NPCC Celebrates 25 Years of Advancing Productivity and launches National Productivity and Quality Excellence Award 2025

Curepipe, 23 May 2025 – The National Productivity and Competitiveness Council (NPCC) marked its 25th anniversary with a commemorative ceremony on Thursday 22 May at the Hôtel de Ville in Curepipe. The event brought together key stakeholders from government, private sector, academia and civil society to celebrate the Council’s journey and officially launch the National Productivity and Quality Excellence Award (NPQEA) 2025.

Established in May 2000, the NPCC has played a pivotal role in promoting productivity and competitiveness across Mauritius. The 25th anniversary celebration paid tribute to the Council’s impact through programmes that have enhanced enterprise efficiency and fostered innovation.

In his keynote address, Hon. Aadil Ameer Meea, Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, praised the NPCC’s enduring contribution: “Since its inception, the NPCC has relentlessly undertaken the challenging journey of transforming the concepts of productivity and competitiveness into a mindset embraced by every Mauritian in their daily lives. I must emphasise that the quest to promote higher levels of productivity and competitiveness is an ongoing process. We operate in a highly dynamic environment where change is constant and rapid. What was relevant yesterday may no longer be valid today, this is why continuous innovation is essential if we are to adapt to new challenges and remain at the forefront.”

The event also included the official launch of the National Productivity and Quality Excellence Award (NPQEA) 2025, which aims to recognise outstanding organisational performance in both public and private sectors. Now in its sixth edition, the NPQEA provides a rigorous benchmarking framework and opens avenues for regional and international recognition, including participation in the African Kaizen Award (AKA) and the International Convention on Quality Control Circles (ICQCC). Registration to participate in NPQEA 2025 is now open. 

In his address, Mr. Arshad Duymun, Chairperson of the NPCC, reflected on the Council’s legacy and vision: “Mauritius stands today at the confluence of global change—grappling with the imperatives of digital transformation, climate action, demographic evolution, and shifting global markets. In response, the Government has articulated a bold and progressive vision: a Mauritius that is innovative, inclusive, and resilient. The NPCC is proud to align with this vision. Our tripartite governance model—uniting the voices of government, business, and labour—ensures that our work is inclusive, pragmatic, and future-focused.”

Mr. Dev Appalswamy, Director of Capacity Development, Corporate Services and Operations at NPCC, also shared his perspective on the organisation’s evolution: “The NPCC’s journey over the past 25 years is one of collaboration and progress. From the early days of advocating for productivity awareness to becoming a Centre of Excellence for Kaizen in Africa, we have consistently adapted and delivered impactful solutions to many organisations in both the public and private sectors. Our work in capacity building, digital transformation, sustainable development and leadership training has helped build the foundation for a more resilient and competitive Mauritius.” He took the opportunity to thank all stakeholders that were associated with the Mauritian productivity movement including past directors, chairpersons and council members and staff.

Over the past 25 years, the NPCC has spearheaded a wide array of transformative projects. These include the Gemba Kaizen programme for continuous improvement in enterprises, the Muda-Free Public Service initiative to streamline government processes, and Enterprise Go Digital (EGD), which supports SMEs in their digital journey. Through Operation COSHARE, the NPCC helped businesses adapt safely during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Council has also led national dialogues on innovation and competitiveness, notably through the National Innovation Summit and Competitiveness Foresight Exercise in 2004. Its commitment to people-centered development is reflected in training initiatives via the NPCC Learning Centre, youth programmes such as the National Leadership Engine (NLE), and grassroots community engagement through Civic Action Teams (CATS). Meanwhile, sustainability-focused efforts like Green Productivity, ECONOBIZ and SCORE4Climate underscore the Council’s dedication to aligning productivity with environmental stewardship.

As Mauritius positions itself to become a hub of innovation, green growth and digital advancement, the NPCC reaffirmed its commitment to align with the Government’s national development priorities and to continue building capacity for future-ready industries and inclusive prosperity.

It is worth noting that in April this year, the NPCC formalised a partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) through a technical cooperation project aimed at strengthening the NPCC’s role as a Centre of Excellence in disseminating the Kaizen approach in Mauritius and across neighboring countries. Strengthening the NPCC’s role as a Centre of Excellence will not only promote regional collaboration but also support the Government’s broader strategy to enhance productivity and competitiveness.