Maldives Hosts First-Ever MSME Awards, Recognising 21 Outstanding Enterprises

The Maldives has held its inaugural national awards programme dedicated to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to recognise and encourage its growing entrepreneurial community. Organised by the Business Center Corporation (BCC) under the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, the ceremony featured 22 award categories, with winners selected through a combination of expert panel evaluations and public voting.

The event took place at the Maldives Center for Social Education and brought together senior government officials, business leaders, and industry stakeholders. Minister of Finance and Planning Moosa Zameer presented the top honours of the night, naming Nody’s Coffee as Micro MSME of the Year, Loop Craft Pvt. Ltd. as Small MSME of the Year, and Oevaali Art Shop as Medium MSME of the Year. Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed was also in attendance, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening the MSME sector as a key pillar of economic diversification.

Several other enterprises received recognition from the judging panel for their innovation and contribution to the local business landscape. Sinetech Pvt. Ltd. was awarded Start-Up of the Year, Fahi Govaan secured Green MSME of the Year, Encreare Pvt. Ltd. won Creative MSME of the Year, and Maya Nasih received Woman-Led MSME of the Year. Additional acknowledgements went to Pinet Works Pvt. Ltd., The Gift Basket Maldives, Javaabu Pvt. Ltd., and For the Soul by Himoo.

Public voting determined 11 award categories, highlighting strong community engagement and support for homegrown businesses. Among the public-vote winners were Detune Band, The Crystal Company, Meraki, Maldives Music and Arts Center, Lights Out, Mekra Mama, Legacy Fitness, Fatima, Tropical Designs, Thakethi, and Loop Crafts.

In total, 21 enterprises were honoured at the landmark event. The BCC announced that the MSME Awards will now be hosted annually, reaffirming its commitment to nurturing small businesses and elevating their role in the Maldivian economy.