"Cap sur la finance durable": Strengthening the path to a green future

The need for collective action in the face of the climate crisis has never been more urgent. At the "Cap sur la Finance Durable" conference held on 4th and 5th February 2025, a significant milestone was reached in Mauritius’ green transition. Marking 15 years of the SUNREF programme—a green credit line provided by the French Development Agency (AFD) and funded by the European Union—the event gathered leading experts, financial institutions, and businesses to chart the future of green finance.

Organised in collaboration with Business Mauritius, the conference offered a platform to reflect on the successes of SUNREF’s third phase. It also sparked discussions on accelerating investments in green projects to address the challenges ahead.

A central theme emerged throughout the conference: collaboration. MCB, along with partner banks such as SBM and AfrAsia, shared their efforts in driving sustainable projects across the island. Thierry Hebraud, MCB Group CEO, outlined the bank’s proactive role in supporting green initiatives that are shaping the future of Mauritius.

“We’ve made remarkable progress in the past two years,” stated Thierry. “Our strong relationships with clients and the technical expertise we've built have allowed us to channel nearly 75% of the funding into impactful projects. Among these are Moka Smart City, the green building ICONEBENE 1, and the Mauritius Academy of Sports at Lycée des Mascareignes. Beyond financial returns, we see these projects as transformative for both the environment and society.”

Through the SUNREF programme, MCB has built a strong team of sustainability experts, technical support staff, and relationship managers. Together, they offer the guidance and resources businesses need to develop positive and impactful projects. This expertise empowers clients to take significant steps toward environmental sustainability.

“As Mauritius faces more frequent extreme weather events—droughts, heavy rains, and cyclones—it’s crucial that we integrate climate resilience into our urban planning,” said MCB Group Sustainability Manager, Stephane Lebon. MCB’s approach ensures that businesses are equipped to address these challenges while contributing to the country’s broader sustainability goals.

One of the key takeaways from the conference was the important role banks play in financing climate adaptation projects. Mathieu Delteil, MCB Head of Credit Analysis and Structuring, participated in a panel on the challenges of financing these initiatives. He stressed that although these projects might not yield immediate returns, they are essential in protecting long-term assets and ensuring a resilient future for the country.

“Banks are uniquely positioned to fund climate adaptation projects,” Mathieu explained. “Climate change is a global challenge, and addressing it requires a collective effort from all sectors: public, private, and civil society.”

The discussions at “Cap sur la Finance Durable” reinforced the urgency of collective action in addressing the climate crisis. Aldo Sydonie, MCB Head of Mauritian & Regional Corporates, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the critical needs of raising awareness and cultivating a culture of sustainability. “AFD has played a pivotal role in educating our clients about the importance of sustainable development,” Aldo noted. “This is a long-term commitment that starts with changing mindsets.”

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