Mauritius, a fertile ground for business: Myth or reality?

Mauritius, often depicted as an idyllic tropical paradise, also boasts an underrated economic dynamism. Far from just postcard scenery, this independent republic is now an attractive business hub, dispelling persistent misconceptions. C&S Secretarial Services debunks 5 common myths about business in Mauritius and unveils the reality of the Mauritian entrepreneurial landscape.

Mauritius: Just a holiday destination?

Myth: Much more than a postcard backdrop, Mauritius is a nerve center for international finance and commerce. Its robust infrastructure, favorable regulatory framework, and skilled workforce attract companies from around the globe. Moreover, its strategic location at the crossroads of trade routes between Asia and Africa makes it a hub for global commerce.

Why?

• Mauritius’s financial sector is the backbone of its economy, contributing to over 20% of GDP.
• Mauritius is home to a growing number of multinationals and investment firms.
• The island is ranked among the most attractive jurisdictions for foreign direct investment in Africa.

Mauritius is an affordable destination

Reality: Compared to other international business centers, Mauritius offers a reasonable cost of living, making it an attractive destination for cost-conscious businesses and investors.

Why?

• Rent, office space, and labor are generally cheaper than in Europe or the United States.
• The general cost of living is comparable to other middle-income countries.
• The Mauritian government offers tax incentives for foreign businesses and investors.

There’s a language barrier for business in Mauritius

Myth: English and French, widely spoken languages, facilitate business communication in Mauritius. Additionally, the Mauritian population is multilingual, with knowledge of other languages such as Hindi and Mandarin. This linguistic diversity promotes trade and strengthens Mauritius’s position as a regional business hub.

Why?

• English is the official language of business in Mauritius.
• French is also widely spoken, especially in the tourism and hospitality sectors.
• An increasing number of Mauritians speak other languages, including Hindi, Mandarin, Urdu, and Arabic.

Starting a business in Mauritius is complicated

Myth: Mauritius is renowned for its streamlined and transparent business creation process. Entrepreneurs benefit from efficient assistance from government authorities and easy access to the information and resources needed to start their businesses. Additionally, the country offers attractive tax incentives to encourage investment and business growth.

Why?

• The World Bank’s Doing Business ranking places Mauritius among the easiest countries in Africa to do business.
• The Mauritian government has established a one-stop shop to facilitate the business creation process.
• Numerous tax incentives are available for businesses operating in strategic sectors.

Skilled workforce is easy to find

True: The island boasts a stable and skilled workforce, with a high literacy rate and a young, dynamic population.

Why?

• The adult literacy rate in Mauritius is over 90%.
• The country’s young and dynamic population is eager to learn and adapt.
• The Mauritian government invests in education and vocational training to meet business needs.

Mauritius lags behind in terms of technology and innovation

Myth: Far from lagging behind, Mauritius hosts a thriving information and communication technology (ICT) sector. With modern telecommunications infrastructure and a skilled ICT workforce, the island attracts innovative technology companies and investments in the technology and innovation sectors.

Why?

• Mauritius has a robust fiber optic network connecting the island to the world, providing high-speed and stable internet access to businesses and individuals.
• The country has a growing pool of ICT talent, with high-level graduates in computer science and engineering. The Mauritian government also invests in ICT skills training and development to meet sector needs.
• The Mauritian government implements policies and incentives to encourage investment in the ICT sector. This includes special economic zones dedicated to tech companies and support programs for startups.
• Mauritius attracts leading global technology companies such as Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, which have established research and development centers on the island.
• A dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem is emerging in Mauritius, with innovative startups developing technological solutions in various sectors such as fintech, edtech, and e-commerce.

By dispelling misconceptions and highlighting Mauritius’s strengths, C&S Secretarial Services positions your company favorably in an environment known for its economic dynamism, favorable regulatory framework, and skilled workforce, making it a conducive business location.

To take advantage of this entirely business-friendly environment, in this independent country at the forefront of the African economic scene, contact us!