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# [MAURITIUS] 2026-2027 Budget: 3% Growth Target, SMEs and Tech at the Heart of the Plan, but International Competitiveness Under Question
- URL: https://businessoi.media/en/maurice-budget-2026-2027-croissance-a-3-pme-et-tech-au-coeur-du-chantier-mais-la-competitivite-internationale-en-question-en/
- Published: 2026-08-23T02:46:44.000Z
- Updated: 2026-08-23T02:46:44.000Z
- Description: 3% growth target, Rs 15 billion debt reduction, SMEs and AI as top priorities: Mauritius's 2026-2027 budget is ambitious — but experts and investors are questioning both execution capacity and international competitiveness.
- Author: Emmanuel TAOCHY
- Tags: Maurice, Finances publiques, Économie, Revue matinale, #en

**Mauritius's 2026-2027 budget targets 3% growth, a Rs 15 billion debt reduction and bets on AI, the blue economy and SMEs as transformation engines. But experts are warning about execution risks and the impact of a new climate responsibility levy that could deter international investors.**

## A Path of Fiscal Discipline

The 2026-2027 budget sets a target of **3% economic growth** alongside an improved deficit and a **Rs 15 billion** public debt reduction. To achieve this, the government has cut spending by Rs 11 billion to offset a Rs 20 billion revenue decline — partly tied to uncertainty around Rs 10 billion expected from Chagos negotiations.

Anthony Leung Shing of PwC sums up the document's ambitions: *"The budget poses solid foundations and shows grand ambitions, but the major risk remains the execution level."*

## SMEs, AI and Blue Economy as Priorities

SMEs are at the heart of the plan, with measures targeting access to finance, entrepreneurial support and inclusion — particularly for women entrepreneurs. Investment in artificial intelligence and technology is framed as a competitiveness lever, in line with Mauritius's ambition to position itself as a regional digital hub. The blue economy, pension reform and international taxation round out the major agenda items.

## A Climate Levy That Worries the Financial Sector

The new **Corporate Climate Responsibility Levy** is raising concerns in the international business community. Feroz Hematally of IQ-EQ warns that "clients may face 1-2% additional taxation" and that investors may consider redirecting to Singapore, GIFT City or Dubai. The question of Mauritius's regulatory competitiveness versus Asian financial centres remains open.

Namita Jagarnath Hardowar raises a more structural concern: beyond tax incentives, does the budget genuinely foster an entrepreneurial culture? She highlights persistent inequality gaps affecting women business owners.

## Bold Reforms, But Room for Improvement

Afsar Ebrahim of KICK Advisory Services praises the courage of the pension reform while criticising inconsistencies in maritime and energy strategies — particularly the contradictory treatment of aquaculture and diesel taxation. A budget of delicate balances, caught between transformation ambition and the need to reassure partners.

## Why It Matters

Mauritius is the Indian Ocean's reference financial centre. Every signal from its budget is closely watched by regional and international investors. The ability to execute the announced reforms will determine whether the island confirms its hub status or risks a slow erosion of its competitiveness.

*Sources: Defi Media, Le Mauricien, PwC Mauritius, IQ-EQ, 2026.*