1. Could you begin by introducing the Economic Development Board (EDB) and its core mission in promoting Mauritius as a competitive, innovative, and sustainable investment destination?
The Economic Development Board (EDB) is Mauritius’ national investment promotion and facilitation agency. Its mandate is to promote investment, facilitate business set-up, and support the country’s broader economic development agenda. More specifically, the EDB is responsible for positioning Mauritius as a competitive and trusted investment and business hub, a competitive export platform, and a leading International Financial Centre (IFC).
At the core of this mission is the attraction of quality investment that creates high-value employment, drives technology transfer, strengthens export capacity, and contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth.
To deliver on this mandate, the EDB acts as a single interface for investors, working closely with ministries, regulators, and licensing authorities to provide end-to-end facilitation. This integrated approach ensures that Mauritius remains agile and business-friendly, while staying aligned with global shifts such as digital transformation, sustainability, and the emergence of new growth industries.
2. With the world shifting toward sustainability and digital transformation, how is EDB supporting new sectors such as renewable energy, fintech, and smart manufacturing?
The next phase of Mauritius’ development is firmly anchored in sustainability, innovation, and digital transformation. The EDB is actively supporting emerging sectors by promoting enabling policy frameworks, attracting strategic investors, and facilitating partnerships that build long-term national capabilities.
In renewable energy, we are encouraging investments that support the energy transition, improve efficiency, and strengthen energy security. In fintech, Mauritius continues to position itself as a credible jurisdiction for digital financial innovation, supported by a robust regulatory framework and a growing pool of technology talent. Smart manufacturing is another key priority, particularly in high-precision engineering, technical textiles, architectural glass, and advanced materials, sectors that are capital-intensive, export-oriented, and technology-driven.
In parallel, the EDB is supporting existing exporters in upgrading their operations through the adoption of lean manufacturing principles, which form the foundation of Industry 4.0. By improving productivity, quality, and resource efficiency, these practices reduce waste and energy consumption while preparing firms for advanced automation and digital integration. Our objective is to build a future-ready economy that is both competitive and sustainable, offering investors a platform where innovation can scale with confidence.
3. Mauritius is recognised as one of Africa’s leading financial and business hubs. How is EDB maintaining this position while diversifying beyond traditional sectors?
Mauritius has earned a strong reputation as a stable, transparent, and well-regulated jurisdiction, and safeguarding these fundamentals remains a priority. Continuous reforms are reinforcing Mauritius’ value proposition as a trusted platform for international investors.
While financial services and tourism remain key economic pillars, our strategy is to move up the value chain by modernising traditional sectors through innovation and productivity gains. At the same time, we are diversifying the economic base by accelerating growth in high-potential sectors such as life sciences, high-value manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Mauritius is also transitioning from a small island developing state to a “big ocean state,” leveraging its strategic location and its 2.3 million square kilometre Exclusive Economic Zone to unlock opportunities in the blue economy, ocean-based industries, and maritime services. The overarching objective is to attract quality investment that delivers resilient growth and positions Mauritius for its next phase of development.
4. What recent trends are you seeing in foreign direct investment (FDI), and which sectors are attracting the most interest?
FDI inflows into Mauritius remain robust and are entering a phase of strategic rebalancing. While real estate and financial services continue to anchor inflows, increasing momentum is evident in energy security, sustainable tourism, advanced manufacturing, and high-value services.
We project total FDI inflows to exceed USD 800 million in 2025, compared to a post-pandemic annual average of USD 770 million over 2022–2024, reaffirming Mauritius’ attractiveness as a stable, long-term investment destination.
Real estate accounts for just over 50% of FDI and plays a catalytic role by financing infrastructure and supporting integrated ecosystems that host activities in healthcare, education, bio-industry, and technology. Financial services remain the second key pillar, with 2025 expected to be a strong year, including significant M&A activity reflecting the maturity of the jurisdiction.
Looking ahead, the EDB is deepening engagement with Europe while rebuilding momentum in Asia and the Middle East, with a particular focus on positioning Mauritius as a trusted gateway for Indian and Gulf capital into Africa.
5. What advantages does Mauritius offer as a gateway for investment into Africa?
Mauritius has established itself as a trusted gateway for African investment through strong fundamentals, a strategic location, and a proven track record in cross-border structuring. Its participation in COMESA and SADC, along with its active role within the African Union, provides companies with preferential access to regional markets. A broad network of Investment Promotion and Protection Agreements further enhances investor certainty.
The country offers a secure and transparent legal and regulatory framework aligned with international standards set by institutions such as the OECD, FATF, EU, IOSCO, and CRS. Mauritius is compliant or largely compliant with all 40 FATF Recommendations and remains whitelisted for tax and AML/CFT purposes.
This is complemented by world-class professional services and a highly skilled, multilingual workforce. The Mauritius International Financial Centre hosts development partners, sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and investment funds that have collectively structured over USD 82 billion of investment into Africa to date.
6. What initiatives are underway to further improve ease of doing business and investor facilitation?
Improving ease of doing business is a core government priority, with a focus on reducing transaction costs, accelerating service delivery, and modernising regulation.
A key initiative is the digital transformation of the public sector. Since 2018, the National E-Licensing System (NELS) has streamlined procedures and improved coordination across agencies, centralising more than 25 licences across priority sectors. This is supported by the Information Highway, which enables seamless data sharing and reduces duplication.
In addition, the EDB is leading a comprehensive Regulatory Reform project covering land use and construction, tourism, healthcare and life sciences, and trade and logistics. Implementation is underway in collaboration with relevant authorities. A Port Modernisation Programme is also envisaged to transform Port Louis into a smart and green transhipment hub.
7. How is Mauritius investing in human capital to support emerging industries?
Human capital development is central to Mauritius’ transition into higher-value and technology-driven industries. Investments are being made in education and training aligned with future labour market needs, particularly in digital skills, data analytics, cybersecurity, fintech, engineering, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing.
Upskilling and reskilling programmes are enabling the workforce to adapt as industries evolve. Innovation and entrepreneurship are also supported through partnerships with universities, incubators, and the private sector, creating pathways for ideas to move from concept to market.
For investors, this translates into access to an agile, continuously learning workforce in one of Africa’s most stable and lowest-risk economies.
8. What are EDB’s key strategic priorities over the next five years?
EDB’s priorities align with the Government Programme 2025–2029 and focus on strengthening competitiveness while expanding Mauritius’ economic footprint across Africa and beyond. This includes a more dynamic international engagement strategy and accelerated opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The EDB will prioritise higher value-added investment, diversification, stronger macroeconomic fundamentals, and enhanced research, development, and technological capacity. New growth sectors will be developed with the ambition of positioning Mauritius as a Hi-Tech Intelligent Island, including through the effective deployment of artificial intelligence.
At the same time, existing pillars, such as agro-industry, tourism, financial services, ICT, education, energy, and healthcare—will be modernised to move up the value chain. Delivering this agenda requires a whole-of-nation approach, bringing all stakeholders together around a shared vision for the country’s future.
9. How is EDB strengthening economic ties with the UAE and attracting Gulf investors?
Mauritius and the UAE enjoy a growing partnership, reinforced by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which entered into force in April 2025, the UAE’s first CEPA with an African country. Bilateral trade reached $392 million in 2023 and continues to grow.
The EDB adopts a targeted outreach strategy across the Gulf and provides tailored investor facilitation, including fast-tracked coordination with regulators. Key opportunities for UAE investors include real estate and integrated developments, freeport and logistics leveraging Port Louis’ connectivity, and financial services such as family offices and wealth structuring through the IFC. Investor-friendly residency options further enhance Mauritius’ appeal.
10. What message would you like to share with Khaleej Times readers?
Mauritius is a trusted and forward-looking investment destination that combines stability, transparency, and strong institutions with a clear commitment to innovation and sustainability.
For UAE investors and others, Mauritius offers more than a destination, it offers a strategic platform for long-term growth, diversification, and expansion into Africa. Our message is simple: Mauritius is ready to partner with investors seeking a reliable, future-oriented jurisdiction that protects investment, supports ambition, and enables opportunities to scale with confidence.
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