1. Could you start by introducing Juristconsult Chambers and explaining how the firm has evolved into one of the leading business law firms in Mauritius?
Juristconsult is a specialised corporate law firm that has been in existence for over 25 years. We mainly accompany international investors who want to take advantage of Mauritius’s international financial sector to invest in different countries.
In the past, Mauritius was widely used for structuring investments toward India, thanks to a favourable double taxation avoidance agreement. However, with recent changes and the development of India’s own financial centres such as GIFT City, we’ve seen a shift toward investment into Africa.
Today, around 95% of the cross-border deals we work on target investment into Africa, across agribusiness, telecoms, infrastructure, and other sectors. Mauritius has built a trusted track record, and development finance institutions (DFIs), as well as investment arms of European, US, and Asian countries, continue to use Mauritius as a reliable jurisdiction.
At Juristconsult, we focus exclusively on corporate and business law. We don’t handle family law or criminal cases. Our lawyers are specialised in areas such as investment funds, corporate and commercial law, banking and finance, and employment. We support our clients throughout the lifecycle of their companies, from incorporation to winding up.
We also have a subsidiary, Etika Financial Services, a licensed management company that incorporates and manages global business and authorised companies for international clients. This makes us a true one-stop shop for investors using Mauritius as a base to reach Africa, Asia, and beyond.
2. How do you position Juristconsult Chambers in the context of Mauritius’s dynamic financial services and investment landscape?
The legal landscape in Mauritius is evolving rapidly, and we are positioning ourselves accordingly. Juristconsult is part of the DLA Piper Africa Network, which gives us access to global expertise and allows us to stay ahead in emerging areas such as fintech.
We are particularly focused on fintech and payment services. In Africa, where many people do not have traditional bank accounts, mobile payment services are booming. We are working with companies, including some from Francophone Africa countries, that structure their operations through Mauritius.
Mauritius has also introduced the Virtual Asset and Initial Token Offering Services Act (VAITOS), providing a strong regulatory framework for fintech and virtual asset companies. Combined with a robust banking system of over 20 banks, Mauritius offers an excellent environment for fintech innovation, and we are at the forefront of advising clients and even regulators in this space.
3. What role does the legal sector play in maintaining investor confidence and good governance in Mauritius?
The legal sector plays a crucial role. For many years, Mauritius had strong financial and accounting institutions, but no large law firms, only sole practitioners. This was a challenge in cross-border transactions involving major international firms.
That changed in 2009, when the law was amended to allow for the establishment of law firms. We seized that opportunity to partner with DLA Piper, gaining access to their expertise, training, and knowledge. This collaboration has helped us raise professional standards locally in specialised areas like data protection and investment funds.
Mauritius also benefits from the rule of law and a respected judiciary. Our highest court of appeal remains the Privy Council in the UK, which reassures investors. Additionally, Mauritius has a modern arbitration centre, providing efficient mechanisms for dispute resolution. Together, these factors make the legal sector a cornerstone of investor confidence.
4. What key trends are you observing in corporate and commercial law, particularly regarding FDI and M&A in Mauritius?
In terms of mergers and acquisitions, domestic activity is limited due to the small size of our economy. However, Mauritius plays a major role in cross-border transactions, particularly involving Africa.
We are seeing active M&A in sectors such as oil and gas, mining, telecoms, and infrastructure, often with Chinese investors acquiring African projects through Mauritian holding companies.
There’s also a growing push from DFIs to support women-led businesses in Africa, as well as sustainable and environmentally conscious projects. For instance, we’ve worked with Proparco, the French investment arm, and the Government of Canada on the AFAWA initiative, which supports women entrepreneurs in Africa.
5. The digital transformation of legal services is accelerating. How is your firm adapting to new technologies such as AI and digital contracting while maintaining ethical and professional standards?
We’ve adopted a formal AI policy at Juristconsult to ensure confidentiality and ethical use. Lawyers must protect client information at all times.
We’ve implemented Microsoft Copilot, a paid version that keeps data secure within our environment. Lawyers can use it to analyse documents or transactions, but they must never disclose client names or details, even internally. We strictly prohibit using free AI tools such as ChatGPT for confidential matters.
AI is a great productivity tool, it helps summarise documents and draft responses, but lawyers must still verify all outputs. We also train our team on AI use. As I often tell them, “You won’t be replaced by AI, but by someone who knows how to use AI.”
In five years, our profession will look completely different. Even clients are beginning to use AI to validate legal opinions, so we must continuously add value beyond what AI can do.
6. Given Mauritius’s growing ties with the Middle East, especially the UAE, what potential do you see for greater legal and business collaboration between the two regions?
There’s significant potential. Although Mauritius is a small market of 1.3 million people, there are strong opportunities for Middle Eastern investors, particularly in real estate, agribusiness, and trade.
The country’s excellent connectivity through Emirates Airlines, just a six-hour flight from Dubai, makes it a convenient hub. Mauritius is also a member of SADC and COMESA, giving companies based here access to African markets under free trade agreements.
UAE companies can set up operations in Mauritius’s freeport zone, which offers developed infrastructure and access to African markets without taxes or restrictions. With our stable economy, ease of doing business, and absence of exchange controls, Mauritius provides an ideal platform for Middle Eastern firms expanding into Africa.
7. Finally, what is your long-term vision for Juristconsult Chambers, and how do you see the firm contributing to Mauritius’s continued growth as an international financial and legal centre?
Our long-term vision is to remain a leading business law firm with a particular focus in niche practice areas such as fintech, data protection, litigation, and arbitration.
The legal profession is evolving rapidly due to technology, so our growth will focus more on specialisation and innovation rather than sheer size. We aim to maintain international standards and continue supporting global clients who use Mauritius as a trusted platform for African investment.
With the government’s digital transition strategy and plans for a national AI framework, the ICT and fintech sectors are poised for tremendous growth, and we intend to be key contributors to that transformation.
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