Capabilities Academy, which, as its name suggests, provides a structured learning environment where our team members can hone and acquire skills, a build a robust talent pool; and the ACE Cim Graduate Programme, aimed at offering new graduates the chance to cultivate their skills and be fully-equipped to enter the workforce. 25 graduates will be benefitting from bespoke learning and mentoring through the programme. While these two projects foster organisational excellence and learning within CFSL, their collective impact will also elevate the broader knowledge base and intellectual environment of Mauritius. How does CFSL fulfil its social responsibility towards communities and society at large? CFSL exists to ease access to finance to individuals and businesses who have been traditionally underserved. We open up opportunities for a wide range of groups and demographics, helping them to secure the funding to meet essential needs such as housing, education and entrepreneurship. The nature of our activities means that we inherently operate as an enabler of financial inclusion, economic prosperity and social wellbeing. As described by our Chairperson, and further in the CSR report on page 48, our CSR agenda serves to tackle the deep-rooted issues that affect our communities through activities in the realm of education, engagement and the environment. What is your outlook for the coming year, and what will be CFSL’s key strategic focuses? Despite the adverse macroeconomic context, Mauritius has demonstrated a high level of resilience. We remain very mindful of these challenges, and their impact on our different stakeholder groups, and we intend to continue operating with our signature prudence, foresight and sound judgement to help our customers navigate the complexities of the economy. We also aim to continue strengthening our engagement with our stakeholders, whether with our employees, partners, retailers or merchant networks, recognising the interconnected nature of our relationship, where our success is intertwined with theirs. This past year marked a robust drive towards our regional expansion in Africa, a market holding tremendous potential. Now, we aim to position ourselves to seize all the opportunities it presents. At the same time, having laid strong foundational blocks for a compelling digital ecosystem, our goal is to evolve into a fully digitalised business model, ensuring that every aspect of our business is streamlined to better serve our customers. As we wrap up this interview, do you have a final message to share with CFSL’s stakeholders? 2023 has been a year of many firsts and many milestones, all made possible by the unparalleled dedication and positive energy of our people. Thank you for your exceptional work and teamwork, and for always going the extra mile to serve our customers. I would also like to thank our esteemed Board members, whose strategic vision and insights have played a pivotal role in our accomplishments. On behalf of the management team, we thank you for your endless support. None of this would have been possible without our partners and customers, who are at the heart of everything we undertake. They fuel our determination to innovate and stretch our limits, contributing to our shared success. The journey ahead is exciting, with several historic chapters yet to unfold. With the trust and support of our valued stakeholders, we look forward to blazing a trail for sustainable finance. Mark van Beuningen Group CEO 29 OUR YEAR AT A GLANCE OUR PEOPLE GOVERNANCE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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