A welcome step on financial inclusion

MauBank’s ElleBoost programme is a practical way of tackling barriers that hold back women in business

Sir,

Your report on MauBank’s award (Summer 2025 edition, p.22 and online here) caught my attention because it dealt with a problem that is usually ignored. Women who want to start or grow a business are often blocked at the first hurdle when asked for collateral they do not own.

ElleBoost looks like a straightforward way of removing that barrier. It is not complicated or over-engineered: the bank listens to applicants, checks references, and assesses real potential instead of just asking for deeds and documents. That seems like common sense, and I am surprised more banks do not do the same.

It was also encouraging to read that support goes beyond loans. Helping people with business plans and cash flow is just as important as providing money.

Awards can sometimes feel like PR, but in this case the recognition looks justified. If the model works in Mauritius, there is no reason why it could not be tried elsewhere.

Yours faithfully,
Anita Shah, Leicester, UK