The Maldives National University (MNU) has completed eight commercial units at Hithadhoo Campus 2 and opened applications for rental, creating new opportunities for local entrepreneurs while strengthening the University’s financial sustainability.
The newly developed shops are in an accessible area of Hithadhoo and provide spacious commercial premises, each with its own toilet facilities. The rental rates have been set with consideration for affordability among local businesses.
The initiative aims to support young entrepreneurs and other individuals seeking to start or expand businesses in Addu City. By providing commercial space, MNU hopes to reduce barriers to business development and encourage greater participation in the local economy.
The project builds on the University’s earlier community enterprise initiative, City Bazaar, developed in collaboration with Addu City Council. City Bazaar provided commercial spaces at highly subsidised rates to help individuals entering business for the first time. The eight new units at Campus 2 are a separate development intended to provide further business opportunities.
The project also supports MNU’s strategic priorities of community engagement, effective utilisation of institutional resources and financial sustainability. Rental income from the units is expected to provide an additional revenue source for the University while ensuring that its facilities contribute to the wider community.
The development is aligned with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, through its focus on entrepreneurship and local economic opportunities. It also supports SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, by providing infrastructure for business activity, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, through the productive use of university land for community benefit.
The earlier City Bazaar collaboration with Addu City Council also demonstrates MNU’s contribution to SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals.
With construction completed and rental applications now open, the next stage will be to bring the commercial spaces into use. The University will be able to assess the project’s contribution through business occupancy, opportunities for young entrepreneurs and revenue generated.
Through this initiative, MNU Hithadhoo Campus is putting its strategic goals into practice by using university resources to support local economic development while building a more financially sustainable institution.
