneurs wishing to tap into the vast opportunities in Africa?
Africa indeed represents vast opportunities, especially for Mauritius which is a very small market. However, as much as the possibilities are tempting, there are enormous challenges:
- Forex: most transactions are done in USD / Euro, which is a huge handicap
- Risk element, personal and goods security, logistics.
- Lack of Standards and certifications
- Despite being part of Africa, Mauritius remains a small island in the Indian ocean. It is much more complicated for us to freight.
- Africa is not that easily accessible from Mauritius in terms of flights than for those who are actually in the continent, and for a women it does add an extra layer of challenges if we consider the security aspect.
- Cost of labour in Mauritius can be more expensive than in Africa
So, yes tapping in this vast continent is a challenge yet can be achieved if we are well surrounded by Mauritian public and private institutions such as EDB or Chamber of Commerces , Banks, so as to connect with the right local partners who could in turn facilitate the above-mentioned hurdles.
Besides Africa is a big continent and very disparate, there are only few legit countries that can be of target for penetration for now, those who are politically and economically more stable and developed, such are South Africa, Rwanda, Madagascar, Kenya etc.
3. Having over 25 years of experience in business, how do you forsee the evolution and contribution of African women in the business landscape?
Lots of scope for women, but women must start thinking beyond the traditional sectors now – either new ways of doing things in the female-oriented sectors, or enter male-dominated fields with the female touch, which makes all the difference.
The world is awakening to the real issues we are facing such as poverty, environment, sustainability as opposed to back in the days where it was only about making big figures regardless of the consequences, therefore women do bring a touch that is very much solving the equation of being competitive and making money while being sustainable and having a strong sense of purpose for the planet.
Clustering – women have the tendency to flock together, maybe because it feels fundamentally secure.
Intra- and inter-industry Clustering could become the new norm with women-led businesses.
It is indeed NOW that future is Africa, Future is Women, Future is Sustainable.
Over and above, my wish is that we think Human not gender and we think Planet not money.
