Mauritius's Economic Development Board (EDB) adopted an ambitious action plan in early August 2026 for the 2026-2027 fiscal year: attracting between Rs 38 and Rs 40 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), mobilising Rs 125 billion in private sector investment, and pushing exports of goods and services beyond Rs 495 billion. A historic target, underpinned by a flagship measure: the AI City Scheme.
Six Priority Sectors for a Transformed Economy
The EDB Board identified six strategic diversification pillars: financial services and wealth management, blue economy, food security and agri-business, life sciences and healthcare, digital innovation, and high-tech manufacturing. These sectors were chosen for their potential to generate skilled employment and reposition Mauritius in global value chains.
The AI City Scheme: Pivoting Towards Artificial Intelligence
The most anticipated measure in the plan is the launch of the AI City Scheme, a mechanism designed to attract technology entrepreneurs and artificial intelligence innovators. Mauritius is betting on its favourable regulatory framework, connectivity, and skilled workforce to draw in AI players. Alongside this, an E-Diaspora Platform will be deployed to connect 3,000 Mauritian professionals abroad to local investment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
'Silent Agreement': Revolutionising Business Administration
The forthcoming Business Facilitation Bill will introduce the Silent Agreement principle: if an administration fails to respond within a set deadline, the application will be automatically approved. A cultural shift for foreign investors accustomed to drawn-out delays. Of 20 blocked projects worth Rs 29.6 billion reviewed by the EDB, 5 were recently unblocked; 15 others — representing Rs 15.9 billion — are still awaiting secondary permits.
Growth Measured in Numbers
Mauritius's attractiveness shows clearly in the data: Occupation Permit applications rose from 3,710 in 2018 to 10,550 in 2025, a near tripling in seven years. Two healthcare investment projects — nursing and residential care — have already received Board approval. In December 2026, the EDB will attend the US-Africa Business Summit, ahead of EU-Africa Summit 2027 preparations.
Why It Matters
Mauritius is playing a dual card: diversifying its economy beyond traditional tourism and financial services, while positioning itself as the African gateway for global capital. If the AI City Scheme delivers, it could structurally transform the island economy by anchoring it in the next global technology wave. The bet is bold — but consistent with a country that has always built prosperity through well-targeted niches.